© Sonja Pieper | Flickr
Just having celebrated its 25th anniversary, Wacken Open Air is still going strong as the biggest metal festival in the world, though if you came to this town at any other time, you wouldn’t know it. Wacken is a tiny farming hamlet with a population of 1,900, but every summer 75,000 metalheads make pilgrimage to the festival, morphing the town into an explosion of tattoos and goat horns.
Iron Maiden at Wacken Open Air © CGO2 | Flickr
In true heavy metal fashion, everything about this festival is big. For four days, more than 100 bands perform on 10 stages, showcasing styles from all corners of the metal world. Headliners perform on Black Stage and True Metal Stage, which is equipped with pyrotechnics, smoke machines and Jumbotrons. The Bullhead City Circus features karaoke and the Metal Battle, where bands from more than 30 countries compete for a record deal. The Party Stage is a smaller, more intimate stage while Wackinger Stage is set up with a medieval theme. In the center of it all is the fan-favorite Beer Garden Stage.
© CGO2 | Flickr
Wacken is known for being surprisingly organized, with the line-up performing on schedule, plenty of toilets and even free childcare. What started out a simple music festival for local bands has grown into the premier metal event in the world. In addition to music, there are also soccer matches, medieval weaponry shows, concert footage screenings and organized wrestling.
To learn more about the festival, visit wacken.com.
Read This Next
Gear Up for Festival Season U.S.A
Top Trends
Feb 21, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations
Jan 16, 2025Get Into Blue Mind Theory at These 9 Resorts
Blue Mind Theory is the travel trend suggesting proximity to water results in a happier and healthier individual. A study from National Library of Medicine found travelers who participate in water-based activities tend to experience an overall positive impact on their quality of life. Book a stay at one of these properties and test the theory out yourself.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / North America
Jan 16, 2025Visit These 6 Southern Cities with African American Heritage Trails
The history of the South is integral with African American heritage and culture, as well as Blacks’ fight for freedom over many centuries. From Georgia to Mississippi to North Carolina, these six cities and towns created in-depth trails delving into stories of resilience, triumph and innovation.
Airlines
Jan 15, 2025New Changes Coming to British Airways’ First Class
If you’re flying with British Airways soon (but not too soon), you’ll notice some differences in the airline’s first-class product. A new experience will revolve around the introduction of a brand-new first-class seat that’s part of the airline’s retrofit plans for its Airbus A380 aircraft.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Hotel
Jan 15, 2025Exclusive Hotel Packages, V.I.P. Access for Miami Music Week
Miami Music Week draws thousands of fans to South Florida this March, and some hotels go above and beyond for an unforgettable week. This year’s festival runs March 19–24, and Eden Roc Miami Beach recently announced its role as official hotel partner of Miami Music Week and home to the Electronic Dance Music Awards.
ShareThis