The 2026 Reload Festival came to a close on a high note: Judas Priest made their debut in Sulingen, the new travel plan proved successful, and 30 bands have already been confirmed for 2027.
From August 13 to 15, 20,000 visitors in Sulingen spent three days enjoying top international acts, a diverse lineup spanning multiple genres, and the unique Reload atmosphere. The 2026 Reload Festival thus goes down in Reload history as the festival’s strongest edition to date.
Top international acts and special festival moments
In 2026, Judas Priest—one of the most influential bands in metal history—took the Reload stage for the first time. In Flames returned to Sulingen for the fourth time, following their performances in 2015, 2018, and 2023. Arch Enemy took the stage at Reload for the third time, following their appearances in 2016 and 2022.
Beyond that, the lineup featured numerous top national and international acts. Lamb of God, Godsmack, Black Label Society, Alestorm, and Avatar provided additional highlights. For Black Label Society, the performance also marked the fulfillment of a promise: After nearly a decade, the band returned to Sulingen.
The lineup brought together international stars, local favorites, and newcomers. The cross-genre mix made for a varied festival experience and brought numerous bands to Sulingen for the first time.
The program expansion introduced during the 2025 anniversary year continued this year as well: The Main Stage opened as early as Thursday. As a result, the festival weekend once again kicked off with full energy and three days of Main Stage programming.
New Travel Plan Proves Effective
One major change was the travel plan. For the first time, the travel routes were divided according to the cardinal directions: north, south, west, and east. This allowed festivalgoers to reach the venue via different routes.
With support from the Sulingen Fire Department’s drone squad, the team dynamically adjusted the routes based on their workload. This allowed them to make optimal use of the various access routes and reliably manage the operations. The new approach thus proved to be a key component in ensuring an orderly start to the festival.
Behind the scenes, too, things were happening on a grand scale: For the 2026 Reload Festival, among other things, 18 kilometers of construction fencing were erected and 45 kilometers of chalk-based paint markings were applied. Twenty shower and restroom trailers, as well as 400 portable toilets, were available for festival guests.
“Reload 2026 was the best edition of the festival in our history so far. The bands, the atmosphere, and the energy on the festival grounds made this weekend truly special. We’re especially pleased that our new travel plan also proved successful.”
— André Jürgens, Managing Director
Special thanks go to the entire crew, the many volunteers, and all security and medical personnel, government agencies, and partners. Together, they helped ensure that the 2026 Reload Festival ran safely, smoothly, and unforgettably. Reload would also like to thank the bands and all the attendees for their impressive performances, their energy, and their enthusiasm.
Reload Festival 2027: The Next Chapter
While the memories of the 2026 Reload Festival are still fresh, we’re already looking ahead. Thirty bands have been confirmed for the 2027 Reload Festival. Electric Callboy and Heaven Shall Burn lead the first wave of acts.
Electric Callboy are returning as headliners to the venue where their Reload story began in 2012 as the opening act. Since their last performance in 2022, the band has continued to evolve internationally with their blend of metal, electronic, and partycore. Their return to Sulingen is thus a special reunion in the shared history of the band and the festival.
Heaven Shall Burn will celebrate their 30th anniversary at the Reload Festival 2027 with a one-of-a-kind anniversary show. Children of Bodom, Kanonenfieber, The Butcher Sisters, and Jinjer will also provide special festival moments. Kanonenfieber will make their Reload debut, The Butcher Sisters will return to Sulingen for the third time with a new album, and Jinjer will also take the Reload stage for the third time following their headlining performance on Thursday, 2022.
A total of 30 acts have been confirmed—and that’s just the beginning.
Tickets for the Reload Festival 2027
Ticket sales for the 2027 Reload Festival began on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Reload Festival 2027 – August 12–14 – WELCOME HOME!
Featuring: Electric Callboy, Heaven Shall Burn, Children of Bodom, Kanonenfieber, The Butcher Sisters, Jinjer, Skindred, Hammerfall, Beast in Black, Igorrr, Clawfinger, Hypocrisy, Malevolence, Atreyu, Make Them Suffer, Shadow of Intent, Emil Bulls, Humanity’s Last Breath, Madball, Carnifex, The Browning, OXO 86, Brand of Sacrifice, Bloodred Hourglass, Mittel Alta, Infected Rain, PeelingFlesh, Fulci, Calva Louise, Left to Suffer, and many more!
Further information at reload-festival.de, Instagram, Facebook and via presse@reload-festival.de.
