Munich Holidays

Munich's calendar is relentlessly good all year, and while Oktoberfest casts a long shadow, the city has a genuinely world-class events programme in every single month. Here's what's worth knowing for 2026:

Starkbierfest — 14 March to 6 April 2026 | Various breweries The strong beer festival actually predates Oktoberfest and is, in many ways, more authentically Bavarian. During Lent, Munich's breweries tap their Starkbier, powerful seasonal beers of 7–9% brewed originally by monks as "liquid bread" to sustain them through fasting. The main event is the Paulaner Starkbierfest at the Nockherberg, where a satirical political performance mocking Bavaria's politicians (the Singspiel) kicks off the season. Multiple other breweries including Augustiner, Hofbräu and Ayinger run their own versions throughout March. A genuinely local festival that most tourists miss entirely.

Frühlingsfest — 17 April to 10 May 2026 | Theresienwiese The spring festival on the very same Theresienwiese where Oktoberfest is held, smaller, friendlier, less crowded and a fraction of the price. The same beer tents, the same oompah bands, the same fairground rides, but with spring sunshine and without the six million visitors. If you want the Oktoberfest experience without the Oktoberfest chaos, this is the insider answer. Free entry to the grounds.

Auer Dult — Three times yearly | Mariahilfplatz A traditional Bavarian market and fair that takes place three times a year on the Mariahilfplatz in the Au district. Each edition has its own name and slightly different character: the Maidult (25 April to 3 May 2026), the Jakobidult (25 July to 2 August 2026) and the Kirchweihdult (18 to 26 October 2026). Antiques, ceramics, handcraft, nostalgic fairground rides and excellent Bavarian food. One of the most genuinely local events on the calendar, worth timing your trip around if you can.

Tollwood Summer Festival — 19 June to 19 July 2026 | Olympiapark A month-long multicultural festival in the south of the Olympic Park combining international food, live concerts, circus, theatre, acrobatics and environmental debate. The 2026 theme is "With feeling rather than just being there, reclaiming empathy." Most of the cultural programme is free. Ticketed concerts in the Musik-Arena feature acts including Rick Astley, Joss Stone, Emeli Sandé and Anastacia in 2026. Part Coachella, part farmers' market, part TED Talk, there's genuinely nothing else quite like it.

Munich Opera Festival — 18 June to 31 July 2026 | Nationaltheater and Prinzregententheater The Bavarian State Opera's summer festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, running six weeks of opera, ballet and concert performances across Munich's finest venues. The 2026 programme features the premiere of Richard Wagner's Die Walküre as part of a new Ring cycle, Handel's Alcina, and a world premiere by Brett Dean. Tickets range from €8 to €190 and sell out well in advance. Book through staatsoper.de as early as possible for the best availability.

Filmfest München — 26 June to 5 July 2026 | Various cinemas citywide Germany's second largest film festival after the Berlinale, and one of the most relaxed and audience-friendly major festivals in Europe. Over 150 films including world premieres, German premieres, documentaries and children's films screen across ten days in cinemas throughout the city centre, with Q&As, galas and open-air screenings at Kino, Mond & Sterne in the Westpark. The 43rd edition in 2026 presents the CineMerit Award to Italian actor Toni Servillo. Tickets go on sale mid-June at filmfest-muenchen.de.

Superbloom Festival — 29 August to 4 September 2026 | Olympiapark Now in its fifth year and expanding to a full week for the first time, Superbloom is a multi-day outdoor music festival in the Olympic Park with a strong international lineup. The 2026 edition features Lorde, Lewis Capaldi, Ayliva and Paul Kalkbrenner among others. The Olympiapark setting, with the iconic stadium, lake and mountains in the background, is one of the finest outdoor festival venues in Europe. Book tickets well in advance as it sells out.

Oktoberfest — 19 September to 4 October 2026 | Theresienwiese The world's largest folk festival needs little introduction. Over six million visitors, 14 legendary beer tents, seven million litres of beer and 16 days of Bavarian music, food, fairground rides and lederhosen. The Lord Mayor taps the first keg at noon on the opening Saturday and shouts "O'zapft is!", and the city transforms completely. Entry to the grounds is free. Beer tent tables are reserved months in advance for peak evenings. Budget €80 to €150 for a full day. Book accommodation 6 to 12 months ahead.

Munich Marathon — October 2026 | City centre A scenic 42km route through the heart of Munich, taking in the English Garden, the Marienplatz, the Olympic Park and the banks of the Isar. With around 20,000 participants it's one of Germany's most popular marathon routes and is well managed for spectators, with the whole city turning out to cheer. There are also 10km and half marathon options for those who want the atmosphere without the full distance.

