The World's Biggest, Best Gothic Festivals!

Explore the world and enjoy finding out the many different ways that Gothic style is celebrated! From traditional style to modern goth, passionate Gothic lovers from around the globe have created an assortment of festivals that present aspects of the Gothic culture that everyone will find fascinating!

Always a great opportunity to dress in your finest Gothic-inspired outfits and immerse yourself in the culture, a festival is a fantastic experience for young and old to delve deeper into the darkness! Music, art, and so much more is on offer for you to view and experience when you take on an international Gothic experience!

EUROPE

Wave-Gotik-Treffen (Germany)

This German Legendary Gothic festival is not only a fun event, but also a long-running tradition that showcases fringe music, dance club parties, fairs, merchandise, exhibitions, and so much more! A veritable adult Gothic playground, attendees are immersed in the dark culture and make this one of the largest Gothic Festivals in the world!

Running since 1992, Wave-Gotik-Treffen brings together Gothic, punk, metal, cybergoth, Steampunk, experimental, and darkwave sub-cultures (as well as many, many more) in a welcoming and fun environment where everyone gets to sample the aspects of each genre through music, fashion, art, and more! Add in some Renaissance fairs, themed picnics, Viking and Pagan stalls, and you'll find that the town of Leipzig is transformed into an alternative playground you won't want to leave!

Official Website: Wave Gotic Treffen
Dates: June 6–9, 2025
Year Active: 1987 - Present
Location: Leipzig, Germany
Attendance: Approximately 20,000
Ticket Information:

Tickets are expected to go on sale around March 2025.
In 2024, tickets were priced at €150, with additional fees for camping (Obsorge) and parking passes.

Additional Information:

WGT is one of the largest Gothic festivals globally, featuring over 200 bands across various genres, including gothic rock, EBM, industrial, and more.
The festival transforms Leipzig into a hub of Gothic culture, with events spread across multiple venues, including clubs, theaters, and open-air stages.
Attendees can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, medieval markets, and parties throughout the city.
Accommodation options range from camping at the Agra fairgrounds (requiring an Obsorge ticket) to hotels and hostels in and around Leipzig.

Whitbey Gothic Weekend (UK)

Are you looking for a huge gothic music festival in the UK that you can spend a whole weekend or two enjoying with mates? Well thank the gothic gods, the two annual Whitby Goth Weekends are coming around and you better have your best goth looks ready to go!

With over 30 years of festivals under their belt, the organisers of this epic event in the gorgeous town of Whitby have arranged not only some great goth music, but also stalls and other events that will appeal to your darkness!

Embrace the Victorian atmosphere by wearing your top hats, long coats, and other Gothic Victorian fare and be transported to an interesting and beautiful time!

Official Website: Whitby Gothic Weekend
Dates:

24-27 April 2025
30 Oct - 02 Nov 2025

Years Active: 1994 - Present
Attendance: Approximately 8,000 attendees per event.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK
Ticket Information: Tickets become available closer to the event dates. To stay informed about ticket sales and event updates, regularly check here or official website

Festival Highlights:

Live Music: Experience performances from renowned Gothic bands and artists.
Bizarre Bazaar: Explore the alternative market featuring over 100 indoor stalls offering Gothic fashion, accessories, and art.
Victorian Atmosphere: Embrace the town's historic charm by donning Victorian-inspired attire—think top hats, long coats, and corsets—to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Additional Activities:

Fringe Events: Participate in club nights, meet-ups, and other unofficial gatherings that complement the main festival.
Local Attractions: Visit Whitby Abbey , famously associated with Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and other historic sites that add to the town's Gothic allure.

Tips for Attendees:

Plan Ahead: Accommodation in Whitby fills up quickly during festival weekends. It's advisable to book well in advance.
Dress the Part: While Gothic attire enhances the experience, all styles are welcome.

Castle Party Festival (Poland)

Poland has a lot to offer for the alternative scene, but for something truly out of this world you can't afford to miss the world-famous Castle Party Festival! There's nothing more Gothic than metal music played live in a historic castle, so why don't you get dressed in your darkest finery and brace yourself for some epic music from around the world!

