Munich is waking up from its autumn slumber and diving straight into the fifth season! If you’re strolling through the heart of the Old Town on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, be sure to stop by the beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt. At exactly 11:11 a.m., the historic Narrhalla society will reveal its best-kept secret there and present the new official Carnival prince and princess of the Bavarian capital, along with the children’s Carnival prince and princess. Although the Carnival season will be short and sweet—since Shrove Tuesday falls on February 9, 2027—for you, that means a packed schedule full of festive fun. The open-air kickoff event is completely free and will take place rain or shine. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the party band Tomay’s Spezlwirtschaft will get the crowd warmed up with some music before the outgoing prince and princess, Stephan I and Samantha I, ceremoniously pass the torch to their successors.
A royal tradition with over 130 years of history
The fact that Munich celebrates its own prince and princess is not a new-fangled invention, but rather has a proud history. As early as 1894, the Narrhalla proclaimed its first ruler, “Prince Gustl I,” before Friedl Sedlacek became the first princess to stand by his side in 1928. But what actually awaits Their Highnesses during their reign? In addition to dance performances at the opening of the ball, the royal couple attends hundreds of volunteer engagements throughout Munich. True to the motto “Fasching has a heart,” they visit hospitals, schools, and senior care facilities to bring joy to those who cannot be in the thick of the festivities themselves. After the kickoff at the market, the royal schedule kicks into high gear: As early as Saturday, November 14, 2026, the couple will take to the dance floor for the first time at the festive court ball in the ballroom of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof on Promenadeplatz.
Munich’s Carnival Season at a Glance
You’ll then experience the official reign at the start of the year. On Tuesday, January 5, 2027, the revelers will gather at Marienplatz—with free admission. During the ceremonial enthronement, the prince and princess will receive the traditional regalia, including a cloak, tiara, scepter, and the symbolic key to the city. The carnival revelers will then reign over the city on the Isar until the colorful festivities reach their climax. Look forward to the Damische Ritter carnival parade through the streets of the Old Town on January 31, 2027, the pub carnival starting on “Nonsense Thursday,” and the so-called “Dance of the Market Women” on Shrove Tuesday at the Viktualienmarkt. On Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027, the turbulent reign finally comes to an end in the traditional manner with the washing of the wallets at the Fish Fountain on Marienplatz.
