Munich’s annual calendar revolves around three massive events, Oktoberfest, the Christmas markets, and Fasching (Carnival), that collectively draw millions of visitors. Between these tentpoles, the city fills the calendar with the Munich Opera Festival, the Tollwood summer and winter festivals, Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival)
the Auer Dult fairs. This guide covers dates, locations, and practical planning for timing your Munich trip around major events.
Munich Events and Festivals Calendar 2026-2027
Oktoberfest – Mid-September to First Sunday in October (16-18 Days)
Theresienwiese (Wiesn). In 2026, Oktoberfest runs approximately September 19 to October 4. The world’s largest folk festival draws roughly 6 million visitors who consume 7 million liters of beer across 17 large tents and 21 smaller ones. The opening ceremony is the first Saturday at noon when the mayor taps the first keg.
Tents open at 9:00 (beer served from 10:00 weekdays, 9:00 weekends) and close at 23:30. Entry to the festival grounds and tents is free; a Maß (liter) of beer costs approximately €13.50-15.00 in 2026. Table reservations for the major tents open in January-February and are notoriously competitive. Book Munich hotels 6-12 months before Oktoberfest.
Even without reservations, you can find seats at most tents on weekdays before 15:00. Weekends are packed. The festival also includes carnival rides, food stalls, and the traditional costume parade on the first Sunday. Check the Munich weather in September as the festival operates rain or shine (19°C / 66°F average).
Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Markets) – Late November to December 24
Multiple locations. The main Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt (November 25-December 24, daily 10:00-21:00) is Munich’s central Christmas market with 150+ stalls selling crafts, mulled wine (Glühwein, €4.50 plus €3 mug deposit), and food. The Mittelaltermarkt (Medieval Market) at Wittelsbacherplatz offers a more atmospheric alternative with costumed vendors and historical crafts.
The Tollwood Winterfestival (Theresienwiese, late November through December 23) combines Christmas market elements with international food, live music, and arts. The Pink Christmas market (Stephansplatz) is Munich’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market. All are free to enter. The markets are busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings. For a quieter experience, visit weekday afternoons.
Fasching (Carnival) – February (Peak Week Before Ash Wednesday)
Citywide, centered on Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz. Munich’s Carnival celebrations include the Tanz der Marktfrauen (Dance of the Market Women) at Viktualienmarkt on Shrove Tuesday at 11:00, costume balls at venues across the city, and street parties on Faschingsdienstag. In 2026, Fasching peak runs approximately February 10-17.
It’s less intense than Carnival in Cologne or Mainz but offers a lively winter diversion. The Munich neighborhoods of Schwabing and Glockenbachviertel host the best street parties.
Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival) – March Through Early April
Paulaner Nockherberg (Hochstraße 77) and other brewery halls. Munich’s Lenten tradition involves strong beers (over 7.5% ABV) originally brewed to sustain monks during fasting. The festival runs roughly March 13 to April 5 in 2026. The main event is at Paulaner Nockherberg with a 2,500-seat hall. Entry is free but table reservations are recommended for weekends. A Maß costs about €12. This is a local tradition that tourists rarely attend; it’s a more authentic beer experience than Oktoberfest.
Tollwood Summer Festival – Late June to Mid-July
Olympiapark. The summer edition of Tollwood runs for approximately 25 days from late June to mid-July. It combines an international food market with live music across multiple stages, theater performances, and crafts. Most of the festival is free; headline concerts cost €30-70. The atmosphere is more alternative and international than Oktoberfest. The Olympic Park location with its tent-like roof structures provides a distinctive setting.
