DARKMAS FEST IV

An Uncompromisingly Curated Goth Festival in Witten

DARKMAS FEST is one of the most exciting mini-festivals in the German dark scene — and precisely because it doesn't try to be the next M'era Luna, it has found its own loyal community. The festival has been organized annually by the collective Höllentanz / Dark Skies Over Witten since its first edition in 2023. The fourth edition will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026 — in the outdoor area of Haus Witten and with an aftershow at Café Amadeus, Ruhrstraße 86.

The Concept — One Local Band, One Newcomer, One Established Act

DARKMAS FEST follows a clear curatorial logic: three bands, each with a different role in the program.

• Atomic Neon (DE, Witten) — the local opener. A duo that reinterprets Gothrock and Post-Punk on a modern sound level.
• Darkways (ES) — the newcomer/mid-slot. New Wave from Spain, one of the most exciting young bands in the international Goth scene.
• Charles de Goal (FR, Headliner) — Pioneer of French Punk and Post-Punk since the late 70s. A rare live opportunity that places the festival on the international Goth map.

Outdoor Area of Haus Witten + Café Amadeus

Haus Witten is one of Witten's cultural centers located at Ruhrstraße 86, in the heart of the city. DARKMAS FEST uses the outdoor area as an open-air stage — an intimate format where concerts take place directly under the summer sky. Afterwards, the festival moves to the neighboring Café Amadeus, where the free aftershow will be held — well-known Goth DJs will play, and the night will extend into Sunday morning.

Art and Music — Bensch in the Foyer

A special feature of DARKMAS FEST: not only music but also visual art is part of the concept. In the foyer of Haus Witten, artist Bensch will present an exhibition — a dialogue between images and sound that adds an extra dimension to the festival. Admission to the art exhibition is included in the festival ticket.

Tickets and Times

• Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Admission: 6:00 PM
• Show Start: 7:00 PM
• Ticket Standing Room: €33.00 (incl. €3.00 fees)
• Aftershow Café Amadeus: Free

Tickets are sold via tickettoaster.de, delivered as Print@home or Mobile Ticket. Payment via bank transfer (prepayment) or PayPal.

Witten as a Goth Destination

The city of Witten (around 96,000 inhabitants on the Ruhr river in the Ennepe-Ruhr district) is not the first place that comes to mind in the context of the German dark scene — and that's precisely what makes DARKMAS FEST appealing. Instead of Leipzig or Hildesheim, an alternative stage is cultivated here, away from the major festival industry. Those who have experienced DARKMAS once tend to return regularly.

What Sets DARKMAS Apart

Small lineup, three carefully selected bands, open-air atmosphere, integrated art exhibition, free aftershow — DARKMAS is a consistent antithesis to the mega-festivals of the scene. Quality over quantity, personal contact between artists and audience, a loyal community of a few hundred guests. Anyone who wants to see Charles de Goal live has a rare opportunity in Witten.