Wacken Open Air 2026 continues to flesh out its massive lineup for the festival's 35th anniversary edition, running July 29 to August 1 in the small village of Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. What started in 1990 as a small local event with 800 attendees has grown into the world's largest heavy metal festival, and this milestone edition promises to be the most spectacular yet.
The bill now features over 90 confirmed acts headlined by DEF LEPPARD, along with JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, LAMB OF GOD, IN FLAMES, POWERWOLF, SAVATAGE, SEPULTURA, EMPEROR, ARCH ENEMY, SAXON, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, PARADISE LOST, and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. SEPULTURA's appearance carries particular emotional weight as it forms part of their final farewell tour, giving Wacken attendees one last chance to experience the Brazilian thrash legends live.
The presence of SAVATAGE is another highlight, as the Florida progressive power metal pioneers remain one of the most requested reunion acts in the genre. EMPEROR's inclusion ensures that black metal royalty will be represented alongside the classic heavy metal and thrash contingent. The sheer diversity of the bill — from the pop-metal hooks of DEF LEPPARD to the frost-bitten symphonies of EMPEROR — reflects Wacken's philosophy of celebrating heavy music in all its forms.
Over 85,000 tickets were sold out within hours of the initial on-sale, continuing the festival's tradition of near-instant sellouts. Organizers Thomas Jensen and Holger Hubner have promised additional surprises in the coming months, with rumors swirling about potential secret headliner additions.