Race to the Muddy Extravaganza in Wacken
Wacken Open Air 2026: Metal Fans Create a Muddy Spectacle Amidst Adverse Weather Conditions
The Wacken Open Air heavy metal festival, now in its 35th year, is once again underway in the small town of Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, despite the challenging weather conditions. Event director Daniel Schlatter praised the arrival as relaxed, and the organizers have confirmed they can handle the mud.
Thomas Jensen, the festival founder and organizer, expressed his appreciation for the metal fans, commending them for creating a great atmosphere in the mud and sludge. Despite the difficult conditions, the fans have managed to maintain an energetic and lively spirit.
One of the highlights of the festival so far has been the guest appearance of metal queen Doro Pesch with Dirkschneider. The drone show also paid tribute to the late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, playing "Mama, I'm Coming Home" and then the Black Sabbath number "Paranoid" during the night from Friday to Saturday.
The festival is officially sold out, with 85,000 fans in attendance. Organizers have brought in 3,500 cubic meters of wood chips to stabilize the surfaces, and those who secure one of the first 10,000 tickets on-site will have the 16 euro price increase credited for consumption.
The rescue service reported 10 to 15 percent fewer interventions than in 2024, with 150 fans taken to a hospital during the festival. The head of the Itzehoe police directorate, Frank Matthiesen, stated that the number of recorded offenses has decreased compared to 2024, from 86 to 68. However, there was a slight increase in around 150 cases of other interventions, including confused people. The traffic concept also worked well.
The final concerts are planned for Sunday night, with Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, Savatage, Nevermore, Emperor, Sepultura (playing their final German festival show), Running Wild, Lamb of God, The Gathering (exclusive German appearance), Tryptikon (special best-of set), Blood Fire Death (Bathory tribute, Germany exclusive), and many more set to perform.
Tickets for next year's Wacken heavy metal festival will increase from 333 to 349 euros. The organizers will announce the lineup for 2026 in the evening (22:30).
Stay tuned for more updates from the Wacken Open Air 2026 festival!
*Sources:[1][3][4]
\n\nList of Confirmed Bands for Wacken Open Air 2026:
- Def Leppard
- In Flames
- Powerwolf
- Savatage
- Nevermore
- Emperor
- Sepultura (farewell show in Germany)
- Running Wild
- Lamb of God
- The Gathering (exclusive German show)
- Tryptikon (special set with world premieres)
- Blood Fire Death (Bathory tribute, Germany exclusive)
- Allt
- Airbourne
- Any Given Day
- Blood Command
- Broken By The Scream
- Einherjer
- Europe
- Faun
- Future Palace
- Gutalax
- Grand Magus
- Insanity Alert
- H-Blockx
- Kupfergold
- Luna Kills
- Mantar
- Orbit Culture
- Paleface Swiss
- Pig Destroyer
- Ten56.
- The Hardkiss
- Thundermother
- Thrown
- Amidst the rich lineup of next year's Wacken Open Air festival, fans can look forward to entertaining performances from various sports-metal bands like Def Leppard, In Flames, and Powerwolf.
- The 2026 edition of the festival promises a thrilling blend of sports and entertainment with appearances from bands such as Sepultura, Running Wild, and the Bathory tribute band, Blood Fire Death.
