Mela
Metalfest
Music

Metalfest

A gathering of metal fans across Europe each spring and early summer

Photo: Dominik Matus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Metalfest is a metal music festival series held in several European countries, including Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, and Croatia. Taking place in May and June, it brings together fans and bands for open-air concerts in various cities.

Drawn for Mela from this festival's own symbols.
  • Founded in Austria in 2007
  • Held in multiple European countries each year
  • Past lineups featured bands like Megadeth and Blind Guardian
  • Open-air concerts in cities such as Plzeň and Sankt Goarshausen
  • Known for its energetic and communal atmosphere

What it is

Metalfest is a series of open-air festivals dedicated to metal music, drawing fans and bands from across Europe. Since its beginnings in Austria in 2007, it has become a fixture in the metal scene, with editions in countries such as Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Croatia. Each event features a lineup of international and local metal acts, offering a space for fans to celebrate their shared passion. The festival is known for its energetic atmosphere and the sense of community it fosters among metal enthusiasts.

Where it comes from

Metalfest began in Austria in 2007, created as a platform to showcase metal music and bring together fans from different countries. Its success led to the expansion of the festival into other European nations, with new editions established in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia, Switzerland, and Italy. Over the years, Metalfest has hosted renowned bands and has adapted to local scenes, sometimes changing locations or collaborating with other festivals. Its growth reflects the enduring appeal of metal music across Europe.

How it is celebrated

At Metalfest, the celebration centers on live performances by a diverse lineup of metal bands, ranging from global headliners to regional favorites. Attendees gather in open-air venues, often surrounded by dramatic landscapes or historic sites, to experience the music at full volume. The festival atmosphere is marked by camaraderie, with fans donning band shirts, sharing stories, and enjoying the collective energy of the crowd. Food and drink stalls, merchandise stands, and occasional meet-and-greet sessions with artists add to the experience. Each edition may have its own local flavor, but the core remains a celebration of metal music and its vibrant community.

Joining in

Visitors interested in joining Metalfest can look for editions in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria, with main events typically held in cities such as Plzeň, Sankt Goarshausen, and Jaworzno. Expect multiple days of concerts, camping options, and a welcoming crowd of metal fans from across Europe. Tickets and details are available on the official website, and newcomers will find the festival open to all who share a love for metal music.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Metalfest, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

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This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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