During the Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT), Leipzig transforms into the vibrant capital of the gothic subculture. Across the city, visitors dressed in elaborate and fascinating outfits turn Pentecost weekend into a living tableau of dark elegance. And the best part? You don’t need a festival ticket to experience the unique atmosphere of WGT up close. From the Victorian Picnic to the Gothic Run and the medieval Pagan Village, many events are open to the public – and some are even free of charge. If you’re curious, you can immerse yourself in the gothic world without a wristband. Here are some unmissable highlights.
Victorian Picnic at Clara-Zetkin Park
Black velvet, lace and parasols set the scene as Clara-Zetkin Park is transformed into a sea of crinolines, tailcoats and elaborate hats each Friday of the WGT. The Victorian Picnic is one of the most beloved and most photographed events of the entire festival – elegant, whimsical and open to all. What began as a casual gathering has become a meticulously staged social event.
Hundreds of participants attend in detailed historical attire – spanning styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras to Baroque and Steampunk. Between picnic blankets, porcelain tea sets and the gentle rustle of fans, people stroll, pose and chat. The focus is less on historical accuracy and more on creativity, craftsmanship and imagination. The Victorian Picnic is a photographer’s dream – but courtesy is key. Always ask politely before taking portraits or close-ups; a kind request is usually met with a warm smile.
Funeral Car Parade to Südfriedhof Cemetery
More than 20 hearses from various eras and styles take part – from classic American Cadillacs with soaring tailfins to angular Mercedes models, from stately British Jaguars to quirky custom builds featuring spider-web rims, candelabras and coffin fixtures. Each vehicle is a statement – carefully maintained, sometimes restored, sometimes transformed into a rolling sculpture. This is where automotive craftsmanship meets subcultural pride.
The hearse parade is not merely a procession, but a mobile exhibition of dark artistry – sometimes minimalist, sometimes theatrically dramatic. This year, the convoy begins at Clara-Zetkin Park and ends at Leipzig’s Südfriedhof cemetery, one of the largest and most atmospheric burial grounds in the city.
Gothic Pogo Festival at “Werk 2”
If your taste at WGT leans towards the raw, loud and unapologetically underground, the Gothic Pogo Festival at Leipzig’s Kulturfabrik “Werk 2” is the place to be. In a setting that combines basement vibes, strobe lights and cold fog, the international Batcave, Post-Punk and Minimal Wave scene comes together in full force – intense, moody and irresistibly danceable.
For over twenty years, the Pogo has been a core fixture of Pentecost weekend for the goth underground – less ballroom, more DIY spirit. With international live acts, all-night DJ sets and a close-knit, queer-friendly crowd, it’s a must for anyone who prefers sweating it out on the dancefloor to strolling on catwalks.
In 2025, the line-up includes Ghost Dance (UK), The Guilt (Sweden), Laura Krieg (Canada), Attitüde Björn Peng (Germany), and Black Sun Dreamer (Poland), among others.
