There’s room for everyone at the Wiesn, no matter where they’re from or who they love. In fact, gatherings of the queer community at Oktoberfest have a long tradition. Over the years, more and more events have been added that are specifically aimed at LGBTQ people and aim to create a safe space. To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled a list of all the relevant events so you can celebrate a queer Wiesn in a relaxed atmosphere.
Rosa Wiesn Tap-Off
As is well known, Oktoberfest kicks off with the tapping of the beer barrel in the Schottenhamel tent and the famous words “O’zapft is!” Then beer may officially be served throughout the entire Theresienwiese, and the Wiesn festivities begin. Parallel to the official event at Schottenhamel, the Rosa Wiesn tapping ceremony takes place in the Käfer Tent . Here, you’ll gather around the maypole and raise a toast at 12 noon sharp to mark the opening of the festival—which also serves as the kickoff for the Queer Wiesn. No registration is required; you can simply drop by and, with a little luck, snag the limited-edition Wiesn pin.
Gay Sunday
Gay Sunday is the quintessential queer Oktoberfest event and laid the foundation for the community’s presence at the festival. It traditionally takes place on the Sunday of the first Oktoberfest weekend and celebrated its premiere nearly 50 years ago. Then as now, the Munich Gay Lions Club is the organizer and celebrates the “gaysest Sunday of the year” with you on the balcony at the Bräurosl.
Rosl Monday
If you can’t snag a spot at the ever-popular Gay Sunday, you can try your luck again the next day at the Bräurosl. On Rosl Monday, Munich’s queer Oktoberfest guests gather once again for some fun. You can find like-minded people and celebrate together both in the beer garden and under the balcony of the festival tent . The party starts at 3 p.m.—no advance reservation is needed.
Beer, Boobs, Pretzels
While Gay Sunday has been around for decades, this year marks the first time an event is taking place specifically for lesbian women and FLINTA people. With beer, boobs, and pretzels, you’ll also gather at the Bräurosl on Rosl Monday. About 700 participants are expected, giving them their own dedicated gathering spot at Oktoberfest for the first time.
Sub Bavaria
The Gay and Queer Center invites you to an evening celebration at Kuffler’s Wine Tent on the first Wednesday of Oktoberfest. It has been a fixture at the Wiesn since 2024, adding another colorful event to the lineup. It starts at 6:30 p.m., making it perfect for an after-work get-together with the community. You can reserve a seat at a table for ten in advance and will receive a snack and drinks with your reservation.
Queer Bowling
The LGBTQ community is also welcome at the Oidn Wiesn. At Queer Bowling, you can put your skills to the test and spend a fun afternoon away from the usual beer tent revelry. Host James Munich will guide you through the event and, together with the drag queens and Schwuhplattler, ensure top-notch entertainment. Reservations are available for groups of six or more.
Prosecco Wiesn
The Prosecco Wiesn, just like Gay Sunday, looks back on a decades-long tradition. The gathering at Fischer Vroni has been taking place for more than 30 years , making it one of the classics among queer Wiesn events. The event’s name comes from the former operator of the Prosecco Bar, who originally launched it. It’s best to arrive early, because the smallest of the large Wiesn tents can get crowded quickly otherwise.
Gay Wiesn Wrap-Up
No sooner has the (queer) Wiesn begun than it’s already coming to an end. Each of the festival tents has its very own tradition for bidding farewell to Oktoberfest, and in the Schottenhamel Tent, the gay Wiesn send-off is part of that tradition. Starting at 1:00 p.m., meet up at the hot food stand and celebrate one last hearty party before it’s finally time to say: “It’s over, it’s done, and it’s a shame that it’s true.” But after Oktoberfest is before Oktoberfest, and next year you can look forward to another colorful folk festival!
