Munich hosts traditional events and festivals centered around beer throughout the year. Munich beer is regional, Munich beer is a piece of home, and with the German Purity Law of 1487, it is deeply rooted in the city's history. Celebrations take place in all seasons. Make a note of the most important dates for 2026.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Schäfflertanz (dance)
In 2026, the Schäffler dancers will perform throughout Munich from January to February. The historic round dance, which they only perform in public places every seven years, follows a centuries-old choreography. The sequence of different dance figures with descriptive names such as “Laube” (arbour), “Kreuz” (cross), “Schlange” (snake) and “Krone” (crown) is accompanied by music.
But what does the dance have to do with beer? The guild of barrel makers, also known as Schäffler, is inextricably linked to the culture of beer brewing. They invented the dance in the late Middle Ages to bring smiles back to people's faces after the severe plague epidemics had subsided. They vowed to perform the dance every seven years for all time to commemorate the victory over the plague. In 2026, it will be time again!
When: January 6 to February 17 2026
Where: public places throughout Munich
Further information: Schäfflerdance
Pub music
Whether at the Hofbräuhaus, the Weisse Bräuhaus, the Fraunhofer or the beer garden at the Chinese Tower, pub music is an important part of Bavarian tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages in Munich. And even today, people still meet in pubs and beer gardens for a morning pint or an after-work beer to enjoy live music. You can find the best places here.
When: year-round
Where: in selected restaurants, pubs, and beer gardens in Munich
Further information: Pub music
Wirtshausfasching (pub carnival)
In the best company, celebrate with music, Bavarian delicacies and Munich's festive culture at the Wirtshausfasching organized by innkeepers of Munich's city center, which premiered last year. Carnival is celebrated here from Unsinniger Donnerstag (nonsensical Thursday) to Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday). On Rose Monday there is even a special offer with Weßwürsten (white sausages) for just one euro each. The offer is valid from 10 a.m. until noon in many pubs in Munich's city center.
On Ash Wednesday, February 18, the fun comes to an end, but don't worry: the strong beer season that follows until Easter definitely has its pleasant sides.
When: February 12 to 18, 2026
Where: Pubs in Munich city center
Further information: Fasching in Munich
Strong beer festivals
March is traditionally the month of strong beer festivals in Munich. Munich's traditional breweries organize their own celebrations in the city's beer cellars. Popular bands, also known from the Oktoberfest, often play there. People toast with a particularly strong beer that Munich's breweries brew especially for this occasion. Strong beer was actually invented by monks in the Middle Ages, who kept themselves happy during Lent with this particularly nutritious beer, guided by the belief that liquids did not break the fast. Nowadays, strong beers can be recognized by their ending in “-or.” The Salvatoranstich at Nockherberg is known nationwide and is accompanied by the Derblecken (roasting) of German and Bavarian political celebrities.
When: March 2026
Where: Beer cellars of traditional Munich breweries such as Paulaner at the Nockherberg, Löwenbräukeller, Augustiner-Keller and many more
Further information: Starkbierfeste, Salvatoranstich at Nockherberg
Spring Festival
The Spring Festival on the Theresienwiese will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026, offering its guests an entire week longer of festive fun than usual. Traditionally, the Spring Festival marks the beginning of the Munich festival season. From the parade to the tapping of the first beer barrel, the beer tents, and the amusement park with rides, everything is similar to Oktoberfest, just on a smaller scale.
When: April 17 to May 10, 2026
Where: Theresienwiese
Further information: www.fruehlingsfest-muenchen.de
Beer Day
Bavarian Beer Day is celebrated every year on April 23 to commemorate the Bavarian Purity Law, which was enacted in Ingolstadt on April 23, 1516. In Munich, free beer is traditionally served at the beer fountain on Oskar-von-Miller-Ring to celebrate this day. Since April 23, 2026 falls on a Sunday, the free beer will probably be served on April 29, 2026.
