Sabaton confirmed as additional headliner for the 35th Wacken Open Air

The 35th edition of Wacken Open Air is approaching, and anticipation for the anniversary is growing – and it’s about to get even stronger. Joining the already packed lineup is another heavyweight of today’s metal scene: Sabaton will return to the Holy Ground seven years after their last visit!

Sabaton states:
“It’s with massive excitement and deep respect that we’re returning to the hallowed grounds of Wacken Open Air in Germany, where we last unleashed our legendary two-stage show in 2019 – an absolutely crazy night! 7 years later we are back and we can’t wait to end our summer season by headlining and closing the biggest heavy metal festival in the world, together with the loudest, wildest and most dedicated fans on the planet.
Let’s make it another legendary night to remember!”

Sabaton last performed at W:O:A in 2019. The Swedish group has long been counted among the most successful metal acts internationally and enjoys an outstanding reputation as a live band. Last year, they released their latest studio album, Legends, followed by an arena tour across Europe, featuring one of the most elaborate stage productions in metal history. In 2020, Sabaton also took part in the pandemic-era livestream event Wacken World Wide.

“Wacken and Sabaton share a long history,” says festival founder Holger Hübner. “Seven years ago, the band celebrated their 20th anniversary with us – now it’s our turn! 35th edition of Wacken and Sabaton tare joining us on our anniversary!”

Festival founder Thomas Jensen adds: “Sabaton were a band that many fans wanted to see at Wacken Open Air again. We’re thrilled to be able to make that wish come true – for them, and for ourselves. It’s going to be legendary!”

In addition to Sabaton, the 35th edition of W:O:A has also confirmed Judas Priest featuring frontman Rob Halford as headliners, as well as Def Leppard, who will celebrate their Wacken debut at this year’s anniversary edition, and Germany’s own Powerwolf.
Further highlights — to name just a few — include special appearances such as the career finale and final performance by Running Wild, the German farewell show of genre-defining Sepultura, Arch Enemy with new singer Lauren Hart, and many more. 

On top, the daily schedule of the bands for W:O:A 2026 was released today. Fans can now plan their festival experience in advance, arranging their days around their favorite acts and looking forward to four days full of metal moments. The full daily schedule can be viewed on the official website here.

Festival tickets of the final category are available via metaltix.com.

In addition, W:O:A 2026 introduces a new option for all metalheads who, for various reasons, can only arrive by car from Friday or Saturday but don’t want to compromise on campsite location: “Last Resort Camping”. For this, the W:O:A team reserves an additional camping area that can be occupied from Friday morning through Saturday. In combination with a festival ticket, this guarantees a parking and camping spot even for later arrivals, with very quick access via paved paths to the Wacken Plaza and onward to the Infield. All further information about “Last Resort Camping” can be found at the following link.

For all metalheads arriving by public transport, campsites near the Wacken Plaza are available at all times.

Those interested in travel and camping options — ranging from glamping in the Residenz Evil area and the Moshtel to Bauer Uwe Trede’s Garden and the ultimate The Pit ticket with extensive additional benefits — can find all information and booking options on wacken.com, and specific details about The Pit here.

WACKEN OPEN AIR 2026
July 29 – August 1 2026
For more information and ticket pre-sale, visit:
wacken.com and metaltix.com