Nova Rock Festival

Nova Rock Festival is a large annual open-air rock and metal music festival held near Nickelsdorf, in Burgenland, Austria. Taking place over several days each June, it draws major international acts and tens of thousands of fans from Austria and beyond.

• Held annually near Nickelsdorf, Austria since 2005
• Features hard rock, heavy metal, and punk acts
• Draws around 200,000 attendees over four days
• Blue and Red Bull Music stages host main performances
• Paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic

What it is

Nova Rock Festival is one of Austria’s biggest music events, dedicated to hard rock, heavy metal, and punk. Since 2005, it has brought together fans and bands from across Europe and further afield, transforming the fields near Nickelsdorf into a vibrant, energetic gathering. For many, it is a highlight of the summer, offering a chance to see global headliners and discover new acts in a lively, communal atmosphere. The festival’s reputation for strong lineups and its location near the borders of Hungary and Slovakia make it a crossroads for music lovers from several countries.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 2005, organized by Nova Music Entertainment, a group formed by Musicnet, FKP Scorpio, and former bookers of Wiesen. Its creation followed a split from the Wiesen festival team in 2004. From the start, Nova Rock aimed to bring major international rock and metal acts to Austria, quickly establishing itself as a key event on the European festival calendar. The festival was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2022.

How it is celebrated

Nova Rock spans several days, typically featuring two main stages—Blue and Red Bull Music—where bands perform back-to-back sets from afternoon into the night. Attendees camp on-site, creating a temporary city of music fans. The lineup includes a mix of legendary headliners and emerging artists, with past performers such as Green Day, Metallica, Pearl Jam, and Slipknot. Food stalls, merchandise stands, and various festival activities add to the experience. The atmosphere is energetic and communal, with fans enjoying the music, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and soaking up the festival’s unique spirit.

Joining in

To take part, head to Nickelsdorf in Burgenland, Austria, where the festival grounds are set up each June. Most visitors camp for the duration, with facilities and services available on-site. Expect large crowds, multiple stages, and a packed schedule of performances. Tickets are usually sold as multi-day passes, and it’s wise to prepare for all weather conditions. The festival welcomes both seasoned festival-goers and newcomers, offering a friendly and inclusive environment for anyone passionate about rock music.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Nova Rock Festival, 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.

Read more

• Nova Rock Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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