With a stunning atmosphere that you will remember until your dying days, this festival's lineup is well worth the place ticket for international travellers looking for a chance to delve into the belly of the beast! Bambie Thug, Carpenter Brut, Bornless Fire, Shireen, Lovelorn Dolls, and Hell Boulevard are just some of the bands that have signed up to play from around the world, meaning visitors get to experience a wealth of international Gothic influence and art that has to be seen to be believed.

Official Website: Castle Party
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Years Active: 1994 - Present
Location: Bolków Castle, Bolków, Poland
Attendance: Approximately 4000-5000
Ticket Information:

Early Bird Tickets: €109 (includes a limited-edition t-shirt). Available until January 10, 2025, or while supplies last.
Limited 1 Tickets: €140. Available until January 10, 2025, or until the quota is sold out.
Limited 2 Tickets: €150. Available until July 5, 2025, or until sold out.
Standard Tickets: €160. Available from July 5, 2025, or at the box office during the festival.

Additional Notes:

Accommodation options include local hotels, guesthouses, and camping.
Bolków Castle provides a unique Gothic setting, making it a standout among alternative festivals.

The M'era Luna Festival (Germany)

On the second weekend of every August Goths from all around the world join together at this former British Army airbase in Germany to enjoy some Metal, Synthpop, Dark Wave, EBM, and other goth style music in style! Welcoming over 25000 people from around the globe, the M’era Luna Festival is the place to be; whether you are a traditional goth, a new wave goth, or are into any other sort of alternative style, this festival caters to a wide range of music lovers!

But music isn’t the only excitement offered to ticket holders! Visitors will also be thrilled by the stalls and shopping opportunities set up around the base, with cool gothic accessories and other special items available! An epic weekend awaits you at this memorable, famous festival!

Official Website The Mera Luna Festival
Instagram: @meralunafstvl
Location: Former British Army airbase, Hildesheim, Germany
Dates: August 9th - 10th 2025
Years Active: 2000 – Present
Attendance: Over 25,000 people from around the globe
Ticket Price: €159- You can buy on official website

Festival Highlights:

Diverse Music Lineup: From hard-hitting Metal to the hypnotic beats of Synthpop and Dark Wave, M'era Luna offers something for every alternative music fan.
Immersive Atmosphere: The festival’s industrial setting and elaborate stage designs create an unforgettable Gothic ambiance.
Shopping Extravaganza: Explore stalls brimming with Gothic fashion, handcrafted accessories, and festival-exclusive merchandise.

Pro Tips for Attendees:

Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and secure a prime spot for performances or shopping.
Stay Comfortable: Pack practical Gothic boots and layers to adjust to varying weather.
Explore the Community: Take time to connect with fellow attendees—it’s a gathering of like-minded souls.
Plan Ahead: Tickets sell quickly, so secure yours early to avoid disappointment.

Darkstorm Festival (Germany)

Held in Chemnitz, Germany, Darkstorm Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing music from some of the best Gothic bands around! With two stages set up for maximum performance opportunity, the festival is your chance to fully embrace your gothic side and not only enjoy listening to awesome music with others from the scene, but to break out your favourite punk, metal, and alternative outfits.

Since it’s winter in Germany, don’t forget your gothic coats to stay warm and stylish while making an impression. Find yourself with friends in the mosh pit or explore the awesome set-up of this long-running festival and enjoy all it has to offer.

Good gothic music, an awesome atmosphere, and an entire audience of others who prefer the darkness await you at these massive festivals! Not your average concert, these festivals are a monumental event that brings together acts and audiences from around the globe to celebrate all things goth! Dance your heart out to your favourite bands and discover some new ones when you explore what Europe has to offer!

Official Website: Darkstorm Festival
Dates: December 25, 2024
Years Active: 1997 - Present
Location: Stadthalle Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
Attendance: Approximately 3000-4000 attendees
Ticket Information:

Availability: Tickets for the 2024 festival are currently on sale.
Pricing: Specific ticket prices are not listed on the official website. For detailed pricing and purchase options, please visit the official ticket page.

