Are you ready for this year’s festival season? Join me as we go through my bucket list of events that I’m most excited for this year!
I will give you some information and insights to help you pick experiences to add to your own party bucket list.
I’m also currently working on some festival guides that I will link here as soon as they are out!
(Oh, and keep in mind this only includes some of the biggest events and festivals in Germany that I will be personally attending.)
🦇 eTropolis (01.-02.03.)
The eTropolis festival in Oberhausen is an annual get-together for the darkly inclined in Germany and primarily focuses on the darker and more aggressive sub-genres of electronic music, such as industrial, EBM, synthpop, darkwave, and similar styles. Since I am really into these genres, I am really looking forward to this event and to me it’s definitely worth driving a few hours across Germany for!
It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists within these genres to showcase their music to a dedicated fan base. Set against the backdrop of industrial landscapes, this gathering summons devotees of the shadows to immerse themselves in a sonic labyrinth of dark electronic music.
The festival atmosphere tends to be energetic and vibrant, with attendees often dressing in styles that reflect the aesthetic of the music, including gothic, cybergoth, cyberpunk, or industrial fashion.
🦇 Wave-Gotik-Treffen (17.-20.05)
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) is an annual dark music and arts festival held in Leipzig, Germany. It is one of the largest (probably the largest), and surely the most well-known, gathering of the gothic community worldwide, drawing thousands of attendees from across the globe.
For a week Leipzig turns dark and this experience of community is one of the main reasons so many (including myself) return every year to join this event!
At its core, WGT pulses with the heartbeat of a diverse musical lineup that spans the spectrum of gothic expression. From the ethereal melodies of darkwave to the gritty rhythms of industrial, the festival’s stages come alive with the sounds of established icons and rising stars alike. Including darkwave, gothic rock, industrial, neofolk, post-punk, and many other genres. All acts are located in venues throughout Leipzig, including beautiful historic churches, clubs, and outdoor spaces, which is definitely something very unique compared to other festivals.
In addition to the music, WGT offers a wide array of cultural and artistic events, such as exhibitions, film screenings, literary readings, and workshops. These events explore various aspects of gothic culture, including art, literature, fashion, and lifestyle, so there is something for everyone!
Overall, the WGT is much more than just a music festival – it’s a multifaceted celebration of creativity, diversity, and individuality within the gothic and alternative scenes. Which is, in my opinion, what makes it so special. It provides opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect, socialize, and celebrate their shared interests. And for me, it’s the one big event where I get to meet old friends from all around the world every year and also get the opportunity to make new ones as well. While it can be overwhelming at times, it’s already worth it just for the experience, since it’s so different from all the other big festivals!
🦇 Call The Ship To Port (26.) & Amphi Festival (27.-28.07)
The Amphi festival is an annual event in Köln, Germany that attracts lovers of dark music and alternative culture from far and wide.
At the core of this festival lies a captivating array of musical performances spanning a spectrum of genres, including gothic rock, metal, synthpop, darkwave, and industrial. From internationally renowned headliners to emerging underground acts, the festival stages pulse with electrifying energy, captivating audiences with their spellbinding melodies and entrancing beats.
While it might seem smaller than some of the other festivals there are two things, aside from the music and community, that make it special.
The first one being the location. The festival grounds are located directly next to the Rhine – including a constructed beach that has a great view over the river and Cologne cathedral and is a great space to relax from dancing and being out and about all day in the summer heat.
The other being the alternative to the official pre-party.
The Call The Ship To Port event, which takes place the evening before the Amphi festival, on an actual ship that sails along the Rhine for the entire duration of the event. It combines the experience of live music with the scenic backdrop of the open water. The intimate and exclusive setting fosters a sense of connection among the guests, creating unforgettable moments. The only downside? The tickets always sell out super quick!
🦇 M’era Luna (10.-11.08)
The M’era Luna festival always offers a diverse lineup of musical performances that span the breadth of gothic and alternative genres. From darkwave to metal and industrial, the festival stages come alive with the sounds of both established icons and emerging talents, captivating the audience with their spellbinding performances.
But the allure of M’era Luna extends far beyond the music alone. It is a melting pot of art, fashion, and culture, where guests are invited to express their individuality through elaborate outfits, accessories and makeup. From Victorian elegance over fantasy looks to cyberpunk, the festival grounds transform into a kaleidoscope of creativity and self-expression, as participants revel in the opportunity to showcase their unique style.
In addition to the musical offerings, M’era Luna boasts a diverse array of attractions and activities, including art installations, fashion shows, and immersive experiences that delve into the rich tapestry of gothic culture. Food and merchandise vendors offer sustenance for body and soul, while workshops and panel discussions provide opportunities for attendees to engage with artists from across the globe.
But perhaps the most magical aspect of M’era Luna is its sense of community – a gathering of kindred spirits who come together to celebrate their shared love for the darker side of life. The campground stays alive long after the last performance has ended and the small parties that keep going on are the core of this festival. Here, friendships are forged, memories are made, and bonds are strengthened, creating a sense of belonging that transcends language and borders.
An experience you truly don’t want to miss!
🦇 Summer Breeze (14.-17.08)
The Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany, is a mecca for fans of heavy metal, offering a diverse lineup that encompasses a wide range of subgenres, from classic heavy metal and thrash to death metal, black metal, metalcore, symphonic metal and everything in between. With multiple stages showcasing both established icons and rising stars, the festival pulsates with the raw energy of live music, captivating audiences with its thunderous riffs and electrifying performances. Beyond music, the guests immerse themselves in metal culture through companionship and various other activities. Some of which are pretty… random. (Just take a walk over the huge campground and you’ll get what I mean.)
Overall it is a fun gathering of metalheads from all walks of life who come together to celebrate their love for the music and culture they hold dear. Here, friendships are forged in the mosh pits, memories are made in the campgrounds, and bonds are strengthened amidst the chaos of the festival experience.
Now, why do I personally prefer the Summer Breeze over other, or even bigger, metal festivals? I got to be real with you, at first I was skeptical since I only ever went to goth events and festivals and while I like some subgenres of metal, I have no real connection to the community.
My partner was the one who took me there and I went just for the experience.
And let me tell you, it was so worth it!
I even met some of my old friends and acquaintances that I haven’t seen in years! Also the size of the whole festival grounds and the fact that the event took place over several days, instead of “just” one weekend, is definitely a reason to attend this festival at least once in your lifetime (if you are into metal of course)!
The community is certainly different (I would say a lot more chaotic and random), than what I’m used to from goth events, which makes the whole experience also different from all the other festivals I usually attend. Not necessarily in a good or bad way though!
It’s definitely a huge festival, but not as big as the Wacken for example, which for various reasons would be just a little too big, chaotic and overwhelming for me.
Either way, I’m already looking forward to it! 🖤
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