Leipzig celebrates the 32nd Wave Gothic meeting: a festival with history!

Leipzig celebrates the 32nd Wave Gothic meeting: a festival with history!

The Wave Gotik meeting (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, while thousands of participants flocked through the streets. At the same time, the annual city festival took place in the city center, which caused additional entertainment with a hype, stage shows and cotton candy. This ensured a special hustle and bustle in the city, which went far beyond the musical performances of the WGT. Free press reports that…

The WGT usually attracts between 18,000 and 20,000 visitors who plunge into the numerous events. Over 150 bands and artists from various genres such as Gothic Rock, EBM, Industrial and Darkwave are present in several places in the city for four days. The first event took place in Potsdam in 1987 and had made only a few hundred visitors accessible due to the GDR laws. After reunification, the first official WGT was carried out in 1992 in the Eiskeller Club in Leipzig.

a festival with tradition

The WGT has a fascinating story. It started as a small meeting and developed into an important festival that had experienced various ups and downs over the years, including a bankruptcy in the early 2000s. The event experienced its previous climax 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 turned out to be resistant and continued its tradition.

Visitors to the WGT can use various accommodation options, including hotels, guest houses and campsites at the Agra exhibition halls, the main event location of the festival. Here up to 10,000 people have space to take part in concerts, markets and dance floors. In addition, there is a large shopping market especially for the Gothic and "Dark Culture" community.

cultural diversity and supporting program

A particularly attractive feature of the WGT is the comprehensive 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 for visitors during the festival, often with free admission or special tours.
In addition, unofficial events take place in the area that include a wide range of electronic music and thematic picnic.

The WGT, which traditionally takes place on the Pentecostal Days, has made a name for itself not only in Leipzig, but also beyond the city limits. Also this year, numerous visitors, many of them since the first event in 1992, have taken 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.