Additional Notes:

Venue: Stadthalle Chemnitz offers a spacious setting suitable for large-scale music events.
Accommodation: Chemnitz provides various lodging options, including hotels and guesthouses. It's advisable to book accommodations early due to the festival's popularity.

NORTH AMERICA

DARK FORCE FEST (NJ - USA)

Two stages, three days, and over 35 epic acts; the Dark Force Fest is one of the USA’s biggest gothic festivals! From Industrial, Metal, and Goth music to other Alternative offerings, this event is perfect for checking out your old faves and making some new ones!

With over 100 vendors, cool panels, club events, and other performances scheduled, there is something for everyone to get excited about! If you’re wondering whether there is something for you on during the weekend festivities don’t fret, you can be guaranteed to find something that fits your niche easily! For dedicated attendees, the VIP tickets are a great investment that offers you the chance to grab some photos and delve into meet and greets with some of the best!

Official Website: Dark Force Fest
Dates: May 2–4, 2025
Years Active: 1999 - Present
Location: Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
Attendance: Approximately 3000
Hours:

May 2nd: 5 pm - 2 am
May 3rd: 12 pm - 2 am
May 4th: 12 pm - 9 pm
Pre-Party May 1st: 8 pm - 1 am - free for 3 days ticket holders (otherwise $20)

Ticket Information:

Purchase: Tickets are available on eventrbride page.
Age Restriction: The event is 18+.

BATS DAY IN FUN PARK (CA - USA)

Established in 1999, Bats Day in the Fun Park is the original Gothic festival for Disney lovers! Turning the park into the largest celebration of dark subculture on the west coast of America with this annual meet-up, this weekend event is the perfect chance for Disney lovers who walk on the dark side of life.

From Vampire fashion to spooky witches and other incredible characters, wearing gothic style in the park and exploring with your friends is just as much fun as you think it is! With prizes to win, friends to make, and a whole park to explore through a spooky lens, the Bats Day weekend was created with gothic fun in mind!

Information: Check the official Bats Day website
Instagram: Bats Day Instagram
Dates: 27 April 2025
Years Active: 1999 - Present
Location: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California, USA
Attendance: Approximately 5000 attendees
Event Hours:

Disneyland park hours on the event day (check Disneyland’s calendar for exact times)
Pre-event gatherings and meet-ups may occur the day before

Pre-Event Activities:

Merchandise expo featuring Gothic and alternative vendors.
Panels, live entertainment, and exclusive event-themed products.

Pro Tips for Attendees:

Arrive early to secure great spots for group photos.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the park all day.
Stay hydrated and plan your day to make the most of both Disneyland attractions and event activities.
Check the official Bats Day website or Instagram for updates on schedules and meet-up times.

AUSTRALIA

DARK MOFO (TAS - AUSTRALIA)

Australia has some amazing gothic events on the annual calendar, and the Dark Mofo Festival in Tasmania is among the most famous for its vitality and packed atmosphere! Loved for its attention to the artistic and cultural side of life in both gothic and other alternative communities, this event is treasured by the local and international gothic scene for being a fun, exciting event that never disappoints.

Filled with music, displays, discussions, food markets, and so much more, this is a rich event in Hobart’s history that is delightfully innovative and divine to witness over two wonderful weeks!

Website: Dark Mofo Official Website
Instagram: Dark Mofo Instagram
Dates: June 5–15, 2025
Years Active: 2013 – Present
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Attendance: More than 100.000 attendees
Event Hours: Varies by event; refer to the official website for detailed schedules.

Pre-Event Activities:

Art exhibitions featuring local and international artists.
Live performances and interactive installations.
Culinary experiences at the Winter Feast, showcasing Tasmania's finest produce.

Pro Tips for Attendees:

Dress warmly to comfortably enjoy outdoor installations and events.
Secure tickets early, as popular events often sell out quickly.
Stay updated by following Dark Mofo's official channels for the latest information on schedules and venues.

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