A Volksfest is a public fair. In Bavaria, expect some combination of fairground rides, games, food stalls and festival tents. The best choice depends on whether you want the big tents, a spring day out with children, or a market where you can browse.
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It’s a treasure trove of experiences, collected from our countless visits to Volksfests all over Bavaria.
Which Munich Volksfest should you try?
- Oktoberfest: choose the Wiesn for the big tents and fairground rides at the Theresienwiese. Entry to the main grounds is free; rides, food and drinks cost extra.
- Frühlingsfest: choose Munich’s spring festival for rides and two festival tents at the same site in spring.
- Auer Dult: choose the market and fair at Mariahilfplatz if you want to browse tableware and second-hand stalls as well as visit rides. The city runs three Dult fairs each year.
Do you need a beer tent booking?
You can visit a fair without going into a beer tent. At Oktoberfest, a reservation is for a table and the tent sets its own arrangements. Use the official tent booking guide and book through the tent if a guaranteed table matters to your group. Tent entry can pause when it fills up. For other fairs, check the organiser before assuming the same policy.
What should you check if you’re bringing children?
Look for a family day, with the date and discounts in the organiser’s programme. Munich’s Maidult runs from 24 April to 2 May 2027, with lower ride prices on family day, Tuesday 27 April. Oktoberfest has its own family rules for tent entry and children. Our Munich festival calendar helps you match the right event to your dates.