Anyone who only associates Munich with beer gardens, white sausage and the Oktoberfest has not yet experienced Tollwood. Twice a year, the Bavarian capital transforms into a colorful festival of the senses that goes far beyond music and culture. Tollwood is a statement – for cosmopolitanism, sustainability, cultural diversity and lived joie de vivre. It is one of Germany’s most distinctive festivals, a place where ecology meets art, organic food meets beats, and tolerance meets tradition.
1. What is Tollwood anyway? – An idea with attitude
The Tollwood Festival is no ordinary event. It is a cultural festival with a social mission that has been held twice a year in Munich since 1988:
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The Summer Tollwood in the Olympic Park (end of June to end of July)
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The Winter Tollwood on the Theresienwiese (end of November to New Year’s Eve)
What began with a few stands and a stage is now a major cultural event with over 1.5 million visitors per year. The special thing: Admission to most of the grounds is free. The festival sees itself as a platform for sustainability, environmental awareness and social issues – and yet remains light, cheerful and entertaining.
The name “Tollwood” says it all: “toll” stands for extraordinary, crazy, inspiring – and that’s exactly what you feel as soon as you enter the grounds.
2. A stage for the world – art, music and performance
Tollwood is a celebration of diversity. International and national artists perform on the various stages – from jazz to rock to world music, theater and cabaret.
Music in the open air
The Musik-Arena is the heart of the festival. World stars and newcomers, established bands and exciting discoveries play here. Names like Bob Dylan, David Byrne, ZAZ, Herbert Grönemeyer, Seeed, The Cat Empire or Passenger have already rocked the stage here.
But what makes Tollwood really special is the mix: While large concerts with tickets take place in the music arena, there are countless free performances on the other stages – from street music to performance art to acrobatics and dance.
Theater, comedy & cabaret
In addition to music, Tollwood also offers a broad cultural program:
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Street theater with international ensembles
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Artistry and circus without animals
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Political cabaret and socially critical comedy
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Poetry slams, readings and discussion formats
Every corner of the site tells its own story – sometimes loud and colorful, sometimes quiet and thoughtful.
3. Sustainability as a matter of the heart – The green festival
Tollwood is not a greenwashing event, but consistently lives sustainability. The festival has been a pioneer in environmental awareness since the early 1990s.
Organic gastronomy
All food on the festival grounds comes 100% from controlled organic cultivation – a rarity among major events of this kind. Meat dishes are exclusively from species-appropriate animal husbandry; many stands offer purely plant-based alternatives.
From Indian curry to Bavarian Kaspressknödel to African street food – the selection is huge and reflects the cultural diversity of the visitors.
Sustainable materials & energy
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Electricity from renewable energies
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Compostable dishes and cutlery
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Waste separation and reusable systems
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CO₂-neutral event through compensation projects
The environmental idea runs through every detail. Even the market stalls are built or reused from sustainable materials.
4. The “Market of Ideas” – Shopping with a clear conscience
A highlight of Tollwood is the so-called Market of Ideas – a mixture of bazaar, art exhibition and sustainable shopping paradise.
Here you will find:
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Handmade jewelry, handicrafts and clothing
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Upcycling products and fair trade fashion
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Natural cosmetics and ecological lifestyle articles
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Creative gift ideas from all over the world
Many exhibitors have been coming for years – small labels, manufacturers and artists who present their work themselves. It’s not about mass-produced goods, but about individuality and awareness.
Anyone strolling through the streets here immediately feels: Tollwood is not a consumer festival, but a place where purchasing decisions show attitude.
5. The Winter Tollwood – Magical atmosphere at Christmas time
While the Summer Tollwood in the Olympic Park mainly inspires with sun, music and outdoor feeling, the Winter Tollwood on the Theresienwiese transforms into a fairy tale of lights and scents.
Between artistically decorated pagoda tents and wooden huts, it smells of cinnamon, mulled wine, oriental spices and freshly baked crêpes.
Alternative to the Christmas market
The Winter Tollwood sees itself as an alternative Christmas tradition – less commerce, more culture.
Instead of plastic decorations and mass-produced goods, you will find handmade products, organic cuisine and inspiring encounters here.
New Year’s Eve at Tollwood
The New Year’s Eve Festival is particularly popular: Live music, DJ sets, theater and the big midnight fireworks over the Theresienwiese create a end of the year that you won’t soon forget.
6. Art with attitude – Commitment to the environment & society
Tollwood uses its popularity to draw attention to grievances. Each year has a social theme that is reflected in exhibitions, campaigns and installations.
Examples of past topics:
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“Humans and the Environment – A Future?”
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“Food Changes the World”
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“I, You, We – The Power of Community”
In collaboration with NGOs, environmental associations and artists, visitors are made aware of topics such as climate protection, biodiversity or social justice – without a raised finger, but with creative power.
7. For families and children – Participation welcome
Tollwood is also a paradise for children. There are numerous interactive activities, craft tents, environmental games, theater performances and workshops that make topics such as recycling or nature understandable for children.
In the children’s tent, young visitors can paint, tinker, dance or take part in mini-theater projects – free of charge or for a small donation.
8. Tollwood as a symbol for Munich
Today, Tollwood is an integral part of Munich’s identity – like the Oktoberfest or the Dulten, but with a completely different spirit.
It stands for:
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Openness and tolerance
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Cultural diversity
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Sustainable thinking
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Joy of life and community
The festival reflects the side of Munich that is often overlooked: the creative, cosmopolitan, progressive city that does not deny tradition, but develops it further.
9. Practical tips for your visit
Arrival:
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Tollwood is easily accessible by public transport.
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Summer: U3 Olympiazentrum
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Winter: U4/U5 Theresienwiese
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Admission:
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Access to the grounds is free.
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Only certain events in the Musik-Arena or in the theater tent are subject to a fee.
Best time to visit:
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It is quieter in the early evenings during the week, while the grounds pulsate on the weekend.
Tip:
If you are looking for a special flair, you should experience Tollwood at sunset – when the colorful lights come on and the atmosphere magically intensifies.
10. Conclusion – A piece of Munich that connects the world
Tollwood is more than a festival – it’s a feeling.
It is the idea that culture, sustainability and joy belong together.
It is proof that you can celebrate and still think, that enjoyment and awareness are not opposites.
Between organic bratwurst and African drum rhythms, between art performance and fireworks, this special moment is created anew every year, in which Munich becomes a cosmopolitan city with heart – in the best sense of the word.
Anyone who has experienced Tollwood once will come back. And understands: This is not just about entertainment – it’s about attitude.
