POTT OUT Festival

Heavy Metal in the Hall

In December 2026, the RuhrCongress Bochum becomes a temple of metal. The POTT OUT Festival is an indoor heavy metal and hard rock festival that brings the charm of classic festival line-ups into the hall atmosphere of a large multi-purpose arena. On stage: bands that have shaped the international metal scene for decades.

December 5, 2026 — W.A.S.P. headline

The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at the RuhrCongress. Doors open at 4:00 PM, show starts at 5:00 PM. The headliner is the US metal veterans W.A.S.P.. Frontman Blackie Lawless has stood for dark, provocative, and simultaneously anthemic heavy metal for over 40 years — the band is known for its intense, emotional rituals with maximum stage presence and classics that have made metal history.

Confirmed Acts 2026

• W.A.S.P. (USA, Heavy Metal — Headliner)
• WARKINGS (international, Power Metal)
• More top-class acts will be announced successively

RADIO BOB! presents

The POTT OUT Festival is presented by RADIO BOB!, the nationwide rock and metal radio station. The organizer is Hard Circle Festivals, which organizes several metal dates in Germany in December — Bochum is one of the main locations of the series.

RuhrCongress Bochum — The Venue

The RuhrCongress Bochum is located directly on Stadionring, opposite the Ruhrstadion (home ground of VfL Bochum). With up to 5,500 seats, it is one of the most important concert and exhibition halls in the Ruhr area. Acoustics and sightlines are designed for rock and metal shows — not a bad spot in the house.

Tickets — Standing and VIP

Tickets start at €84.90 (standing) and go up to €186.90 (VIP). The VIP area includes front standing access, separate catering, and a VIP lounge. Advance sales are available via the festival website, eventfrog.de, and regular ticket outlets.

Bochum — The Metal-Affiliated City in the Ruhr Area

Bochum is one of the most music-loving cities in the Ruhr area — home of Herbert Grönemeyer (who sang "Bochum") and with a vibrant rock and metal scene between the clubs Matrix, Zeche, and the RuhrCongress. The POTT OUT Festival fits seamlessly into this scene. Those who come to Bochum on December 5th can ideally combine the concert with dinner in the Bermuda3eck — Bochum's entertainment district with dozens of bars and restaurants.