Großbahrener Schwermetal Fest

Heavy Metal with Tractor Pulling

The Großbahrener Schwermetal Fest is a curious and endearing event: three days of heavy metal in the Niederlausitz province, combined with tractor pulling competitions on the adjacent field. The venue is the "Hinter Kaiser's Scheune" festival grounds in Großbahren, a small district of Sonnewalde with around 200 inhabitants in the south of Brandenburg (Elbe-Elster district).

From Fan Engagement to Festival Brand

The festival originated from the idea of a small group of local metal fans who "didn't want to drive hundreds of kilometers to concerts anymore" but wanted to bring bands home. Within a few years, the hobby project evolved into an international underground festival with a loyal following.

Line-up 2026

The program from August 14th to 16th, 2026, features 13 confirmed bands from the European metal underground:

• Hiraes (Germany) – Melodic Death Metal
• Venator (Austria) – Heavy Metal
• Disbelief (Germany) – Death Metal
• Mission in Black (Germany) – Melodic Death Metal
• Speed Queen (Belgium) – Speed Metal
• Antipeewee (Germany) – Thrash Metal
• Ontborg (Italy) – Melodic Death Metal
• Kerrigan (Germany) – Heavy Metal
• Don't Drop the Sword (Germany) – Epic Speed Metal
• Acid Blade (Germany) – Heavy Metal
• Attacktion (Germany) – Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Cover Band
• + 2 more acts

Tractor Pulling During the Day

During the day – when the bands aren't playing – tractor pulling teams from the region compete: heavy tractor-trailers pull a sled loaded with weights over a 100m track. The event impressively combines the rural, agricultural character of Großbahren with the urban metal sound – unique in the festival calendar.

Practical Information

Catering is provided by the traditional Lindenkrug in Großbahren, and technology (stage, lighting, sound) is supplied by Terrasound. Camping is available directly at the festival grounds. Tickets from €45 for the entire weekend.

Sonnewalde and the Elbe-Elster Region

Sonnewalde (around 3,000 inhabitants) is a small town in Niederlausitz in the Elbe-Elster district. The town boasts an impressive Renaissance castle, which now houses a hotel and restaurant. In recent years, the Großbahrener Schwermetal Fest has significantly increased the region's profile within the German metal scene.