Wacken Celebrates Global Warm-Up Party! “One World One Stage,” 35 Shows Will Take Place In 35 Countries On A Single Day!

On April 18th, 2026, 35 Wacken warm-up concerts will rock the globe! Almost 24 hours will pass between the first show in Japan and the last in Mexico, all of them filled with the best heavy metal music, with celebrating fans coming together for this special event. A live experience carried by the legendary Wacken spirit.

The worldwide party is being organized by various promoters from the global community of the Wacken Metal Battle, the festival’s own band competition, which now includes 102 participating nations. Promoters from 35 of these countries have joined forces for the Wacken anniversary to celebrate the worldwide warm-up party.

"The core idea is to bring the world together and unite it through what we love most: music! That’s what the Metal Battle community stands for, that’s what we stand for, and that’s what Wacken Open Air has represented since day one,” emphasizes festival founder Thomas Jensen.

In Germany, the warm-up will be celebrated at Hamburg’s Betty club starting at 8 p.m. The Boston-based band Lansdowne will bring their hook-driven, energetic rock to the Hanseatic city. The international event “One World One Stage” is being organized by Salman U. Syed, who is responsible for the Metal Battle at W:O:A and has been shaping the global networking of the scene for years.

“The sense of unity within the metal scene is strong worldwide, and bands as well as promoters in the individual countries immediately threw themselves into setting a powerful sign of unity while celebrating 35 years of Wacken Open Air together with us!”

The event in Hamburg on April 18th, therefore, seamlessly joins the global chain of parties. The event stands for unity, passion, and heavy metal without borders.

Tickets and further information about the warm-up parties around the globe are available here.

Additionally, impressions from the shows in all participating countries will be shared during the day via the social media channels of the Wacken Open Air. #oneworldonestage