Sylak Open Air

Human-Scale Metal on the Banks of the Ain

Nestled in the heart of the Plaine de l'Ain, about forty kilometres east of Lyon, Sylak Open Air has established itself since 2011 as one of the most endearing metal festivals in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Every summer, the Stade Régis Perrin in Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans transforms into a true temple of the riff, welcoming several thousand enthusiasts from across France and beyond.

The SYLAK Spirit: Supporting Local Artists

Behind the acronym lies a philosophy: "Support Your Local Artist Krew". Founded by the association The Rock Runners, established in 2005, the festival has always championed a line-up blending international headliners with local and national discoveries. The entire organisation relies on passionate volunteers, with no employees or offices. This authenticity shows in the festival's unique atmosphere, where the closeness between artists and audience creates an incomparable energy.

The line-up is collectively decided by the volunteers, ensuring remarkable musical diversity: from death metal to stoner rock, from hardcore to punk, via black metal, doom and thrash. Over the editions, legendary acts such as Dimmu Borgir, Candlemass, Mass Hysteria, Korpiklaani and Agnostic Front have graced the Sylak stage.

An Exceptional Natural Setting

One of Sylak Open Air's major assets is its natural setting. The stadium, located on the edge of the Ain river, offers festival-goers the chance to swim between concerts, creating a relaxed summer atmosphere rare in the world of metal. The campsite is an integral part of the experience, allowing visitors to live the festival from the inside over three days.

The traditional Friday Warm Up, with its legendary outdoor metal foam bath covering nearly 200 m², has become an unmissable moment that sets the tone for a weekend of conviviality and raw energy.

Controlled Growth

Since its first edition in 2011, Sylak Open Air has continued to grow while preserving its human-scale festival identity. The move to three full days, the constantly enriched programme and the hosting of top-tier international acts demonstrate measured but determined ambition. The festival benefits from local authority support and actively contributes to the cultural and tourist appeal of the Plaine de l'Ain.

Sylak embodies this new generation of independent festivals proving that passion, volunteering and musical standards can coexist to deliver an authentic experience, far from the commercial logic of major event groups.