The wait has paid off: Today organisers are throwing a massive 55 new acts into the mosh pit for the 2026 Wacken Open Air line-up!
Here are some highlights from the new addition of bands:
JUDAS PRIEST – The undisputed Metal Gods. An absolute must!
SAXON – After their health-related cancellation in 2025, the mighty Saxon will return to the Holy Ground in 2026 stronger than ever.
HEAVYSAURUS – The metal dinosaurs are back again to deliver tons of fun and proper early musical education for the young metal generation.
ULI JON ROTH – The guitar wizard celebrates the 50th anniversary of the legendary Scorpions album “Virgin Killer” with an exclusive anniversary show featuring special guests.
ARCH ENEMY – For the tenth time already, they will unleash razor-sharp riffs across our fields. Who will be at the microphone remains a secret for now.
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – The neoclassical shred maestro will surely drop many jaws with his virtuosic solos and high-speed arpeggios.
ROSE TATTOO – On their Farewell Tour, Rose Tattoo are saying goodbye to the stage, and Wacken will be one of the most emotional stops on this journey. A piece of rock ’n’ roll history you do not want to miss.
Further the following bands (in alphabetical order): Ad Infinitum, Alestorm, Alfahanne, Angelus Apatrida, Black Label Society, Bleed from Within, Brunhilde, Castle Rat, Chaosbay, Corrosion of Conformity, Crimson Glory, Danko Jones, Divlje Jagode, Dritte Wahl, Dubioza Kolektiv, Eläkeläiset, Electric Bassboy, Employed to Serve, Focus, Guilt Trip, Hackneyed, Hämatom, Hardline, Hatebreed, Katerfahrt, Kim Dracula, Kittie, Lagwagon, Life of Agony, Mr. Hurley und die Pulveraffen, Municipal Waste, Nita Strauss, Nothing More, Our Promise, P.O.D., Paradise Lost, President, Ricky Warwick, Skynd, Storm Seeker, The Butcher Sisters, The Haunted, Therapy?, Thy Art is Murder, Turbonegro, Uli Jon Roth, Vanir, Vended, Vogelfrey.
With these acts, a line-up is taking shape that is sure to make every Metalhead rejoice. The mix of legends, current scene highlights and special anniversary shows promises one of the most diverse years in the festival’s history.
Wacken Open Air 2026 — expect epic shows, legendary moments, and a festival atmosphere only the Holy Ground can deliver.
If you are looking for a place to stay for Wacken Open Air 2026 then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and the venue and you will be able to see what’s available nearby!
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