Munich’s Carnival focuses on the last days before Ash Wednesday. During this phase, the action intensifies – with clear highlights, fixed locations, and recurring events.
Overview: Carnival in Munich
| Day | What’s happening? | Where in Munich? |
|---|---|---|
| November 11 (11:11 AM) | Symbolic start of the Carnival season | Various bars & clubs |
| Women’s Carnival (Thursday) | Start of street carnival, after-work carnival | City center, especially the Viktualienmarkt |
| Carnival Friday | Club & pub carnival, themed parties | Bars, clubs, event locations |
| Carnival Saturday | Carnival balls, masquerade balls, parties | Ballrooms, hotels, clubs |
| Carnival Sunday | Children’s carnival, family celebrations | Neighborhood centers, cultural centers |
| Rose Monday | Club nights & themed evenings | Clubs & event locations |
| Carnival Tuesday | Highlight: large street carnival | Viktualienmarkt (during the day) |
| Ash Wednesday | End of Carnival, start of Lent | Fish restaurants, taverns |
The most important days in detail
Women’s Carnival – the starting signal
The Women’s Carnival (Thursday before Ash Wednesday) is considered the unofficial start in Munich.
Typical for this day:
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many costumed people in the city center
-
early celebrations from the afternoon
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first live music at the Viktualienmarkt
-
relaxed atmosphere without pressure
Many Munich residents stop by briefly after work – Carnival starts here more casually than with a bang.
Carnival Saturday – Ball culture & nightlife
Saturday is all about:
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classic Carnival and masquerade balls
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large club events
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longer party nights
If you want to experience Carnival elegantly or more intensely, choose this day. Festive events with dance, live music, or themed concepts are particularly popular.
Carnival Sunday – family-friendly & relaxed
Sunday traditionally belongs to families in Munich:
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Children’s carnival in districts
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Afternoon programs with music & games
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small stage events
Ideal for anyone who wants to experience Carnival without being out late into the night.
Carnival Tuesday – the heart of Munich’s Carnival
The Carnival Tuesday is the most important day of Munich’s Carnival.
What’s happening?
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large street carnival at the Viktualienmarkt
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Live bands & brass music
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thousands of costumed visitors
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Celebrations from late morning
On this day, the Viktualienmarkt is the central meeting point of the city. The atmosphere is exuberant, but typically Munich-like: open, peaceful, and cross-generational. Many only stay for a few hours – that’s what makes the day so special.
Ash Wednesday – a deliberate final line
With Ash Wednesday, Carnival ends abruptly. The city becomes quieter, everyday life returns.
Typical for Munich:
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Fish dinner on Ash Wednesday
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empty dance floors
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noticeable contrast to the previous day
This clear cut is part of the culture – and makes Carnival all the more intense in retrospect.
Tip for readers & visitors
If you want to experience Carnival in Munich, you should especially note Women’s Carnival and Carnival Tuesday. These two days offer the most atmosphere – without having to attend every event.