When: April 29, 2026
Where: Bierbrunnen am Oskar-Miller-Ring
Further information: www.bayerischer-brauerbund.de
Maidult
The Maidult is the first Dult of the year, followed by the Jakobidult in July and the Kirchweihdult in October. You can't get much more Munich than this: people like to meet up in Tracht (traditional costume) at the Auer Dult on Mariahilfplatz in Munich´s district Au – or, to be more precise, at the Maidult in spring, which starts in April. Children love the nostalgic chain carousel, handmade doll clothes, small furniture for their playhouses at home, and cotton candy. Adults browse pottery, traditional cardigans, or practical household goods – and treat themselves to a beer or a fresh Dampfnudel (steamed dumpling) in between. Dult is cult!
When: April 25 to May 3, 2026
Where: Mariahilfplatz in the district Au
Further information: www.auerdult.de
Dance into May
The tradition of raising the maypole and dancing the May dance is upheld in Munich and its districts. The maypole at the Viktualienmarkt in the old town will be raised again in 2027. The old one will then be auctioned off for a good cause. Traditionally, parties are also held in Munich's clubs and discotheques on the night of May 1.
Wann: May 1, 2026
Wo: Maypoles in Munich's districts, clubs, and discos
Weitere Info: Events in May
Election of the Bavarian Beer Queen at the Löwenbräukeller
“Do you want to become the Queen of Bavaria?” – Every year, numerous applicants from all over Bavaria respond to this call from the Bavarian Brewers Association. Four candidates make it to the final round at the Löwenbräukeller, where Bavaria’s Beer Queen 2026 will be crowned.
When: Mid-May 2026
Where: Löwenbräukeller
Further information: www.loewenbraeukeller.de
Munich Brewers´ Day
Every two years, the Munich Brewers' Association organizes Munich Brewers' Day. On this day, all brewers solemnly pledge to uphold the Munich Purity Law of 1487. The day begins with a church service and a parade through the city center, and Munich's apprentice brewers and maltsters celebrate the successful completion of their apprenticeships. The tradition of “freischlagen” of the young brewers with the ferula, the guild symbol of the brewers, is traditionally performed by the Mayor of Munich. Schäfflertanz (barrel dancers), a festive atmosphere, and free beer for the citizens of Munich underline the city's deep connection to the brewing trade.
When: 20. June 2026
Where: Munich city center
Further information: www.muenchnerbier.de
Fest der Blasmusik und Tracht
In the heart of the state capital, in the beer garden at Viktualienmarkt, music plays on this day in June, namely first-class Bavarian brass band music. Bavarian traditions and customs are also showcased by traditional costume groups, Schuhplattler dancers, and Goaßlschnalzer (whip crackers). Is there a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in a Bavarian beer garden?
When: 21. June 2026
Where: Viktualienmarkt
Further information: www.festring.de
Kocherlball
At this very special dance event, dance enthusiasts from all over Munich gather at dawn at the Chinesischer Turm in the Englischer Garten. The program includes folk dances such as the waltz, polka, Zwiefacher and Münchner Française. Many guests come dressed in traditional costumes or old servant uniforms to commemorate the origins of the festival: in the 19th century, the Kocherlball was a gathering of domestic servants (“Kocherl”). They had to meet at the crack of dawn so that they could return to work on time after their masters had gone to church. Breakfast and snacks can of course be brought along, as has always been the tradition in authentic Munich beer gardens. Beer and all other drinks must be ordered from the host.
When: July 19, 2026
Where: Chinesischer Turm in the Englischer Garten
Further information: www.kocherlball.de
Jakobidult
It doesn't get much more Munich than this: people like to meet up in Tracht (traditional costum) at Mariahilfplatz in Munich's Au district for the Auer Dult – or, to be more precise, in July for the Jakobidult, which lasts into August. Children love the nostalgic chain carousel, handmade doll clothes, small furniture for their playhouses at home, and cotton candy. Adults browse pottery, practical household goods, art, and bric-a-brac—and treat themselves to a beer or a fresh Dampfnudel (steamed dumpling) in between. Dult is cult!
