GoatHell Metal Fest 2026 — Open-air metal fest in Pula, Istria, Croatia.

Dear everyone,

Unfortunately, we have to cancel GoatHell Open Air 2026 due to circumstances beyond our control, both as organizers and as performers.

The cancellation follows a request and objection submitted to the relevant authorities regarding the holding of the concert and the use of public spaces. We believe that some of the information and assessments involved arose from insufficient information and a lack of understanding of the broader context, as well as from certain suggestions, incomplete and insufficiently verified information, and circumstances that had not previously been fully established. The situation was further complicated by circumstances and pressures that arose during the process, including media involvement.

We are sorry that the process did not provide an opportunity for a timely exchange of information and direct dialogue. We believe that many uncertainties, misunderstandings and possible misinterpretations could have been clarified in this way before the decision that ultimately led to the cancellation of the festival was made. We believe that decisions directly affecting cultural and musical events should be based on verified and comprehensive information, mutual respect and open dialogue, without pressure or unfounded claims.

GoatHell Metal Fest is a music festival dedicated to heavy metal, related music genres, and the alternative music and cultural scene, promoting freedom of expression, diversity, mutual respect, tolerance and equality among all its participants.

It is a festival organized by metal enthusiasts, people with many years of experience in music, its creation and organization, but above all, people who genuinely love and live for music. That love of music is at the heart of everything we do, because music comes first.

Over its four festival editions and through dozens of concerts, GoatHell has hosted more than 120 bands from Croatia and around the world, as well as visitors from many different parts of the world.

For us, heavy metal is much more than a musical genre. For decades, heavy metal has brought people together into a unique community, connecting them through music, freedom of expression and a shared sense of belonging, while also addressing themes that are often difficult, controversial or socially uncomfortable. Metal does not shy away from addressing death, war, violence, religion, politics, social conflicts, personal trauma and other taboo subjects. It frequently makes use of metaphors, symbolism, irony, dark humor, exaggeration and figurative meanings, which cannot always be interpreted literally or outside the context of the artistic work.

It is precisely this freedom of expression that is one of the reasons why the metal scene has, for decades, brought together people with different life experiences, beliefs and identities. The metal community is not a community of hate; it is a community of people brought together by music. GoatHell wants to continue bringing this community together, connecting and developing it, with a clear message that there is no place for violence, hatred, discrimination or intolerance within it.

That is why we need strong support, first and foremost from you, our fellow metalheads, and then from the local community, our audience, cultural institutions, partners and sponsors. We want to continue developing GoatHell as a serious, recognized and internationally relevant music event that will further establish Pula on the map of the European metal and alternative music scene. We believe we can achieve this through joint effort, trust and support – because projects like this do not grow overnight, but through the dedication of people who believe in music and are willing to stand behind it.

We are sincerely sorry to all the performers, collaborators and members of the audience who were looking forward to this year's GoatHell Open Air, as well as to everyone who invested their own money, time, effort and energy into organizing and bringing this event to life.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us and believed in this project.