Alcatraz Metal Fest

More true metal than at big neighbour Graspop, and all within a short walk.

• El Presidio party bar
• Lone Wolves camp for solo travellers
• Crowdsurfers carried by many hands

Alcatraz plays prison: the site has a watchtower and cell blocks, guards in leather roam around with water pistols, and fire-breathers perform at the giant iron bird. The four stages sit so close together that you can switch in a few minutes without the sound bleeding over. The line-up has more classic thrash, death and black metal than Graspop, plus niche bands and Belgium's own scene, which can pack a tent until the crowd spills out beyond its walls. The crowd is older; you'll see more lighters than phones in the air.

Alcatraz long had a name as the laid-back alternative to Graspop. In 2026 it sold out for the first time, and it showed: up to two hours to get in on Thursday, overcrowded tents and regulars worried it will lose its human scale. On top of that, after the dry summer every pit kicked up dust.

At a glance

Discovering music — A mix · 2 of 3

Big names alongside niche bands and Belgian newcomers. As of 2026

Beyond the concerts — Variety · 2 of 3

Fire shows, a zip line and guards roaming between the concerts. As of 2026

Ticket budget — Upper · 3 of 5

Regular combi pass for 2027; the camping ticket comes on top. 2027 · 4 festival days · camping booked separately As of 2027

Check first

• Free water at the bars only when it's hot, you can't bring your own drinks, and in 2026 topping up the payment wristband cost half a token. Pack a bandana against the dust.

Right for you

• For crews who'd rather hear heavy classics and new discoveries in a tent than in front of a giant stage, and who like short walks. It works without a car: shuttles run to the site from Kortrijk station and from the car park at Xpo.

What is FIPS?

Alcatraz Metal Fest: 140 acts, 6 Aug 2026 – 9 Aug 2026, Kortrijk.

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