Wacken Open Air anniversary kicks off successfully!

(Photo Credit: WOA Festival GmbH / Pep Bonet Masterclass)
 

Wacken, July 29 2026: The warm-up shows of the previous days have already set the tone for the most important and wonderful week of the metal year. Following the traditional Wacken Firefighters concert, a performance by Skyline and a DJ set at the Camping Plaza by festival founder Holger Hübner, he shared his excitement: “Everything has gone according to plan during arrivals so far. The atmosphere is absolutely outstanding. We're excited for an incredible anniversary festival week!" Thomas Jensen added: “That was a truly successful opening party with the entire Wacken family. And it’s always great to see so many happy, vibrant faces and spot quite a few familiar ones, too.”

But that was, of course, only the beginning. In the coming days, Thomas, Holger and the guests of Wacken can look forward to performances by true legends and outstanding newcomers. In total, more than 200 acts from all corners of the world and every subgenre of metal will take to the ten stages. Alongside sets by Judas Priest, Sabaton, Def Leppard, Powerwolf, Savatage, Lamb of God, In Flames and Arch Enemy, Brazilian thrash metal band Sepultura and heavy metal heroes Running Wild are also on the bill. Both will celebrate their farewells from the stage with their gigs at Wacken.

(Photo Credit: WOA Festival GmbH / Pep Bonet Masterclass)

The programme away from the main stages is no less loud and colourful. The “Welcome to the Jungle” stage will host a movie night featuring the documentaries “Kreator – Hate & Hope” and “Wacken – Hearts Full Of Metal”, with Cordula Kablitz-Post, the director behind both films, in attendance. At the Landgasthof, brave vocal talents can showcase their skills on the microphone. The Gathering will play their only German show to mark the 30th anniversary of their album “Mandylion”, while the line-up on the FASTER stage will take place under the banner of “Gagamania – curated by Hämatom”. Meanwhile, Schmier from Destruction will be in charge of “Wasted Wednesday”.

But it is not only the musical prospects that are fantastic; even Petrus seems to be fully playing along this year and revealing himself as a true metal fan. A festival with summer temperatures and plenty of sunshine is a fantastic gift for the 35th anniversary – for everyone involved.

(Photo Credit: WOA Festival GmbH / Pep Bonet Masterclass)

The photos from “Open the Gates” – the opening of the Holy Ground – were taken by the six participants in what is now the fifth round of the Rock ’n’ Roll Photography Workshop. Supported by the multi-award-winning photojournalist Pep Bonet, the six photographers have the opportunity to document W:O:A from their own perspective and tell unique stories in the process.
 

(Photo Credit: WOA Festival GmbH / Pep Bonet Masterclass)

The mailing list for Wacken Open Air 2027 is now open. Anyone who doesn't want to miss updates on the start of advance ticket sales and the first band announcements can sign up here now.

PARTY ON!

WACKEN OPEN AIR 2026
More information via
wacken.com and metaltix.com

(Photo Credit: WOA Festival GmbH / Pep Bonet Masterclass)