Wacken Open Air opens its gates for the 35th time. For the anniversary edition, 85,000 metal enthusiasts are expected in the municipality of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein from July 29 to August 1. At the premiere in 1990, just 800 fans listened to six bands in a field. Over the years, it has developed into a meeting point for fans of heavier music worldwide. The most important information about this year's festival at a glance.

Stages and music lineup

Today, the celebration takes place on a 360-hectare festival site. Most visitors are drawn to the Infield (Holy Land) in front of the Harder and Faster double stage. Moshing also happens in front of the Louder Stage. Bullhead City includes the Headbangers Stage and the W:E:T Stage, where the international Metal Battles are held, among other events.

Folk, Pagan and medieval rock are the focus at the Wackinger Stage. The Wasteland Stage combines apocalyptic rock and metal with a supporting program that includes a motor show, among other things. The Wackinger Beergarden also features live music. Those looking for a change of pace in between will find sports activities, comedy shows, readings or live podcasts at the Welcome to the Jungle Stage.

The main attraction, however, are the metal acts. On Wednesday, Hämatom and the Butcher Sisters perform on the Faster stage, among others. Yngwie Malmsteen can be seen there on Thursday. On the Harder, bands like Europe and Def Leppard will rock. On Friday, it continues on the Faster with In Flames, while Saxon, Judas Priest and Sepultura determine the program on the Harder. On Saturday, Lamb of God, Arch Enemy and Sabaton play on the Harder, among others. On the Faster, acts like Powerwolf and Airbourne round off the festival.

Attending live and virtually

Wacken Open Air is sold out again. While all tickets for last year's edition were already allocated in September 2024, this time the organizers announced about a week before the start that all tickets are gone. Fans still have the chance to be there live: Those who have come up empty-handed so far could still snag a ticket via the official ticket exchange.

Those not traveling to Wacken can at least be there virtually. MagentaTV broadcasts the festival with two free livestreams from different stages.