Wellesweiler Open Air
Two days of Metal and Rock in the Neunkirchen district of Wellesweiler
About WW:O:A
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a WW:O:A al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
The Saarland Metal Village
When the Wellesweiler Open Air kicks off on the second August weekend at Berthold-Günther-Platz, one thing is clear: Metal is celebrated here with a great deal of passion. The WW:O:A — as it's known to insiders — is one of those festivals that gets by without big sponsor logos and exaggerated marketing. Instead, volunteer helpers, a reliable roster of regional bands, and a loyal fan base have kept the Open Air going since 2016.
A Festival with History
Inspired by the late co-founder Benny Bodmer, the Wellesweiler Open Air grew out of a small idea. Today, it is one of the established events in the Saarland Metal scene and is organized by Wellesweiler-Open-Air e.V. The 10th edition is scheduled for 2026 — an anniversary that underscores the festival's importance as a focal point for Metal fans in Neunkirchen, throughout Saarland, and beyond.
Small but Focused
With around 1,000 visitors per day, the WW:O:A deliberately remains manageable. This size is precisely what makes it appealing: short distances between the stage, the bar, and fellow attendees, personal contact with bands, and no endless queues. The lineup traditionally features a mix of Saarland newcomers and more established acts from German-speaking countries, ranging from classic Heavy Metal to Thrash, Death, Hardcore, and Crossover.
Wellesweiler — A District with Character
Wellesweiler is a district of Neunkirchen in Saarland, located in the Neunkirchen district. After structural changes, this former mining region has retained its own cultural identity. The Open Air fits perfectly into this picture: a village that becomes a Metal mecca once a year, without losing its down-to-earth nature.
Volunteering as the Foundation
Like many small festivals in Germany, the WW:O:A relies entirely on the commitment of its volunteers. From setup to catering, backstage support, and dismantling on Sunday — everything is handled without a paid crew. Anyone who has looked behind the scenes understands why the atmosphere at the festival grounds is so special: organizers and the audience celebrate together at eye level.
WW:O:A — edition 2026
2026 is a special year for WW:O:A: for the tenth time, Wellesweiler-Open-Air e.V. invites you to Saarland. The festival traditionally starts on Friday from 5 PM, and on Saturday, it kicks off in the early afternoon and continues into the late night hours. Admission is with a pre-sale ticket or at the box office.
As in previous years, bands from the Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, and supra-regional Metal and Rock scene will be on stage. The lineup is traditionally announced step-by-step in the months leading up to the festival on the official website and the festival's Facebook page. As in past years, the organizers focus on a balanced mix of Saarland bands and acts from the broader German-speaking Metal and Rock scene.
Programme WW:O:A 2026
Friday, August 7, 2026
- From 5:00 PM — Admission, opening of the festival grounds
- Evening — Support bands and mid-tier acts on the main stage
- Night — Headliner slots and after-show atmosphere at the bar
Saturday, August 8, 2026
- From noon — Festival opening, first bands
- Afternoon to Evening — Several acts alternating on stage
- Night — Headliners and festival finale
The complete lineup for the 10th edition is expected to be announced in stages in spring 2026 via the official website wellesweiler-open-air.com and the festival's Facebook page. As in previous years, the organizers are focusing on a balanced mix of Saarland bands and acts from the supra-regional Metal and Rock scene.
Highlights WW:O:A 2026
- 10th edition — Anniversary since 2016
- Two days of Metal and Rock at Berthold-Günther-Platz
- Around 1,000 visitors per day — familiar atmosphere
- Completely organized by volunteers
Prices WW:O:A 2026
Tickets in advance via the festival website and at the box office. Exact prices will be announced with the lineup.
Practical information — WW:O:A
Getting There
By car via the A8 (Neunkirchen exit) or A6 (Neunkirchen-West exit), then take the B41 towards Wellesweiler. Parking is signposted in the vicinity of Berthold-Günther-Platz.
By Train
Neunkirchen (Saar) station is well-connected. From there, take a city bus or taxi (approx. 5 km) to Wellesweiler. Saarbrücken main station is also only 25 minutes away.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Neunkirchen, Bexbach, and Homburg. Some guests travel from the Saarpfalz district and Rhineland-Palatinate. Camping is not offered on the festival grounds; campsites are available nearby at Bostalsee or in Homburg.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets are available in advance through the festival website and at the box office. Prices remain traditionally moderate — the WW:O:A sees itself as an affordable underground festival, not a money-making machine.
On Site
Catering by local providers, own bar with fair prices, merchandise stand. Please note that this is an open village event — consideration for residents and leaving the premises during night hours is part of good etiquette.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a WW:O:A al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place WW:O:A
Berthold-Günther-Platz Wellesweiler
Berthold-Günther-Platz, 66539 Neunkirchen