Wacken Open Air is set to return in 2026 for its thirty-fifth edition. The festival will run from July 29 to August 1 in Wacken, Germany.
Over the years, Wacken has grown into one of the most respected and celebrated heavy metal festivals in the world. Now, fans across generations are preparing to gather once again for four days of loud, live, and unforgettable music.
The First Bands For Wacken Open Air 2026 Are In
Tickets ran out within hours as the organizers revealed the first wave of artists for the 2026 lineup, and the names already speak volumes. Def Leppard will perform at Wacken for the very first time. They are joined by In Flames, Powerwolf, Savatage, and the return of Nevermore in a rare and emotional reunion.
Other major acts include Lamb of God, Emperor, and Sepultura, who are expected to play their final show in Germany. Classic heavy metal fans will also recognize names like Running Wild and Europe, both confirmed to take the stage in this edition.
All 35 Confirmed Bands So Far
Here’s every band confirmed in the first drop:
- Def Leppard
- In Flames
- Powerwolf
- Savatage
- Allt
- Airbourne
- Any Given Day
- Blood Command
- Blood Fire Death – A Tribute to Bathory
- Broken by the Scream
- Einherjer
- Emperor
- Europe
- Faun
- Future Palace
- Gutalax
- Grand Magus
- Insanity Alert
- H‑Blockx
- Kupfergold
- Lamb of God
- Luna Kills
- Mantar
- Nevermore
- Orbit Culture
- Paleface Swiss
- Pig Destroyer
- Running Wild
- Sepultura
- Ten56.
- The Gathering
- The Hardkiss
- Thundermother
- Thrown
- Triptykon
10000 Presale ‘Faster’ Tickets Already Sold
No headliner announcements yet, but based on Wacken’s track record, expect a sellout and greater surprises.
The countdown to Wacken 2026 is on. With more bands to be revealed and the 35th edition on the horizon, this year is already shaping up to be one for the metal history books.
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