Photo: Marie Ferber
12 events you shouldn't miss in Munich in 2026
The new year is just around the corner, and many exciting events for 2026 have already been confirmed. Concerts, festivals, and much more await you. We have selected events that are sure to make the new year spectacular and unforgettable!
- LUMAGICA Light Park until January 25, 2026
- Carnival parades and parties in February
- Strong beer festivals in Munich, St. Patrick's Day, and Women's Day in March
- Munich Spring Festival and Maidult
- Kulturstrand Munich 2026
- Munich Film Festival and Munich Opera Festival in June and July
- Midsummer Night's Dream and Jakobidult
- Munich Open Air Summer
- Oktoberfest 2026
- Kirchweihdult in October
- Start of the Christmas market season
- Tollwood Winter Festival 2026
LUMAGICA Light Park until January 25, 2026
LUMAGICA Light Park is a winter light festival in Munich that transforms parks and gardens with elaborate light installations and illuminations. You can stroll through themed worlds of light with glowing figures, projections, and music. The atmosphere is calm, magical, and particularly atmospheric during the dark season. The light park is suitable for couples, families, and anyone who enjoys photography. It's a wonderful outing to briefly escape the winter routine.
Carnival parades and parties in February
During Carnival season in February, Munich is bustling with activity—from exuberant street parties to elegant balls. Particularly well-known is the Market Women's Dance at the Viktualienmarkt (on February 17), which attracts thousands every year. In the city center, pubs, and clubs, there are carnival parties, costume parties, and theme nights. For families, there are children's carnival parties and parades.
Strong beer festivals in Munich, St. Patrick's Day, and Women's Day in March
Strong beer, also known as Fastenbock or Doppelbock, is characterized by a higher original wort content of at least 18 percent, which is reflected in its golden yellow color. In addition, the alcohol content of around 7.5 percent is significantly higher than that of a normal Munich beer on tap, which contains around 5 percent. The Salvator tapping ceremony takes place every year at Paulaner am Nockherberg as part of the Starkbierfest. In 2026, you can be there from March 6 to March 29. Strong beer season is also celebrated here: Löwenbräukeller, Augustiner-Keller, Donisl, Ayinger Bräustüberl.
If strong beer isn't your thing, but you still feel like partying, then look forward to St. Patrick's Day! St. Patrick's Day is on March 17 every year, but on the weekend before (March 13-15), you'll find parties, parades, and a great program in Munich around the Irish holiday! So keep that weekend free.
By the way: March 8 is International Women's Day! There will also be various activities and venues with programs in the city. In addition to cheerful activities celebrating women around the world, many information stands will provide information about social issues affecting women, especially in the areas of equality and violence prevention.
Munich Spring Festival and Maidult
The new folk festival season kicks off in April with the Spring Festival at Theresienwiese. Look forward to two large festival tents, over 100 exhibitors with rides and stands, and an extensive supporting program ranging from a flea market to spectacular fireworks. The Spring Festival starts on April 17, 2026, and ends on May 10.
In addition to the Spring Festival, the Maidult on Mariahilfplatz is also looking forward to your visit. From April 25 to May 3, there will be stalls and stands with tableware, handicrafts, delicacies, carousels, and much more!
Photo: Holzijue von Pixabay
Kulturstrand Munich from May 1, 2026
The Kulturstrand is the ultimate meeting place for relaxation and cultural enjoyment—a dazzling stage for everyone! From May 1 to September, it transforms into an open cultural paradise where everyone is welcome to chat, cheer, and get involved! Looking for the coolest music events, children's activities, and sporting highlights? The Kulturstrand program calendar and official Facebook page have everything covered! Here you can also find the latest news, exciting highlights, and colorful life at the Kulturstrand. All offers are free of charge.
Munich Film Festival and Munich Opera Festival in June and July
The Munich Film Festival from June 26 to July 5 – A touch of Hollywood comes to the Bavarian capital!
Munich's film festival attracts both fresh talent and big screen stars. In addition to world premieres, there are also German premieres in the city's cinemas. And, of course, the Munich Film Festival awards lots of prizes and hosts parties to keep everyone in good spirits!
At the Munich Opera Festival, from June 18 to July 31, you can experience operas, concerts, and ballet of the highest international standard, often with star casts and special premieres. Performances take place in traditional venues such as the National Theater, but also open air at “Opera for All.” The atmosphere is festive and open, making the festival suitable for both opera connoisseurs and beginners. If you love classical music or want to experience opera intensively, this is the place for you.
A Midsummer Night's Dream and Jakobidult
On July 18, 2026, the Olympic Park will once again be the venue for an unforgettable festival experience and breathtaking open-air moments. Experience a day filled with wonderful summer feelings: from rousing live music of various genres to culinary delicacies from around the world. The highlight of the day is a fireworks display at the end, which transforms the sky above the Olympic Park into a magnificent sea of lights.
At the Jakobidult from July 25 to August 2, you can experience Bavarian hospitality with a market offering arts and crafts, household goods, and regional specialties. There are also rides, beer gardens, and a classic Dult atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of Oktoberfest. The combination of shopping, dining, and relaxed socializing is particularly enjoyable. It is ideal for anyone who wants to experience authentic, family-friendly Munich tradition.
Photo: Marie Ferber
Munich Open Air Summer
From August 7 to August 23, you can experience la dolce vita in Munich under the open sky! Fantastic concerts take place daily in the Brunnenhof courtyard of the Residenz. From Vivaldi's masterpieces to ABBA's catchy tunes to Queen's immortal anthems – every music lover will find their favorite music here! Experience an unforgettable open-air summer.
Oktoberfest 2025, September 19 - October 4, 2026
In September, the world's largest folk festival will once again kick off at Theresienwiese. Oktoberfest will take place from September 19 to October 4 and, as always, will feature nearly 40 festival tents, beers from six Munich breweries, and numerous other Bavarian specialties. More than 100 rides and stalls will also be back for entertainment and thrills.
Kirchweihdult in October
The Kirchweihdult festival from October 17 to 25 will also take place at Mariahilfplatz. The focus is on market stalls selling household goods, ceramics, toys, and regional products. The whole thing is complemented by fairground rides, stalls, and Bavarian delicacies. The atmosphere is cozy and less touristy than at large festivals. Ideal for anyone who wants to experience Munich's customs in a relaxed and authentic way.
Start of the Christmas market season
Die genauen Termine für die Eröffnung der Weihnachtsmärkte stehen noch nicht fest. Jeder Markt wird spätestens nach Totensonntag (22.11.26) geöffnet haben. Weitere Informationen folgen.
Photo: Bad Tölz Tourismus
Tollwood Winter Festival
The Tollwood Winter Festival is a large cultural and Christmas festival held at Theresienwiese in Munich from the end of November until December 31. It offers international concerts, theater, performances, and a diverse supporting program in festively decorated tents. Here you will find an atmospheric market with arts and crafts, organic street food, and mulled wine from around the world. The festival stands for cosmopolitanism, sustainability, and creative diversity. If you want to combine culture, music, and a winter market atmosphere, you will find a special Munich highlight here.
Do you need more tips for your Munich trip? Then take a look at our blog for more articles.