With a sense of pride and a healthy dose of ambition, we’re announcing an important decision today: Metalyard is being postponed to 2026. The new date has already been set: Saturday, September 5, 2026, when we will host our very first open-air edition at a unique location in the heart of nature — in the forested surroundings of Emmer-Compascuum, near Emmen.

Why the postponement?
Because Metalyard is more than just a festival. And what we aim to create on September 5, 2026, demands more time, more care, and above all: more space to build something that truly makes a difference.

Metalyard – More Than a Music Festival: We Are Metal. We Are Family.

After five successful indoor editions, we’re ready for the next step. But Metalyard is not your typical festival chasing big names or mass production. Our strength lies in the opposite: in people. In connection. In authenticity.
It’s not just about the music — it’s about that feeling of coming home.

In a world where individualism is increasingly the norm, we want to be the counterpoint. Not an anonymous crowd, but a community. A family of metalheads united by shared values: togetherness, respect, and connection.

Whether this is your first time or you’ve been part of Metalyard for years — you belong here.

Music as a Catalyst for Connection

Folk, doom, black, death, classic heavy metal — all subgenres are welcome at Metalyard. The performances are intense, the guitars raw and honest, but the real spark comes from human connection.
By the beer stand, around the campfire, or during that spontaneous conversation with a stranger who suddenly becomes a friend.

Music, for us, is not the end goal — it’s the means.
A way to connect. To share stories. To create lasting memories.

Accessible to Everyone – Also Financially

We believe everyone should be able to join. That’s why we stick to fair ticket prices, with no outrageous service fees. Our food and drinks will remain affordable too — because togetherness shouldn’t be a luxury.
Connection starts with accessibility — not with a full wallet.

Backed by Research – Metal as a Safe Haven

Science confirms what we’ve felt for years: the metal scene isn’t cold or harsh — it’s a safe space.
Research by Dr. Lindsay J. McLennan (University of Queensland) and publications in the Journal of Community Psychology show that metal fans are more emotionally stable, empathetic, and connected than many might think.

We build on that strength. On that loyalty. On that support for one another.

Metalyard 2026 – Let’s Build It Together

By postponing the festival to 2026, we’re giving ourselves the space to truly realize our shared vision.
No compromises, no rushing — just a raw, honest, and heartfelt edition of Metalyard, just as it was meant to be: by and for the community.

Save the date:
Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Emmen
The first open-air edition of Metalyard.
A festival where you’re not just a spectator, but part of something greater.

We Are Metal. We Are Family.