Celebrating Gothic Music, Culture, and Community Since 1992

Founded in 1992, Wave-Gotik-Treffen, widely known as WGT, is one of the world’s longest-running and most respected gothic and dark alternative festivals. Held every year in Leipzig, Germany during the Pentecost weekend, the festival brings together music lovers, artists, and creatives from around the globe.

WGT was created to provide a dedicated space for fans of darkwave, gothic rock, industrial, EBM, post-punk, neofolk, and related underground genres. Over the years, it has grown into an international meeting point for the global dark scene, welcoming visitors from Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and beyond.

A Citywide Festival Experience

Wave-Gotik-Treffen takes place across dozens of venues throughout Leipzig. Concert halls, historic buildings, churches, clubs, and open-air stages become part of the festival experience. This unique structure allows visitors to explore both the music and the city while discovering new artists and cultural spaces.

Each year, hundreds of musicians and performers appear on WGT stages, representing both established legends and emerging talent. This balance helps preserve the roots of the scene while supporting its future.

Music, Art, and Cultural Programs

In addition to live performances, WGT offers a wide range of cultural events. These include lectures, book readings, art exhibitions, medieval markets, film screenings, and themed gatherings. These programs highlight the intellectual, historical, and creative depth of gothic and dark alternative culture.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with the ideas behind the music, explore its influences, and take part in discussions about its evolution.

The Victorian Picnic Tradition

One of the best-known events associated with Wave-Gotik-Treffen is the Viktorianisches Picknick, or Victorian Picnic. Held in Clara-Zetkin-Park, this gathering brings together thousands of attendees dressed in romantic, historical, and gothic-inspired clothing.

The picnic reflects the festival’s strong connection to fashion, craftsmanship, and visual artistry. It has become one of the most photographed and widely recognized symbols of WGT worldwide.