Leaves in shades of red and gold adorn the city’s streets. It’s the perfect time for exciting folk festivals, interesting art exhibitions, sporting events, and much more! Even in the first week of the month, Oktoberfest invites you to celebrate exuberantly in traditional costume and enjoy the Bavarian way of life.
Oktoberfest
The world’s largest folk festival is still in full swingthrough October 4! Munich has been Europe’s absolute hotspot for weeks. Millions of people from all over the world have already arrived to be part of Oktoberfest. The Wiesn is currently the place to be, and you definitely shouldn’t miss it!
Start your day at the Theresienwiese and wrap up the evening at the trendy “After-Wiesn” parties. So, put on your traditional costume, bring your good mood, and off to the Wiesn!
Kirchweih Dult in the Au
Can’t get enough of folk festivals? You’re in luck— the next one isn’t too far off. Just two weeks after the Wiesn , the Auer Dult kicks off again on October 17. At over 250 stalls, you can enjoy local delicacies or buy pottery. Tuesday is Family Day, which means, among other things, discounts on the rides.
Get creative at ARTMUC, which kicks off its fall edition this October! At Munich’s largest art fair, national and international artists present their contemporary works. Strike up a conversation with the artists, marvel at the art on display, and pick up new treasures for your home or your loved ones. The new location in northern Munich offers plenty of space and bright rooms for the more than 190 participating exhibitors.
Munich Marathon
The Munich Marathon is less traditional but more athletic. During the race, you’ll get to see many of Munich’s top sights, such as the Siegestor, the English Garden, and Marienplatz. The route takes you past the Sendlinger Tor and through the Werksviertel. The start and finish are located in the Olympic Park. There will be several aid stations along the route to provide you with water, electrolytes, and various snacks. Of course, refreshments will also be waiting for you at the finish line.
The half marathon and the 10-kilometer run are taking place at the same time as the marathon. These start later. The half marathon also begins and ends at the Olympic Park. The 10K, on the other hand, starts in the Werksviertel and ends at the Olympic Park along with the marathon.
The Long Night of Museums
For the 27th time, Munich will host “Pure Culture” on October 17—an entire evening of culture! Experience impressive insights into over 100 museums and art galleries in the Bavarian capital. From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., you can discover exhibitions, guided tours, and a diverse art scene. Participating institutions include the Deutsches Museum and the Pinakotheken, among others. You can find more information about the event here.
Concerts and Performances
A host of national and international stars are gracing Munich this October, performing at the Olympiahalle or the Zenith. Among them are Apache 207, Bryan Adams, Ufo 361, and Niall Horan. From hip-hop to rap to pop, every genre is represented, so there’s something for every taste. Fans of live music are sure to get their money’s worth! In addition, the well-known stand-up comedian Felix Lobrecht and the podcast *Lage der Nation* will also be performing in Munich this October.
📅 Dates:
- Oct. 2: Apache 207, Olympiahalle
- Oct. 2: Samu Haber, Zenith
- Oct. 4: Ufo361, Zenith
- Oct. 5: Bryan Adams, Olympiahalle
- Oct. 15–17, 2026: Felix Lobrecht, Olympiahalle
- Oct. 24: Marteria, Zenith
- Oct. 30: State of the Nation, Kleine Olympiahalle
- Oct. 31: Niall Horan, Olympiahalle
Dachshund Race
Germany’s largest dachshund race is entering its third round: On October 17 and 18, Motorworld Munich will once again become the hotspot for all dog lovers. In the Dampfdom, the 40-meter-long “Dachshund Mile”—the country’s only indoor racetrack—awaits the four-legged athletes. Teams from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will compete here, with the focus , of course, always on fun and the well-being of the dachshunds .
Loop One Festival: Biathlon Opening
Biathlon in the Heart of Munich: From October 17 to 18, the Loop One Festival will transform the Olympic Park into an urban arena for winter sports. Around 60 of the world’s best biathletes will compete against each other in a fast-paced supersprint on roller skis. In addition to the professional races, there will also be activities for fans and families, as well as a festival atmosphere for sports enthusiasts and curious onlookers.
Spooky Film City
You’ll experience real thrills this Halloween at Bavaria Filmstadt. Three mazes will guide you through various horror movie sets. Live actors, special effects, and the new horror ghost train, Freak Ride, will give you real chills. If that’s not enough, try to escape from zombies in the Mørkheim Escape Game or dive into virtual reality with Zombyte 2.0.
Munich Crime Festival
High tension on the Isar: Since 2003, the Munich International Crime Fiction Festival has been one of the most important events for crime fiction. Every year, top-tier crime and thriller authors from all over the world bring their latest bestsellers to the Bavarian capital.
Hazel Brugger Live
Laughter is good for you—we all know that. To avoid falling into the winter blues too early, attending a comedy show is just the thing. Swiss comedian Hazel Brugger is performing in Munich and will keep your funny bone in shape. With her current show “Good Evening Europe,” she once again demonstrates her dry humor and quick wit.
Experience a spectacular journey through the past, present, and future of Formula 1® at the Formula 1® exhibition in Munich—featuring original race cars, interactive highlights, and exclusive insights into the fascinating world of the premier class of motorsports.
Thousands of pumpkins, international carving demonstrations, and pumpkin paddles make Kaltenberg Castle the ultimate fall experience. The Pumpkin Worlds at Kaltenberg Castle in Geltendorf transform the historic castle setting into an autumnal paradise over seven weekends, featuring thousands of pumpkins, giant sculptures, carving demonstrations, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
