Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic heavy metal festivals, has unveiled the first details for its monumental 35th anniversary celebration. The 2026 edition will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026, in the small northern German municipality of Wacken. Leading the first wave of announced acts are Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, and Savatage. Fans can also look forward to performances from Any Given Day, Europe, Lamb of God, and Sepultura — who will play their final festival show in Germany — as well as exclusive German appearances from Blood Fire Death and The Gathering.
Since its start in 1990 with just 800 attendees, Wacken has evolved into a massive global pilgrimage for metal fans, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Spanning nearly 600 acres with multiple stages, the festival has become a cultural landmark known for its unmatched energy, sense of community, and even its famous beer pipeline. Beyond the music, Wacken continues to give back through the Wacken Foundation, which supports emerging metal and hard rock artists worldwide. The 2026 anniversary promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the festival’s legendary history.