Oktoberfest ★ 4.9
Oktoberfest, the world's largest folk festival, has run on Munich's Theresienwiese since 1810; six brewery tents pour 6 million litres of beer over 16 days.
Focus: Bavarian beer, Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinshaxe
Food festivals in Munich worth planning a trip around, by month.
Festivals through the year
Münchner Frühlingsfest ★ 4.4
Münchner Frühlingsfest, the smaller spring sister of Oktoberfest on Munich's Theresienwiese, opens the city's folk-festival season; two beer tents plus a flea market.
Focus: Bavarian beer, fairground food
Tollwood Summer Festival ★ 4.4
Tollwood Summer Festival turns Munich's Olympiapark into a 30-day multicultural festival of international cuisine, music and craft markets; 90+ percent of events are free.
Focus: International street food, vegetarian-led
Tollwood Winter Festival ★ 4.3
Tollwood Winter Festival on Munich's Theresienwiese is the city's alternative Christmas market, with international vegetarian street food and a daily concert programme.
Focus: International street food, Glühwein, vegan
Starkbierfest am Nockherberg ★ 4.5
Starkbierfest at Munich's Paulaner am Nockherberg runs three weeks each Lent; the Salvator Doppelbock tap kicks off the German strong-beer season every March.
Focus: Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock, Schweinshaxe
Auer Maidult ★ 4.2
Auer Maidult on Munich's Mariahilfplatz in the Au district is the spring edition of the city's three annual Dult markets; 250 vendors, fairground rides, Bavarian fare.
Focus: Bavarian classics, fairground food
Magdalenenfest ★ 4.0
Magdalenenfest in Munich's Hirschgarten is the city's only folk festival on a green meadow; Bavarian specialties, kids' rides, family atmosphere in Nymphenburg.
Focus: Bavarian fairground food, beer garden
Food Festivals in Munich, FAQ
When is the best time to eat in Munich?
Peak food season in Munich is year-round.
What time do people eat in Munich?
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
How does tipping work in Munich?
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
What is the one dish to try in Munich?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Munich rewards trust.