To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Wacken Open Air, there will be official music parties in 35 countries. From the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains, 35 parties will take time on the same day for first time in the history of heavy metal.

The Wacken Open Air organizers wrote on the website:

“On April 18, 2026, the global metal underground scene will unite. One world. One stage.“

Each country will bring its own metal acts to the stage and become part of a global moment, united by live music and the unmistakable energy of the international metal community.“

Which are these countries? Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, and Venezuela will participate in the big world warm-up party.

Over 97 bands confirmed for the 35th anniversary of the legendary festival in Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Participants are Judas Priest, Powerwolf, Lamb Of God, Def Leppard, In Flames, Sepultura, Scorpions, Accept, Arch Enemy with a new vocalist, Misþyrming and Nergal will perform his first album “Sventevith”, Nita Strauss with her solo works, Nevermore, Paradise Lost, Rose Tattoo, Savatage, Saxon, The Gathering, Yngwie Malmsteen, Vogelfrey, Uli John Roth, Thy Art Is Murder, Europe, Faun, Ad Infinitum, Black Label Society, Alestorm, and many more.

Wacken Open Air is one of the best heavy metal festivals in the world and one of the biggest festivals in Europe.