When: July 25 to August 2, 2026
Where: Mariahilfplatz in the district Au
Further information: www.auerdult.de
Beer garden fun
Actually, beer gardens are open all year round. When the weather is sunny, people like to sit together at long beer tables even on cooler days. Of course, summer is the best time to enjoy them, because everyone is programmed to be outside and it's wonderful to sit in the shade of the chestnut trees until late in the evening. You are welcome to bring your own snacks from home. Beer and all other drinks can be purchased from the host. To top it all off, most of Munich's beautiful beer gardens regularly feature live music.
When: all year round when the weather is nice, but best in summer
Where: Beer gardens in Munich
Further information: Brass music in the beer garden
Pub music
Whether at the Hofbräuhaus, the Weißen Bräuhaus, the Fraunhofer or the beer garden at the Chinesischem Turm, pub music is an important part of Bavarian tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages in Munich. And even today, people still meet in restaurants and beer gardens for a morning pint or an after-work beer to enjoy live music. You can find the best places here.
When: all year round
Where: in selected restaurants, pubs, and beer gardens in Munich
Further information: Blasmusik im Biergarten
Oktoberfest
The festival of festivals! It begins with the arrival of the breweries and festival hosts on the first Saturday and the tapping of the first keg at 12 noon exactly in the Schottenhamel tent, followed by the traditional costume and riflemen's parade on the first Sunday of the Wiesn. And it ends on Sunday evening, October 4, with sparklers, melancholy, and the favorite hits of this year's Wiesn. In between, there are 16 days of folk festival fun with everything that goes with it. And why is it called Oktoberfest when it starts in mid-September? Because the beautiful weather of Indian summer should be taken advantage of, the world's largest folk festival was extended into September in 1872. All information about Oktoberfest can be found here.
When: September 19 to October 4, 2026
Where: Theresienwiese
Further information: www.oktoberfest.de
WirtshausWiesn
“All of Munich is Oktoberfest!” That's the motto of WirtshausWiesn in Munich's restaurants. WirtshausWiesn takes place at the same time as Oktoberfest – in more than 40 Munich restaurants. Oktoberfest beer, Oktoberfest delicacies, Tracht (traditional costumes) and music await guests in participating Munich restaurants and beer gardens.
When: September 19 to October 4, 2026
Where: in more than 40 Munich restaurants
Further information: www.innenstadtwirte.de
Kirchweihdult
The Kirchweihdult marks the end of the Dult season. But even this event is quintessentially Munich: people like to meet up in Tracht (traditional costume) at the Auer Dult on Mariahilfplatz in Munich's Au district – children love the nostalgic chain carousel, handmade dolls' clothes, small furniture for their playhouses at home, and candy floss. Adults browse pottery, practical household goods, art, and bric-a-brac—and treat themselves to a beer or a fresh Dampfnudel (steamed dumpling) in between. Dult is cult!
When: October 17 to October 25, 2026
Where: Mariahilfplatz in the district Au
Further information: www.auerdult.de
Munich Boazn (pub)
The first Munich Boazn (small pubs) opened around the turn of the century and remain an important part of the city's history to this day. There are many opinions about what ultimately makes a Boazn a Boazn: for some, the obligatory slot machine, the TV for soccer broadcasts and radio music in the background are part of it.
A few shops sell snacks such as bratwurst sandwichs or Hawaiian toast. But everyone agrees: the Boazn is cozy – so cozy that you forget the time and just want to stay seated. Young entrepreneurs are now following the trend and opening small pubs where you can drink beer, watch soccer and forget the time.
When: worth visiting all year round
Where: cozy little pubs (Boazn) in Munich's neighborhoods
Further information: Munich Boazn
Christmas Markets in Munich
When the city is full of festive stalls and sparkling lights, you don't immediately associate this with Munich's most iconic drink. But if you look closely, you'll also find spiced beer, mulled beer, and special Christmas bocks and winter zwickls brewed especially for the cold season at the Christmas market. And what could be better than warming up in a pub after a stroll through the festively decorated city?
When: November 23 to December 24, 2026
Where: Munich city center, streets and squares around Marienplatz
Further information: www.christkindlmarkt-muenchen.de
