Metal Festival Season 2025

As summer approaches in 2025, metalheads around the globe are gearing up for an unforgettable festival season, with Graspop Metal Meeting taking the lead for us at Metal Horns up as our yearly team event. Nestled in Belgium, this festival is more than just a showcase of heavy riffs; it’s a pilgrimage for metal lovers. Expect to see legendary acts alongside emerging talents, all while soaking in the electric atmosphere that only Graspop can provide. With its picturesque setting and a lineup that promises to blow your mind, it’s a must-attend for anyone serious about their metal.

Hellfest is another festival set to capture the hearts of fans in 2025, boasting an even more diverse lineup than ever before. This French festival has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, embracing not just the heavyweights of the genre but also exploring subgenres that push boundaries. The unique art installations and immersive experiences make Hellfest more than just a concert; it’s a full sensory journey into the world of metal. Finally, Wacken Open Air continues to reign supreme in Germany as the ultimate destination for die-hard fans. With its legendary history and commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience, Wacken offers a sense of community that resonates deeply with every metalhead who attends. Each of these festivals provides an opportunity to connect with fellow fans, making summer 2025 an essential time to live out your metal dreams!

  • What to wear

    • Black T-shirt
    • Comfortable footwear
    • Prepare for all kinds of weather
    • Sunscreen
    • Tank top
    • Metal socks
    • Battle jacket
    • Black shorts
    • Ear protection
  • What to drink

    • Beer
    • Beer
    • Beer
    • Beer
    • Water
    • Beer
    • Beer
    • Beer
    • Beer
  • When to start a pit?

    • When the band shouts "Open a fucking pit"
    • When the band shouts "show me a fucking pit'
    • When you want to have fun
    • When you like the band
    • When you can't dance :-)
    • When you want to exercise and become fit
  • Sweden Rock

    When : 4th - 7th June 2025

    Where : Sölvesborg, Sweden

    Headliners : Korn, Slipnot, Sabaton, Scorpions, Meshuggah

    Info : swedenrock.com

  • Metalfest Open Air

    When : 6th - 8th June 2025

    Where : Plzen, Czechia

    Headliners : Within temptation, Kreator, King Diamond, EPICA, Allstorm, Amaranthe

    Info : metalfest.cz

  • Rock am Ring

    When : 6th - 8th June

    Where : Nürburg, germany

    Headliners : Bring me the Horizon, Slipknot, Korn, Sleeptoken, Falling in Reverse

    Info : rock-am-ring.com

  • Copenhell

    When : 18th - 21st June 2025

    Where : Refshalevej, Denmark

    Headliners : Slipknot, Within temptation, Bullet for my valentine, King Diamond

    Info : copenhell.dk

  • Graspop Metal meeting

    When : 19th - 22nd June 2025

    Where : Dessel, Belgium

    Headliners : Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Korn, Judast Priest, Powerwolf, Opeth

    Info : graspop.be

  • Hellfest

    When : 19th - 22nd June 2025

    Where : Clisson, France

    Headliners : Korn, Scorpoins, Linkin Park, Electric Cowboy, Judast Priest

    Info : hellfest.fr

  • Tons of Rock

    When : 25th - 28th June 2025

    Where : Oslo, Norway

    Headliners : Megadeath, Avenged Sevenfold, Lorna Shore, Powerwolf, Muse

    Info : tonsofrock.no

  • Dynamo Metal Fest

    When :

    Where : Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Headliners : Gojira, Mastadon, Opeth, Kreator, Kerry King

    Info : dynamo-metalfest.nl

  • Hellsinki Metal Festival

    When : 8th - 9th August 2025

    Where : Helsinki, Finland

    Headliners : King Diamond, Venom, Fear Factory, Napalm Death

    Info : hellsinkimetalfestival.fi

Why Every Metalhead Should Experience a Metal Festival This Summer

The 2025 European metal festival season is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying in recent memory. With a lineup featuring both iconic legends and rising stars, fans across the continent are in for an unforgettable summer.

There’s something uniquely powerful about metal music—it’s not just sound, it’s a lifestyle. From the thundering drums to screaming guitar solos and growling vocals, metal speaks to rebellion, freedom, and raw emotion. And while blasting your favorite band at full volume in your car is one thing, nothing compares to the sheer magnitude of experiencing it live. This summer, with

The Lineups Are Absolutely Epic

2025 has blessed us with a dream roster of artists across Europe’s biggest metal stages:
in Germany will see Gojira, Papa Roach, Machine Head, and Saxon tear up the stage.

in France brings Linkin Park, Muse, Scorpions, Korn, and Judas Priest into one mind-blowing lineup.

in the UK features Trivium, Mastodon, Fear Factory, and Emperor for those craving something darker and heavier.

Tuska Open Air promises a mix of classic and cutting-edge with Lorna Shore, Cradle of Filth, Powerwolf, and Apocalyptica.

These festivals aren’t just concerts—they’re full-blown sonic assaults on the senses. Europe brimming with world-class metal festivals, there’s never been a better time to go full throttle into the pit.

Community Like No Other

There’s no judgment in the pit—just thousands of people who love metal as much as you do. Whether you’re into black, death, thrash, folk, or symphonic metal, you’ll find your tribe among the sea of denim vests, band patches, and raised horns. Metal festivals are a celebration of unity through heaviness. You can show up solo and leave with lifelong friends (or mosh pit scars to commemorate new alliances).

The Live Energy Is Unmatched

You haven't truly felt metal until you’ve been front row at dusk, with flames shooting up from the stage and a sea of headbangers losing their minds around you. That first drop into a breakdown, the synchronized roar of thousands screaming lyrics in unison, and the electricity in the air—it’s a spiritual experience. Festivals turn albums you love into unforgettable memories.

Discover New Bands and Sounds

Every festival is a chance to find your next favorite band. Maybe you came for Slipknot but leave obsessed with a Norwegian black metal act you’d never heard before. Festivals provide exposure to underground gems, regional legends, and fresh faces in the scene. You’ll come back with new playlists and stories of “that band that absolutely destroyed the second stage.”

It's a Full-Blown Adventure

Most metal festivals span multiple days, often in beautiful or historic locations—from forests in Finland to medieval towns in Spain. It’s a chance to road trip, camp out, live rough for a few days, and break from the grind of everyday life. It's not just about music—it's about freedom.

Support the Scene

Attending festivals isn’t just about fun—it’s how we keep the metal scene alive and thriving. From the main acts to the indie merch vendors, the food stalls to the local crews, every ticket sold helps fuel the future of metal. By being there, you're investing in the music you love.

The 2025 European metal festival season is a testament to the genre's enduring appeal and evolution. With a blend of legendary acts and emerging talents, fans have a plethora of events to choose from. Whether you're drawn to the historic stages of Wacken or the diverse offerings of Hellfest, this summer promises unforgettable experiences for metal enthusiasts across Europe.