Best Metal Music Festivals: Headbanging Opportunities Around the World

When it comes to metal music, there’s nothing quite like experiencing it live. The energy, the passion, the sense of camaraderie among fellow metalheads – it’s a unique and unforgettable experience. And what better way to immerse yourself in the metal scene than by attending a metal music festival? From the classics to the up-and-coming acts, metal festivals offer a chance to see it all. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best metal music festivals around the world.

🤘 The Wacken Open Air Festival

Since its inception in 1990, the Wacken Open Air Festival has become the ultimate pilgrimage for metalheads around the globe. Held in the small town of Wacken, Germany, the festival draws over 75,000 attendees annually and features some of the biggest names in metal music. With multiple stages, a medieval market, and even a metal karaoke bar, Wacken Open Air is a must-attend event for any metal fan.

🤘 The Download Festival

Started in 2003, the Download Festival has quickly become one of the premier metal festivals in the world. Held annually at Donington Park in the United Kingdom, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of metal, punk, and rock acts. In addition to the music, Download also features a circus, a cinema, and a comedy tent, making it a well-rounded festival experience.

🤘 Hellfest

Located in Clisson, France, Hellfest is one of the largest metal festivals in Europe. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of over 160 bands across six stages, with a focus on extreme metal genres like black metal and death metal. In addition to the music, Hellfest also features a variety of food and beverage vendors, as well as a medieval reenactment village.

🤘 Bloodstock Open Air

Started in 2005, Bloodstock Open Air has quickly become one of the premier metal festivals in the UK. Held annually in Derbyshire, England, the festival features a mix of big-name acts and up-and-coming bands across four stages. In addition to the music, Bloodstock also features a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as a metal market and a variety of other attractions.

🤘 Tuska Open Air Metal Festival

Located in Helsinki, Finland, the Tuska Open Air Metal Festival has been bringing metal music to the masses since 1998. The festival features a mix of big-name acts and up-and-coming bands across three stages, with a focus on extreme metal genres like death metal and black metal. In addition to the music, Tuska also features a variety of other attractions, including a metal karaoke bar and a metal expo.

🤘 70000 Tons of Metal

Looking for a metal festival that doubles as a cruise? Look no further than 70000 Tons of Metal. This festival takes place on a cruise ship, with bands performing on multiple stages throughout the ship. With over 60 bands and 3,000 metalheads on board, 70000 Tons of Metal is a unique and unforgettable experience.

🤘 Maryland Deathfest

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Deathfest is a celebration of all things extreme metal. The festival features a lineup of over 60 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on death metal and grindcore. In addition to the music, Maryland Deathfest also features a variety of other attractions, including a metal market and meet-and-greet opportunities with the bands.

🤘 Summer Breeze

Held annually in Dinkelsbühl, Germany, Summer Breeze is one of the largest metal festivals in Europe. The festival boasts a lineup of over 100 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on a variety of metal genres. In addition to the music, Summer Breeze also features a metal market, a camping area, and a variety of other attractions.

🤘 Brutal Assault

Held annually in Jaroměř, Czech Republic, the Brutal Assault festival is a celebration of all things extreme metal. The festival features a lineup of over 100 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on black metal and death metal. In addition to the music, Brutal Assault also features a medieval market, a cinema, and a variety of other attractions.

🤘 FortaRock

Held annually in Nijmegen, Netherlands, FortaRock is one of the largest metal festivals in the country. The festival features a lineup of over 20 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on a variety of metal genres. In addition to the music, FortaRock also features a metal market, a variety of food and drink vendors, and a variety of other attractions.

🤘 ProgPower USA

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, ProgPower USA is a celebration of all things progressive metal. The festival features a lineup of over 15 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on progressive metal genres. In addition to the music, ProgPower USA also features a variety of other attractions, including a metal market and meet-and-greet opportunities with the bands.

🤘 Full Terror Assault

Held annually in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, Full Terror Assault is a celebration of all things extreme metal. The festival features a lineup of over 30 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on death metal and grindcore. In addition to the music, Full Terror Assault also features a camping area and a variety of other attractions.

🤘 Beyond the Gates

Located in Bergen, Norway, Beyond the Gates is a celebration of all things black metal. The festival features a lineup of over 20 black metal bands across multiple stages, with a focus on the Norwegian black metal scene. In addition to the music, Beyond the Gates also features a variety of other attractions, including a metal market and meet-and-greet opportunities with the bands.

🤘 MetalDays

Located in Tolmin, Slovenia, MetalDays is one of the largest metal festivals in Europe. The festival features a lineup of over 100 bands across multiple stages, with a focus on a variety of metal genres. In addition to the music, MetalDays also features a variety of other attractions, including a camping area and a variety of food and drink vendors.

🤘 What Makes These Festivals So Special?

There’s something unique about attending a metal festival – the sense of community, the shared love of the music, the opportunity to see your favorite bands and discover new ones. From the massive crowds at Wacken Open Air to the intimate setting of Beyond the Gates, each festival offers its own unique experience.

🤘 What Should I Bring to a Metal Festival?

When attending a metal festival, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some essentials to bring:

🎒 A backpack or tote bag to carry your belongings

🌞 Sunscreen and a hat for outdoor festivals

🎧 Earplugs to protect your hearing

🍽️ Reusable water bottle and snacks to keep you fueled

🧥 A jacket or sweater for nighttime shows

📷 A camera or phone to capture memories

👥 A positive attitude and an open mind

🤘 Are Metal Festivals Safe?

While attending any large event comes with potential risks, metal festivals are generally safe spaces. Festival organizers work hard to ensure the safety and security of attendees, with measures like bag checks, security checkpoints, and medical tents. Additionally, the metal community is known for its sense of camaraderie and inclusivity, making festivals a welcoming environment for all.

🤘 How Can I Get Tickets to a Metal Festival?

Most metal festivals offer tickets for sale on their official websites. It’s important to buy tickets as early as possible, as popular festivals can sell out quickly. Some festivals also offer early-bird discounts or payment plans, so be sure to check the festival’s website for more information.

🤘 What Should I Expect at a Metal Festival?

Attending a metal festival can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Here are some things to expect:

🎵 Loud music and enthusiastic crowds

🌭 A variety of food and drink vendors

🎶 Multiple stages with overlapping sets

👥 A diverse community of metalheads

💀 Merchandise and vendor booths

🌟 Meet-and-greet opportunities with the bands

🚽 Accessible restroom facilities

🤘 How Can I Make the Most of My Metal Festival Experience?

Attending a metal festival can be