HelmFest — Metal Festival Büddenstedt

Büddenstedt as a Metal Location

Büddenstedt is located in the southeastern district of Helmstedt, near the border with Saxony-Anhalt. The former mining community has made a name for itself as a festival location in recent years. HelmFest is the annual meeting point for the metal scene from all over Germany.

Three Days, One Stage, 26 Bands

With 26 bands on a single stage over three days, the format is reminiscent of classic metal festivals of the 80s and 90s. No stage change stress, no missed sets — fans experience every performance from start to finish, and every band has enough time to unfold their sound.

Headliners and Specials

Wolfchant from Bavaria offers Pagan/Folk Metal with a dense atmosphere. Paragon from Hamburg is one of Germany's longest-standing heavy metal bands. Axenstar from Sweden brings classic power metal. Fatal Embrace focuses on brutal thrash. The German death metal scene is represented by several acts. The spectrum ranges from melodic folk metal to extreme death/thrash.

More Bands

The full lineup also includes Eden Weint Im Grab, Bronze, Arsea, The Cryptex, Golden Dragon, Heavens Guard, Reliquiae, Wolves of War, Defacing God, Last Instance, and other acts. With 26 bands, the program is packed — performances begin as early as midday.

Warm-Up on March 7, 2026

The official Warm-Up will take place at Büddenstedt Town Hall four months before the main festival. With Kambrium (Death Metal), Wolfs Moon, If Worlds Collide, and Agency of Steel, as well as local acts like The Lehrerband, SheepShot, and The Schüler Band, the anticipation for the summer festival is ignited.

Tickets and Infrastructure

Tickets are available at helmfest.sumupstore.com. The festival grounds offer catering, merchandise, and an adjacent camping area for festival-goers.

A Scene in Itself

HelmFest is more than just a festival — it's a meeting point for a dedicated metal community between Hanover, Brunswick, Magdeburg, and Berlin. Those who come once, return.