Countdown begins for Mud Festival in Wacken
Wacken Heavy Metal Festival 2026 Lineup Announced
The Wacken Heavy Metal Festival, held annually in Schleswig-Holstein's Wacken, is gearing up for its 35th edition in 2026. The four-day event, scheduled from July 2 to August 1, will feature a star-studded lineup of metal icons and rising stars.
This year's festival, which took place in August, was marked by heavy rain that caused significant disruption. Up to 39.3 liters of rain per square meter fell at the start of the festival on Wednesday, turning large parts of the area into mud and sludge. Despite the challenging conditions, the festival was officially sold out with 85,000 fans in attendance.
Volker Böhm, the rescue service chief, spoke about the situation during the festival. He reported 10 to 15 percent fewer deployments than in 2024, with around 2,800 people being cared for. A total of 150 fans were taken to a hospital, a slight increase compared to 2024, but still a manageable figure.
The traffic concept also worked well at the festival, with the departure of the fans being managed efficiently using 30 tractors. The organizers brought in 3,500 cubic meters of wood chips to stabilize the surfaces, which proved effective in managing the muddy conditions.
Looking ahead to 2026, the organizers have announced the first major acts for the festival. Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, and Savatage will headline the event. These bands join a growing list of 35 acts that have been revealed so far, including Lamb of God, Nevermore, The Gathering, Emperor, Sepultura, Running Wild, and more.
Ticket presales for the 2026 festival began on August 3, 2025. Those who secure one of the first 10,000 tickets on-site will have the 16 euro price increase credited for food. The ticket prices for next year's festival will increase from 333 to 349 euros.
In a recent interview, festival organizer Thomas Jensen hinted at more surprises to come, stating, "We have time." When asked about Metallica, Jensen replied, "We have time." They've also been waiting for other bands.
The festival will culminate in a special tribute to British rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who will be honored with a drone show and music performances. Guns N' Roses offered the longest concert in the history of the festival, lasting three hours.
As the excitement builds for next year's event, fans can look forward to an unforgettable metal experience in the heart of Germany. The organizers will reveal more acts in the coming months, promising a diverse and thrilling lineup for the festival's 35th edition.
[1] Wacken Festival 2026 Lineup Announced: Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, and Savatage Headline (Metal Hammer, 2025) [2] Wacken Festival 2026 Ticket Presales Begin (Billboard, 2025) [3] Wacken Festival 2026: First Major Acts Announced (Rolling Stone, 2025) [4] Def Leppard to Headline Wacken Festival 2026 (Ultimate Classic Rock, 2025) [5] In Flames Among Top-Billed Acts for Wacken Festival 2026 (Blabbermouth, 2025)
- To stay updated on the diverse and thrilling lineup for the Wacken Heavy Metal Festival 2026, fans can follow social media platforms for announcements about more acts joining Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, and Savatage.
- In between metal performances at the Wacken Heavy Metal Festival 2026, fans can engage with social-media entertainment, sharing their experiences and discussing their favorite bands online.
