A guide to noteworthy Munich festivals and events throughout the year
The Sunday before March 17 (March 14 in 2027) The tradition of toasting Ireland's patron saint made it to Munich a while back - there's a colourful parade, live music and lots of beer. Read: St Patrick's Day in Munich
During Lent, usually March Munich's Paulaner monks perfected the art of strong beer brewing over 350 years ago. It's only gotten better since then. Claim your own stein of the tastiest libation around at the Munich Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival). It's one of the best Munich festivals. Read: Munich Strong Beer Festival
Around Easter The first of two annual big beer festivals in Munich's neighbouring city of Augsburg. Two big beer tents, lots of rides, fish on a stick, well worth a day trip. Read: Augsburg Plärrer See also Augsburg Plärrer photos
Starts on the last Saturday in April and runs for nine days Munich's oldest fair turns a usually quiet part of Munich into a bustling hub of trade, food and family fun. Pick up a bargain or just browse the stands at the Auer Dult. Read: Munich Auer Dult
Late April to early May Think Oktoberfest, then shrink it. The Munich Spring Festival counts as the quieter counterpart to the world’s most famous beerfest, and that suits many people just fine. Read: Munchener Frühlingsfest (Munich Spring Festival)
Early summer and September Munich's main street transforms into one of Europe's biggest outdoor parties. The old Streetlife Festival now carries on as the Zamanand Festival. Read: Munich Streetlife Festival
Late July to early August The second of the three Dult markets each year. See Munich Auer Dult
July, over three weekends There are knights, jesters, jugglers, damsels, freaks and fools. The Kaltenberg Knights' Festival brings the Middle-Ages to life. Read: Kaltenberg Knights' Festival Tournament (Kaltenberger Ritterturnier)
Late June to early July Ten days of new films from all over the world, screened in cinemas across the city centre, plus free open-air shows. Short-film fans get their own festival in November. Read: Munich Film Festival
Late June to late July Munich's biggest summer festival proves that the world really can be a small place. The summer Tollwood is several weeks of world cuisine, markets of ideas, music, outdoor theatre and environmental friendliness. All in the wonderfully relaxed setting of the Olympic Park. Read: Tollwood
The third Sunday in July The Kocherlball is a Munich tradition going back over a century. Servants of the aristocracy would meet at the crack of dawn to dance their way into day. It’s recreated in the Englischer Garten. Read: Kocherlball
Usually late June The city centre comes alive with drag queens, leather pants and feather boas for a long weekend of gay and lesbian revelry. There are concerts, a parade and a high-heels race. Read: Munich Christopher Street Day See also: Munich Gay Pride Parade pics There is another gay street festival in mid-August
Late August to early September Augsburg's second big annual Plärrer beer festival. Think of it as a warm-up to the Oktoberfest! Read: Augsburg Plärrer
September. The autumn edition of the old Streetlife Festival, now called Zamanand, turns the city's main street into the ideal spot to stroll, eat, drink, party, people watch, whatever you like! Read: Munich Streetlife Festival
September 18 to October 3, 2027 The world's biggest festival needs no introduction. Oktoberfest draws millions of visitors to Munich every year for 16 days of unbridled "Party machen". Read: Oktoberfest Munich
Mid to late October The third and last Dult market of the year. See Munich Auer Dult
Usually the second Sunday in October Those brave enough to attempt Munich’s annual 42km (26mi.) marathon will puff through the Old Town and loop through the Englischer Garten before high-tailing it to the Olympic Stadium for the grand finale. (Read: Munich Marathon)
Late November to late December For many people, December in Munich means just one thing: Christmas markets. Drink a hot, spicy Glühwein while chewing back on a half-metre hot dog and searching stands for the perfect presents for the folks back home. Read: Munich Christmas Markets See also: • Christmas Markets Photos • German Christmas Traditions
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