Wacken Open Air

Wacken Open Air is a metal festival. Its organisers present attending it as a way to join one of the largest metal communities in the world.

It is held on a designated site in the Steinburg district of Schleswig-Holstein, a site that includes the event area of the municipality of Wacken, in Germany.

The next edition is expected from 28 to 31 July 2027, in keeping with the usual July timing. These dates are an estimate and have not been confirmed. Entry is by ticket. The expected route is a personalised festival ticket, in the Louder, Younger or The Pit type, bought from the official ticket store. Resale is expected to go only through the official market for tickets, and you will need photo ID at the gate. These access details are also provisional.

The festival combines music with a supporting programme. Its grounds include the area in front of the main and side stages, known as the Infield.

Linked to the festival is the Wacken Metal Battle, an international contest. The organisers describe it as a place where heavy metal dreams come true.

Volume is especially high in front of the stages, and the organisers strongly recommend suitable hearing protection.

During the festival, and above all at performances, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, lasers, strobe lighting or other special effects may be used.

The grounds contain several named areas, among them Wackinger Village, Wacken Plaza and Bullhead City, as well as the parking and camping areas.

Side stages have limited space, so arriving early is strongly advised. The organisers may close access to a stage once it is full. Visitors are required to keep themselves informed about the weather, particularly sudden events such as thunderstorms, hail or gales.

Barbecuing is allowed, but open fires and campfires are banned. A bag ban applies across the grounds, with an exception for small bags up to a stated maximum size.

Young children are not admitted, and older children may enter only with a parent or an authorised adult. A camping area close to the festival, the Wheels of Steel Area, is set aside for people with disabilities.