Oktoberfest runs from 18 September to 3 October 2027 at the Theresienwiese. For a different sort of day out, go to the Auer Dult for market stalls and old fairground rides, or pick Tollwood for music and food. Munich’s Christmas markets are the next big dates on the calendar. Our Munich Christmas market guide has the dates and a route through the city centre.
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The Munich festival I’d choose with friends visiting for the first time isn’t always the one I’d choose for myself. The Wiesn gives you the sheer scale of the beer tents and rides. The Auer Dult is for a slow browse, and Isartor is where I’d head on a cold evening with somebody who has never tried Feuerzangenbowle. Use the dates below to decide which one fits, then pick the part of the day you want to be there for.
How do you visit Oktoberfest?
At the Theresienwiese, I like to make a lap of the fairground before heading to a beer tent. There is enough to see if you come just for the rides and food.
The main festival grounds and the beer tents are free to enter. You pay for food, drink and rides. The Oide Wiesn, a separate area at the southern end of the grounds, has historic rides and its own entry charge. Check the official site map and entrances before picking where to arrive.
For a walk-in, try a weekday lunchtime. Large tents set aside some tables for walk-ins, but a busy tent may close its doors when full. Groups who want to sit together in the evening should book with their chosen tent. The reservation itself is free. Expect to buy food and drink vouchers in advance. Most hosts open reservations in spring, often in April or May. Official Oktoberfest table reservations
Another favourite is the Toboggan! If you’d rather watch than ride, have a look at the fairground before heading back to the tents. Oktoberfest’s Toboggan
The name goes back to the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Therese on 12 October 1810. Five days of festivities ended with a horse race on 17 October. The meadow was named for Therese. For more about how the festival grew, visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. Official history of Oktoberfest
Give yourself time to see the rides even if you came for the beer. The Toboggan is still my favourite: the conveyor carries people up to a spiral slide, and watching someone try to stay on their feet at the bottom is part of the fun. There’s also the Teufelsrad, where participants try to stay on a spinning wheel. I’d watch first and save the beer for afterwards if you plan to get on. Official Teufelsrad guide
Where is the street carnival at Fasching?
The city plans München narrisch for 7 to 9 February 2027. The outdoor carnival takes place along the pedestrian route between Marienplatz and Stachus. The Viktualienmarkt traders’ dance, Tanz der Marktweiber, is planned for 11 am on 9 February. Both are good choices if you want to see the costumes and music without booking a ball. Munich street carnival · Munich Fasching programme
Costumes are the reason I’d go into town even if I had no plans for a ball. You’ll see homemade outfits, children dressed up and grown-ups who’ve put months into a joke. The market traders’ dance is the stop I’d build the morning around. Then pick up a Krapfen, the fluffy carnival doughnut. My classic pick is one with rosehip jam. Look in the bakery window for the versions with cream or other fillings if the plain one isn’t tempting enough.
When is Starkbierfest?
In 2027, Starkbierfest runs from 26 February to 21 March at Paulaner am Nockherberg, 12 February to 20 March at Löwenbräukeller and 19 February to 20 March at Augustiner-Keller. Each venue has its own sessions and bookings. Our Munich strong beer festival guide compares the three. Munich Tourism festival dates · Augustiner-Keller events
I used to call the strong beer festival a mini Oktoberfest, but that only gets you as far as the idea of music, traditional clothes and communal tables. The beers are the point here. Paulaner Salvator, Löwenbräu Triumphator and Augustiner Maximator are names to look for at their respective venues. I’d choose the beer and the session before choosing which hall to go to, then make room for food. Check the individual programme for music, seating and admission.
Which Auer Dult should you visit?
Munich holds three Auer Dult fairs at Mariahilfplatz in the Au. The fairs mix household goods and second-hand stalls with snacks and fairground rides. Pick whichever fits your dates. The Maidult is the first chance to go in spring, and the Kirchweihdult makes a good autumn alternative once Oktoberfest is over.
- Maidult: 24 April to 2 May 2027.
- Jakobidult: 24 July to 1 August 2027.
- Kirchweihdult: 16 to 24 October 2027.
If you’re going to browse rather than ride, check the market hours. The city lists the stalls and rides separately. Auer Dult dates and visitor information
I go for the rummaging. The stalls are where I’d look for old posters, vintage jewellery or a piece of kitchenware that doesn’t look like everything else at home. You might spot a Dirndl among the household things. Take cash for the stalls that don’t take cards. With children, I’d allow time for the wooden carousels and save the browsing for before they get bored. On my food list are a fish roll or a grilled sausage. Find the market and family-day details before setting off.
What’s on at Tollwood in summer?
Tollwood’s organiser has announced the summer festival for 18 June to 18 July 2027 at Olympiapark Süd. Browse the Market of Ideas for food and stalls, or look at the Musik-Arena programme if you’re planning around a concert. Check the ticket for the specific performance you want. Tollwood summer dates · Tollwood concert programme
I like Tollwood as a place to go with friends who don’t all want the same evening. Browse the Market of Ideas for crafts and something to eat, then split off for a concert if that’s what you came for. A festival visit and a ticket for the Musik-Arena are two separate plans. Leave time to walk around rather than arriving only when your show starts.
Which Munich Christmas market should you start with?
Start at Marienplatz if you’re seeing Munich’s markets for the first time. The city’s main market runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026 and closes on Sunday 22 November. One of our all-time favourites is the Feuerzangenbowle at Isartor. Use the Christmas market dates and walking route to plan both stops and check which other markets are open on the day you go. Marienplatz organiser
My favourite memory at Isartor is people huddling around the big bowl under the old city gate. Feuerzangenbowle starts with mulled wine, then rum burns through a cone of sugar above it. The smell makes more sense when you’re standing out in the cold. If you order a hot drink, keep the mug and any deposit token together. Take both back to the stall for the Pfand refund. Ask for Kinderpunsch if you want something warm without alcohol.
What’s new for 2027?
In October 2026, Tollwood announced Alice Cooper for the opening night on 18 June and Jack Johnson for 23 June. If either is your reason for going, book the specific concert. Tollwood’s October announcement
For a trip outside festival season, see our guide to local events in Munich.