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Leipzig celebrates the 32nd Wave-Gotik-Treffen: A festival with history!
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2025 in Leipzig attracts thousands of visitors and celebrates 32 years of culture and music from the dark scene.
Leipzig celebrates the 32nd Wave-Gotik-Treffen: A festival with history!
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) in Leipzig has established itself as an outstanding festival for “dark” music and culture, which took place for the 32nd time this year. On June 9, 2025, the city experienced a lively atmosphere as thousands of participants thronged the streets. At the same time, the annual city festival took place in the city center, which provided additional entertainment with fun, stage shows and cotton candy. This created a special hustle and bustle in the city that went far beyond the WGT's musical performances. Freie Presse reports that ...
The WGT usually attracts between 18,000 and 20,000 visitors who enjoy the numerous events. Over 150 bands and artists from various genres such as Gothic Rock, EBM, Industrial and Darkwave will be present at several locations in the city over four days. The first event took place in Potsdam in 1987 and was only open to a few hundred visitors due to GDR laws. After reunification, the first official WGT was held in 1992 at the Eiskeller Club in Leipzig.
A festival with tradition
The WGT has a fascinating history. It started as a small gathering and grew into a major festival, experiencing various ups and downs over the years, including a bust in the early 2000s. The event reached its peak in 2000 with over 300 acts and an estimated 25,000 visitors. Unfortunately, the festival had to be canceled on the third day due to financial problems, but it proved resilient and continued its tradition.
Visitors to the WGT can avail of various accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses and campsites at the Agra Exhibition Halls, the main venue of the festival. There is space for up to 10,000 people to take part in concerts, markets and dance floors. Additionally, there is a large shopping market specifically for the Gothic and “dark culture” community.
Cultural diversity and supporting program
A particularly attractive feature of the WGT is its extensive cultural diversity. In addition to over 100 concerts, the festival also offers cultural events, film screenings, readings, exhibitions, live role-playing games and workshops. Many museums in Leipzig open their doors to visitors during the festival, often with free entry or special tours.
Additionally, unofficial events take place in the area, including a wide range of electronic music and themed picnics.
The WGT, which traditionally takes place on the Whitsun holidays, has made a name for itself not only in Leipzig, but also beyond the city limits. This year too, numerous visitors, many of them since the first event in 1992, took the opportunity to celebrate their passion for dark culture. Wikipedia reports that...
Overall, the WGT offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the multifaceted and deeply rooted Gothic culture, while the city of Leipzig creates an atmospheric ambience for all visitors with its events and festivities.