Wacken Open Air Festival Tickets, Dates and Lineup

Wacken Open Air is the mecca of heavy metal and hard rock festivals, taking place in Wacken near Hamburg, Germany.

The festival has risen from humble beginnings in 1990 to become one of the most prestigious heavy metal festivals in Europe. Having spawned several documentaries about its history and cultural impact, the folklore surrounding Wacken Open Air contributes to its ongoing mythology, which brings loyal metalheads through the gates year-on-year.

Known as one of the last 'true' rock festivals, the organisers unabashedly stick to their guns, continually hosting the biggest and best heavy metal and hard rock talent the world has to offer.

The Wacken Open Air experience is as sought after as the line-up, but with over 150 artists performing across 8 stages within 280 hectares, there's plenty of room for 80,000 devoted metalheads from 80 different nations to headbang till sunrise.

Wacken Open Air will return in July 2026, with a line-up featuring Def Leppard, Powerwolf, In Flames, Sepultura, Lamb Of God and loads more. Catch them live by checking dates and ticket information below on Stereoboard.