Knock Out Festival 2026

Knock Out Festival — Karlsruhe's Metal Stronghold in December

The Knock Out Festival is Karlsruhe's traditional indoor metal festival, bringing top-class international acts to the Schwarzwaldhalle since 2009. Promoter Bottom Row GmbH & Co. KG specializes in Heavy Metal, Power Metal, and Hard Rock — previous headliners included Saxon, Powerwolf, Sabaton, and Helloween, among others. The next edition will take place on December 12, 2026 – a must-attend event for metalheads in the city of Karlsruhe (state of Baden-Württemberg) and beyond.

Headliner 2026 — W.A.S.P.

The headliner for the 2026 edition is the US Glam Metal legends W.A.S.P. led by singer and bassist Blackie Lawless. The band, founded in 1982 in Los Angeles, is considered one of the defining acts of the American Heavy Metal scene of the 80s and 90s — albums like "The Last Command", "Inside the Electric Circus", and the concept album "The Crimson Idol" are genre classics. In Karlsruhe, they will play a classic best-of set with hits like "I Wanna Be Somebody", "Wild Child", "L.O.V.E. Machine", and "Blind in Texas".

Warkings and More Bands

The second confirmed act on the bill is Warkings — the Power Metal collective of anonymous warriors (Tribune, Crusader, Viking, Spartan), which has become one of Europe's most exciting Power Metal bands with albums like "Reborn", "Revolution", and "Morgana". More bands will be announced gradually in spring 2026 — the official website knockout-festival.de and the promoter's social media channels will provide information.

Schwarzwaldhalle Karlsruhe

The Schwarzwaldhalle at the Karlsruhe fairgrounds has a capacity of around 2,500 people and has been the premier rock concert venue in Baden for decades. With good sound, a stage visible from every angle, and a fair concept of standing and seating areas, it is perfectly suited for indoor festivals of Knock Out's size. From Karlsruhe Central Station, you can reach the hall in a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute tram ride.

Bottom Row and 17 Years of Knock Out

Bottom Row GmbH has been organizing the Knock Out since its premiere in 2009. Since then, the festival has grown into one of Southern Germany's most prestigious indoor metal destinations. The mix of international headliners, up-and-coming bands, and a loyal metal community makes the Knock Out a family festival for metalheads — and a fixed year-end event in December.