FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN MUNICH

OKTOBERFEST, MUNICH

September-October annually

Being the largest worldwide festival, everyone at least knows about Oktoberfest, but not many know that this festival began in Munich and is traditionally a Bavarian region based festival, making the city of Munich the perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest the traditional way! Of course we can't blame the rest of the country wanting to join in, with six million visitors who come annually to take part in the madness all over Germany, and of course the beer too!

This sixteen day festival starts in late September and runs into early October, ending on the first Sunday of the month. The original festival was first held in 1810 to commemorate the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig (later Ludwig I) and Princess Therese and featured horse races, music and performances, dancing and feasting. The locals enjoyed the event so much, it was held again the following year, and soon became a favourite event amongst the residents of Munich.

Today the festival begins with the Lord Mayor of Munich tapping the first keg of beer at midday. The there is sixteen days straight of music, drinking, entertainment and dancing in several main beer tents which are set up especially for the festival. 

The most important part of the festival today is drinking and eating, and lots of it! Bavarian cuisine, including sausages, potatoes and meat laden stews are served and of course the beer is flowing non-stop!

Locals and attention-seeking tourists like to get dressed up in traditional Bavarian costume- Lederhosen. A parade of national dress is also included in the festivities.

The kind of beer served at Oktoberfest is brewed by six of Germanys main breweries known as "The Big Six". Traditionally, "Oktoberfestbier" was a dark larger, later expanding to include red largers. Since the 70's however, the larger that is usually served at the festival is a pale larger.

It is free to enter the festival grounds and even the individual beer tents, but tickets must be bought to reserve a seat inside the tents. Food and beer vouchers are also available for sale and can be bought in advance or on the day.

Visit the official website for more information: www.oktoberfest.de

FASCHING FESTIVAL, MUNICH

January

Fasching is an annual festival in Bavaria which includes a series of events held over several weeks in Munich. It's sort of the German version of Carnival and is held every year starting in January. The origins of this festival date stem from the eating, drinking and dancing in the leadup to fasting for Lent in pagan times. Rest assured, like many German festivals, eating and drinking both playa central role in the celebrations today!

During the festival, fancy dress balls, concerts, and street parades will be held all over the city. Some of these events are classy and taken seriously, others are little more than an excuse to drink and dance!

It all comes to a climax on February 8^th (Shrove Tuesday) when many people get the afternoon off from work to gather in the streets in silly costumes. The day is not an official holiday as such, but most local businesses choose to allow their employees participate in the fun.

Starting from 2pm- 5pm in the afternoon, most revellers head to Viktualienmarkt square in town for live music and lots of partying. If you're anywhere around this area as far as Marienplatz, you're likely to be be able to witness some of the madness, or join if, if you're that way inclined!

MUNICH FILM FESTIVAL

Late June- July

Every late June to early July, Munich becomes the host to an internationally respected festival of film. Usually lasting eight days, German feature films and independent films are screened, some for the first time.

German film-making, acting,  directing and producing is a strong focus of the festival, but many international works, including some from the USA are also celebrated and some released for premiere. Awards are given to honour outstanding contributions to European cinema.

As well as various outdoor and indoor film screenings, there is usually an open-air concert and party held to conclude the festival.

For program events and schedules closer to the next festival, visit the official website: http://www.filmfest-muenchen.de/

TOLLWOOD FESTIVAL, MUNICH

Summer and Winter

At just twenty years of age, the Tollwood festival in Munich is fast becoming one of Europe's most popular music, arts and performance festivals.

Held twice a year, once in summer at the Olympic Park and once in winter at the Theresienwiese, the Tollwood festival features many local and international acts who perform for free alongside outdoor markets, food stalls, exhibition displays and fun fair entertainment.

Its an excellent day out for families and people of all ages with something to entertain everyone. The event is mostly free entry. Some special scheduled performances to coincide with the festival may be ticket entry only but the main outdoor event is free to enter and enjoy.

Visit the official website for program and date information: http://www.tollwood.de/english/

CHRISTMAS MARKETS, MUNICH

December.

Ever dreamed of a magical European Christmas experience? Munich is definitely one of the best cities in the world to enjoy Christmas atmosphere at its very best. The Christmas markets, or Christkindlemarkt in German, starts late November or early December and runs until Christmas eve in Marienplatz, which is decorated with thousands of fairy lights and of course, a Christmas tree.

There is entertainment for children, a nativity scene and an array of stalls selling Christmas decorations, crafts, foods, wine and deserts. It's an especially good opportunity to try some famous German gingerbread! Many well known artist also sell their work which makes for a unique Christmas gift or souvenir to take home. A great event for kids and families, but everyone who enjoys a little Christmas atmosphere will really enjoy this unique experience.

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