Tollwood Winter Festival and Christmas Markets — 24 November to 24 December 2026 | Citywide Munich runs multiple Christmas markets simultaneously and they are genuinely among the finest in Europe. The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz is the most famous, with traditional stalls, mulled wine and gingerbread under the Gothic Rathaus and the Frauenkirche towers. The Tollwood Winter Festival on the Theresienwiese (24 November to 23 December) offers an alternative take with organic food, international crafts and theatrical performances, most of which are free. The Medieval Christmas Market on Wittelsbacherplatz is arguably the most atmospheric of all. Tollwood then closes out the year with its legendary New Year's Eve party on 31 December.

Oh, get ready to dive into the neon-lit, after-dark playground of Munich! This city's nightlife is like the cool, mysterious character in a sitcom – always full of surprises. Whether you're a dance-until-dawn party animal or a chill-at-a-cozy-bar type, Munich's got your back. So, let's paint the town red, Munich style!

• P1 Club - It's the VIP of Munich's nightlife – legendary, glamorous, and sometimes a bit of a diva. If you want to party where the celebs do, this is your spot. Dress to impress, or you might not get past the velvet ropes.

• Cord Club - It's like that reliable friend who always knows how to have a good time. A bit more laid-back than P1, with a mix of indie and electro vibes. Perfect for those nights when you just want to let your hair down.

• Substanz - Live music lovers, unite! This spot is like a jukebox of live bands, from rock to jazz. It's intimate, it's buzzing, and it's where you can be up close and personal with the music.

• Backstage - This place is the Swiss Army knife of nightspots – a club, a concert venue, a beer garden, all rolled into one. It's where you go when you can't decide what kind of night you want because it offers a bit of everything.

• Glockenbachviertel - Not just a spot, but a whole neighbourhood! It's the trendy, artsy district, bustling with bars, cafes, and clubs. It's like bar-hopping in a hipster wonderland.

• Blitz Club - If techno is your religion, welcome to your church. It's all about the music here – come for the beats, stay for the transcendent dance floor experience.

• Die Goldene Bar - This place is like stepping into a golden age movie set, with its vintage decor and classic cocktails. It's for nights when you want a touch of old-world glamour.

• Kraftwerk - For the alternative crowd, this one's your jam. It's like a playground for grown-ups who still love to party. Think industrial vibes and non-mainstream beats.

We're talking about a culinary treasure trove here, folks, and it's not just all about sausages, either. Munich is a proper foodie hotspot, where each dish will have your tastebuds dancing. So, grab a napkin – things are about to get deliciously serious.

• Weisswurst - This is the breakfast of Bavarian champions! A delicate, white sausage traditionally enjoyed before noon. Think of it as a gentle wake-up call for your taste buds, best savoured with sweet mustard and a pretzel.

• Pretzels (Brezn) - Not your average snack! These are the real deal – big, soft, and utterly addictive. They're like the supporting actor who steals the show, especially when paired with a cold beer.

• Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle) - A behemoth of a dish, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. It's like the ultimate comfort food for meat lovers. Pair it with a pint of beer, and you're living the Bavarian dream.

• Käsespätzle - Think of it as Germany's answer to mac 'n' cheese – only better (sorry, mac 'n' cheese). It's a cheesy, gooey, noodle-y delight that's like a warm hug for your stomach.

• Obatzda - This is beer garden gold – a creamy, spiced cheese spread that's perfect with a pretzel or rye bread. It's like the Bavarian version of a cheese platter, but more fun.

• Sauerbraten - A marinated roast that's a symphony of sweet, sour, and savoury notes. It's like the stew that went to finishing school – sophisticated, rich, and totally satisfying.

• Apfelstrudel - This apple strudel is a slice of heaven. Light, flaky pastry with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. It's like a cosy, edible embrace on a plate.

• Leberkässemmel: Don't be fooled by the name; there's no cheese (Käse) in it. It's a meaty loaf slice in a bread roll, often with mustard. It's like the fast food of Munich but with a gourmet twist.

• Dampfnudeln - These are not your average dumplings. Sweet or savoury, steamed to perfection, they're like fluffy clouds of joy. A traditional treat that's both comforting and delicious.

• Steckerlfisch - Grilled fish on a stick, typically mackerel, seasoned and cooked over open coals. It’s like Munich's version of a barbecue, fish edition. Perfect for those sunny days in a beer garden.