Top 5 Heavy Metal Festivals

Before you know it, spring and summer will be upon us and with it comes festival season where thousands of music lovers will flock to partake in immersive musical experiences.

Europe is home to some of the biggest and best heavy metal festivals in the world. From the epic Wacken Open Air in Germany to the legendary Download Festival in the UK, there's no shortage of incredible events for metalheads to choose from.

Here are the top 5 European heavy metal festivals that you won't want to miss:

1. Wacken Open Air: Held annually in the small town of Wacken in northern Germany, Wacken Open Air is the largest heavy metal festival in the world. With over 80,000 attendees and over 100 bands performing on multiple stages, this is the ultimate destination for metal fans.
   
   
2. Download Festival: This iconic festival takes place at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England, and has been a staple of the European metal scene for over two decades. Past headliners have included Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden.
   
   
3. Hellfest: Located in Clisson, France, Hellfest is a three-day festival that attracts some of the biggest names in metal, including Judas Priest, Motörhead, and System of a Down. The festival also features a variety of other genres, including punk, rock, and alternative.
   
   
4. Graspop Metal Meeting: Held in Dessel, Belgium, Graspop Metal Meeting is a four-day festival that features a mix of established and up-and-coming metal bands. Past headliners have included Metallica, AC/DC, and Guns N' Roses.
   
   
5. Bloodstock Open Air: This festival takes place in Catton Hall, England and has a strong focus on heavy metal, with past headliners including Judas Priest, Megadeth, and Slayer. In addition to the music, Bloodstock also features a variety of other attractions, including a campsite, market stalls, and a funfair.

No matter which festival you choose, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience at any of these top European heavy metal festivals.