The largest gathering of the black scene worldwide, the Wave-Gotik-Treffen, will once again take place in Leipzig at Whitsun 2025. Many thousands of guests will turn the city black for a few days. What WGT fans and those who want to become fans need to know in advance.
Leipzig. This year's Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) will take place in Leipzig from June 6 to 9. Cultural events for the 32nd WGT will take place all over the Leipzig city area. The party program starts on Thursday evening, 5 June. Organizers are once again expecting thousands of international guests this year. WGT is considered the world's largest gathering of the so-called "black scene". While there were only eight live acts on the program at the very first WGT in 1992, the line-up for the 31st edition last year included more than 200 artists.
All information about WGT 2025 can be found here:
The program for WGT 2025 in Leipzig
This year's program with the individual bands and other highlights will be published on the official WGT website. Last year, events took place at ten different locations such as the Moritzbastei and the Stadtbad. The WGT program booklet - also known as the Pfingstbote - will be available to buy at the box offices and the central stand in the Agra market hall. So far, 135 artists have already confirmed their appearance at WGT 2025 (as of March 3). Many of the musical acts are coming from abroad, for example from Great Britain, Sweden or the United States.
These are the traditional WGT highlights
The WGT in Leipzig can now look back on more than thirty years of history. Today, the program includes not only concerts, but also parties, readings, lectures, film screenings, theater performances, special museum offers and cemetery tours. Venues such as museums and churches serve as settings for the program. One example is the scientific input from Cologne criminal psychologist Lydia Bennecke in the Kupfersaal. The Wachau cemetery with its church ruins looks particularly picturesque and enchanted.
This is possible without a WGT ticket wristband
Some program items can also be experienced without a full WGT ticket. For example, the Heidnisches Dorf on the grounds of the Torhaus Dölitz tin figure museum. As soon as price information for the day tickets is available, it will be published here. The medieval market on the Moritzbastei was accessible in 2024 with a day ticket for 5 euros. The Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park is traditionally open to all and is expected to take place on June 6, 2025.
How to get tickets for the Wave-Gotik-Treffen
The main ticket for the four-day WGT costs 170 euros this year. Day tickets are not available in order to prioritize the meeting as an overall event. Tickets can be ordered on the official website. The last mailing date last year was May 6. After that, tickets were deposited at the box office.
Observation tickets and WGT wristbands: How the issue works
On the day of arrival, the tickets must be exchanged for a wristband, which is valid as an admission ticket. Three points of contact were available for visitors without a custody card: Moritzbastei, the ticket office at the main railway station and the ticket office at the agra exhibition park. Campsite visitors had their own exchange points.
Children and young people at the WGT in Leipzig
Access for minors is regulated by the Youth Protection Act. Children under the age of 16 may only attend the event if accompanied. Special offers for young guests are also available, while concerts for children are only accessible with hearing protection. Childcare is available.
Travel to the Wave-Gotik-Treffen on Leipzig public transport
The festival wristband is valid as a ticket for Leipzig public transport. In 2024, the frequency of streetcar lines 3, 9 and 11 was increased. Line 9 ran all the way to Dölitz.
"Need some sleep?" - Camping, hotel, private rental
Accommodation should be booked early for the Whitsun weekend. The official WGT accommodation service offers private options. The forum is called "Brauchst du Schlaf?"
The right outfit for the WGT - Specialized stores in Leipzig
There is no fixed dress code, but appropriate clothing is encouraged. Black is a good start. Leipzig has stores that specialize in gothic fashion: Queen of Darkness, Gothic-Second-Hand and DarXity Gothic Store.
Traffic restrictions for WGT
The agra Messepark is the hub of WGT, so there may be traffic restrictions. The public order office will provide information prior to the event.
Summary
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2025 is a highlight for the black scene. With a variety of programs, the festival in Leipzig offers interesting experiences for visitors from all over the world.
