Oelde Open Air

Oelde Open Air — the Anniversary Metal Festival in the Westphalian Forest

In the Vier-Jahreszeiten-Park of the Westphalian town of Oelde, nestled in the idyllic Münsterland region, Oelde Open Air celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2026: From August 21st to 22nd, 2026, the Sparkassen-Waldbühne will transform into an open-air metal stronghold. Two days of programming featuring some of Central Europe's most in-demand Metal and Rock acts — curated by IFAN Musik Festival, a regional metal promoter with a growing reputation.

Program Friday, August 21st, 2026 — The Lord of the Lost Evening

Avalanche Effect — Münster Opening Act

At approximately 6:00 PM, the Münster-based rock formation Avalanche Effect will open the festival (performance duration ~60 minutes) — a local choice that underscores the festival's regional roots.

Setyøursails — The Second Slot

At approximately 7:30 PM, Setyøursails will perform (~60 min.) — the German Metalcore formation fronted by Jules Mitch, one of the rising acts in the German Metalcore scene.

Lord of the Lost — The Friday Headliner

At approximately 9:00 PM, Lord of the Lost will take the stage (90-120 min.) — the Hamburg-based Industrial-Metal-Pop formation led by frontman Chris Harms. Their blend of Metal, Industrial, Glam, Rock, and Pop has made them one of Germany's most theatrically distinctive bands. Their album “Blood & Glitter” topped the German charts for seven weeks in 2022. In 2023, they represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest (“Blood & Glitter” placed 22nd, Liverpool). Since then, they have embarked on international tours across the USA, Canada, China, and Latin America.

Program Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 — The Beyond the Black Evening

Rising Insane — Opening Act

At approximately 6:00 PM, the German Metalcore band Rising Insane from Oldenburg will open the second festival day (~60 min.).

Callejon — Düsseldorf Metalcore Classics

At approximately 7:30 PM, Callejon will perform (~60 min.) — the Düsseldorf Hardcore/Metalcore formation led by Bastian Sobtzick and Bernhard “Berni” Horn. They have been one of the defining bands of the German Metalcore scene since the early 2000s.

Beyond the Black — The Saturday Headliner

At approximately 9:00 PM, Beyond the Black will take the stage (90-120 min.) — the German Symphonic Metal formation fronted by singer Jennifer Haben. Since their debut in 2014, the band has become Germany's most successful Symphonic Metal act; albums like “Heart of the Hurricane,” “Hørizøns,” and “Beyond the Black” have achieved top chart positions in Germany.

Sparkassen-Waldbühne — The Unique Open-Air Venue

The Sparkassen-Waldbühne in the Vier-Jahreszeiten-Park Oelde is an open-air concert arena set in a woodland environment. Capacity: 2,500 standing places — a deliberately manageable size that lends an intimate quality to the festival atmosphere, facilitating mosh pits and close fan-band interactions. The trees surrounding the stage filter noise and light, creating a natural setting that is unusual for a metal festival.

Moderation — Anna Hubschrauber

The festival will be hosted by Anna Hubschrauber — a well-known personality in the German metal scene, who will guide the festival with her background knowledge and stage presence.

Oelde — Town in Southeastern Münsterland

The medium-sized town of Oelde, with around 30,000 inhabitants, is located in the Warendorf district in southeastern Münsterland — halfway between Hamm and Münster. It is known for the Vier-Jahreszeiten-Park with its farm garden displays, themed gardens, and distinctive observation tower. The park hosts several events — Oelde Open Air is the one with the most intense musical profile.