Wacken Open Air 2026 festival begins in Germany

The Wacken Open Air 2026 festival has commenced, featuring a diverse lineup of metal music across multiple stages in Germany.

On the first day, the Louder Stage hosted female-fronted acts, including Broken By The Scream. The Wackinger Stage featured a traditional opening performance by the Wacken Firefighters, while the Faster Stage presented the ‘Gagamania’ program. Other notable activities included the Metal Battle and performances on the Wasteland Stage.

The second day continued with the Metal Battle, featuring performers such as E.N.D. from Croatia and Haine from Malta. Other musical highlights included the Dutch band Novelization and an afternoon set by the American band Alien Ant Farm on the Louder Stage.