General
The Munich Spring Festival is one of the most traditional folk festivals of the Bavarian capital and is regarded as the official start of Munich’s folk festival season. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the Spring Festival has become a permanent fixture in the city’s event calendar. It is often referred to as the “small Wiesn”, yet it offers its own distinct atmosphere: less touristy, more relaxed, family-friendly and significantly more manageable than the Oktoberfest.
The festival combines classic Bavarian folk festival traditions with modern entertainment, amusement rides, beer tents and an extensive supporting programme.
Dates and duration 2026
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Period: April 17 to May 10, 2026
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Duration: around three weeks
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Organiser: Munich Showmen’s Association in cooperation with the City of Munich
The exact duration depends on the calendar year and may vary slightly. In 2026, the Spring Festival will once again be comparatively long, ensuring sufficient time for the supporting programme, weekends and public holidays.
Venue
The Spring Festival takes place on the Theresienwiese, the same grounds as the Oktoberfest. In spring, however, only part of the area is used, giving the festival its compact and clearly structured character.
The focus is on the northern section of the Theresienwiese, between Wirtsbudenstraße and Schaustellerstraße.
Opening hours (expected)
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Monday to Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Last call in the beer tents is usually around 10:30 p.m.
Opening hours may vary depending on the event day.
Festival tents and beer gardens
Festhalle Bayernland
The largest and most traditional tent at the Spring Festival. Classic Munich beer is served here, accompanied by brass music, Bavarian live music and lively evening entertainment. The audience is diverse, ranging from regulars’ tables and families to evening guests.
Hippodrom
The Hippodrom is known for its modern, vibrant atmosphere. In addition to traditional music, party nights and a younger audience are a key focus. During the day, however, the tent remains family-friendly and open to all visitor groups.
Weißbiergarten
The outdoor area complements the large tents and is aimed at guests who prefer to enjoy the Spring Festival in a calm and relaxed way. Wheat beer, Bavarian snacks and classic fairground dishes are served.
Culinary offering
The gastronomic selection corresponds to that of a classic Munich folk festival:
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Pork knuckle, roast chicken, sausages
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White sausages with pretzels
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Grilled fish on a stick
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Cheese spaetzle and vegetarian alternatives
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Sweets such as roasted almonds, chocolate-covered fruit and cotton candy
In recent years, the range has been increasingly expanded, for example to include vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Rides and showmen
Around 100 showmen are represented at the Spring Festival. The attractions include:
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Large rides such as the Ferris wheel, chair-o-plane or swing ride
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Classics such as bumper cars and ghost trains
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Children’s rides and family attractions
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Game and shooting booths
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Snack and sweet stands
The Ferris wheel is one of the most popular attractions and offers a wide view over Munich and, on clear days, as far as the Alps.
Supporting programme and special events
Opening
The Spring Festival traditionally opens with a ceremonial parade of showmen and breweries. The official tapping of the first keg marks the start of the festival.
Fireworks
Large fireworks displays take place on the first two Fridays of the Spring Festival. They are among the highlights of the programme and are clearly visible even beyond the festival grounds.
Flea market
The large flea market organised by the Bavarian Red Cross is one of the biggest of its kind in southern Germany and a permanent part of the Spring Festival. It usually takes place on the first Saturday.
Classic car meeting
Historic cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles are presented in a parade and attract numerous visitors every year.
Day of Tradition
One full day is dedicated to Bavarian tradition, featuring traditional costumes, folk music, Schuhplattler dancing, whip cracking (Goaßlschnalzer) and traditional dances.
Family days
On selected days, reduced prices apply to rides and attractions, especially for families with children.
Target groups and atmosphere
The Spring Festival appeals to a broad audience:
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Families with children
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Residents of Munich
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Students and young adults
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Visitors looking for a folk festival atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of the Oktoberfest
The atmosphere is considered more relaxed, more local and more personal than at the Wiesn in autumn.
Getting there and accessibility
The Theresienwiese is very well connected to public transport:
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Underground lines U4 and U5 (Theresienwiese station)
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U3 and U6 (Goetheplatz, approx. 10 minutes on foot)
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S-Bahn Hackerbrücke
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Tram lines around the festival grounds
Travelling by public transport is recommended.
Importance for Munich
The Spring Festival is not only a folk festival, but also an important economic factor for showmen, restaurateurs and service providers. At the same time, it is a cultural event that preserves Bavarian traditions and carries them forward in a modern form.
Conclusion
The Spring Festival 2026 in Munich offers a successful mix of tradition, entertainment and conviviality. It is smaller than the Oktoberfest, yet large enough to convey a genuine folk festival atmosphere. For many residents of Munich, it is the more authentic and relaxed folk festival of the year.
