The first week of Oktoberfest is drawing to a close, and with it, the so-called “Italian Weekend” is just around the corner. After the first Oktoberfest weekend already kicked things off with some cool events, the festivities continue seamlessly with tradition, queerness, and fun. However, as is the case every year, the start of the middle weekend is, unfortunately, a more somber occasion this time around and invites us to pause and reflect.
Commemoration Day for the Oktoberfest Bombing
As every year, the 234 victims of the 1980 Oktoberfest bombing will be commemorated this year as well. Mayor Dominik Krause will deliver a speech on September 25, relatives of the victims and survivors will speak, and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place. The DGB’s youth wing has always organized the memorial service for the deadliest attack in West German history.
Italian Weekend
The Wiesn attracts many international guests, but Italians are particularly well-represented, making up 20% of the crowd. Traditionally, they arrive mainly during the second weekend of Oktoberfest, which is why it’s also nicknamed “Italians’ Weekend.” Countless RVs set out to drive over the Brenner Pass to the “Festa della Birra,” and local radio stations even broadcast their traffic reports in Italian. If you venture to the Wiesn during Italian Weekend, you’ll have to get up early, because the festival tents fill up quickly. But the atmosphere is all the more enjoyable for it!
Open-Air Concert by the Wiesn Landlords
On the second Sunday of Oktoberfest, the traditional open-air concert featuring the Oktoberfest tent owners takes place. The bands from all the festival tents gather on the steps in front of the Bavaria statue to play together. Starting at 11 a.m., over 300 musicians will play classic Bavarian marches, and Schuhplattler dancers and traditional costume groups will perform. Mayor Dominik Krause and various celebrities will set the beat—or at least pretend to.
At the end of the open-air concert, the Bavarian anthem will be sung together with the audience, and hundreds of colorful balloons will be released into the sky. The concert is free, but it can also be watched live on television and online.
Throughout the entire Oktoberfest season, numerous events for the LGBTQ community will take place, including during Italian Weekend. The Prosecco-Wiesn at Fischer Vroni, which has been around for over 30 years, is a special tradition. On Sunday, you’ll gather in the smallest of the big Oktoberfest tents and raise a toast together—whether with Prosecco or beer is up to you. If you prefer something more active, sign up instead for Queer Bowling at the Oidn Wiesn on Saturday. DJ James Munich, the Schwuhlattler, and well-known drag queens will be there. You can expect lots of fun and, above all, a colorful crowd.
