MAYDAY 2026 "ICONIC" - Rave longer than ever

MAYDAY (Germany’s biggest indoor rave) returns to Dortmund’s Westfalenhallen on the 30th of April, 2026, presenting itself under the theme “ICONIC” — as an evolution of a format that has been established in the electronic music scene for more than three decades. This year, the organizers lean into a concept that balances tradition with contemporary club culture: more than 30 acts will be spread across four thematically curated floors, each offering a distinct take on the spectrum of modern electronic music. For the first time, the event will run for a full twelve hours — a structural shift that responds to audience demand and allows for longer, more immersive narrative arcs.

Antje & Nico

Arena: international techno stars

The Arena, once again the central stage, focuses on internationally renowned artists. With I Hate Models, Klangkuenstler, Lilly Palmer, and Klaudia Gawlas, the line-up features representatives of a contemporary and often highly energetic techno sound. The program is complemented by the long-standing “Friends of Mayday” performance, which has been a constant feature of the line-up for many years and serves as a nod to the event’s legacy.

MAYDAY 2025 - Arena floor — *Photo by I-Motion*

Empire: variations on hard and raw techno

The Empire floor explores the harder edges of techno. Featuring SHDW B2B Regal, Kalte Liebe (live), A.N.I., and Prada2000 B2B Ueberrest, among others, this area blends hard techno, raw techno, and experimental elements. The result is a sound profile that stands in deliberate contrast to the Arena, appealing to those drawn to the intersection of club culture and industrial-style intensity.

MAYDAY 2026 lineup — *Artwork by I-Motion*

Factory: hardstyle, hardcore and uptempo division

The Factory remains the domain of the fastest and hardest sounds. With acts such as Omnya b2b Dropixx, Miss K8, Dr Donk, Hysta, and a joint performance by Paul Elstak featuring Boogshe, the line-up is targeted primarily to fans of high-BPM tracks. The floor provides a journey from hardstyle through hardcore to uptempo, reflecting a scene that has become increasingly diverse and refined in recent years.

Techno Legends × Acid Wars: historical lines

The Techno Legends × Acid Wars stage occupies a special place in the concept, drawing a clear line back to the genre’s early days. Featuring artists such as Man at Arms, Speedy J, UMEK, Miss Djax, Marco Bailey, and Oliver Lieb, it showcases key figures who have helped shape the development of electronic music since the early 1990s. The fusion of classic acid aesthetics with modern production techniques underscores the continuity of the scene — and MAYDAY’s role within its cultural memory.

New in 2026

MAYDAY 2026 introduces several organizational updates! In addition to the standard ticket, a “Next Generation” ticket will be available for the first time for people aged 16 to 19, priced below the standard rate. A carpooling initiative has also been introduced to make travel more accessible and sustainable. Furthermore, the 2026 edition runs from 07:00 PM to 07:00 AM the following morning — marking the first time you can party for a full 12 hours.

The anthem

The official anthem is once again produced by Friends of Mayday. For their tenth year, they collaborated with “Peter Pahn” to create a track that truly lives up to the “ICONIC” theme. The blend of trance and techno elements with an acid lead is really driving!

Travel

Getting there is easy and straightforward: from the main train station, you can take the U45 line to the “Westfalenhallen” stop. You can also go by bike or, if you’re up for it, on foot. Additionally, HardTours offers organized bus trips to MAYDAY and still has a few remaining spots available at the time of writing.

Event details

Date: Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Time: 07:00 PM — 07:00 AM
Location: Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, Germany
Minimum age: 16+ (valid ID required)