Munich in May: Here are the highlights of the month!

We’re kicking off May with tradition: In Munich, you can join in on Maypole erections or redecorations at various locations on May 1. You can also celebrate at May festivals with delicious treats and dance to music around the Maypole. In some places, kids can enjoy carousels, such as at Rotkreuzplatz. Additional May festivals are taking place in Moosach, Perlach, Pasing, and Westpark.

We’re kicking off the month in a colorful way, as the first weekend of May is all about art. The ARTMUC art fair invites you to discover international art movements in Munich from May 1–3. With over 200 juried artists and galleries from 15 countries, a wide range of paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital art awaits you across more than 5,000 square meters. Take the opportunity to support emerging talent and purchase their works directly.

The name says it all: As always, the first Auer Dult of the year takes place in May on Mariahilfplatz. Here you can stroll around and find new pieces for your kitchen at the ceramics market, while the little ones spin around on the carousels. There are also sweet and savory treats for the full folk festival experience.

We kicked off the folk festival season in April, and it continues right on into May. To mark the 60th anniversary of the Spring Festival, the “little sister” of Oktoberfest has been extended by a week this year, so you can still enjoy some proper fun in May. Fun activities await you, including the Day of Traditions, the Craftsmen’s Spring, and Mickie Krause live! You can save money on Family Days, when there are discounts on rides and selected treats.

In the mood for a movie again? If the latest blockbusters aren’t enough to get you out of the house, check out DOK.fest instead. For nearly three weeks, over 100 documentaries will open up new worlds you’ve barely heard of before. Learn more about art, people, and other cultures through the captivating films at DOK.fest. You can see them not only in traditional movie theaters like the Monopol or City Kinos, but also at other venues in Munich, such as the Pinakothek der Moderne or the Gasteig HP8.

Embark on a musical journey and experience your favorite pieces like never before. At Candlelight, a string quartet reimagines the greatest hits of specific genres or artists as classical versions. You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of candles, whose warm light creates a romantic concert experience where goosebumps are guaranteed. Get ready for an unforgettable evening with Candlelight.

It’s not just the Spring Festival celebrating a birthday: The Long Night of Music turns 25 this year! Experience 400 concerts, as well as theater and dance, at over 90 different venues ranging from established stages to completely unusual locations across the city center. The diverse program offers a wide variety of live music, where you can relax and listen, sing along, or even hit the dance floor yourself. In addition to the musical acts, there are numerous interactive performances. Take part in dance classes or join exclusive guided tours.

The musical vibe continues with the IOS Opening, which also takes place on May 9. So you can party during the day and go concert-hopping at night. Isle of Summer not only kicks off the rest of this year’s IOS events but also marks the start of Munich’s festival season. Look forward to a diverse lineup across two stages, ranging from Agents of Time to Hannah Laing to Prada2000.

International Museum Day celebrates the diversity of the museum landscape and brings knowledge and culture closer to you. In Munich, too, several institutions are participating in the event day and offering special programs in addition to free admission. Get creative, take part in guided tours, and discover art and history. Participants include the Munich City Museum, the Theatermuseum, the Lenbachhaus, the Villa Stuck, and many other institutions.

Running for a good cause: You can do just that at the Giro di Monaco. This year marks the fifth edition of the charity run , which is held under the patronage of Mayor Dominik Krause. The starting gun goes off at 10 a.m. for the 5-kilometer loop around the Old Town Ring. The focus isn’t on athletic performance, but on the good cause and the sense of community. That’s why anyone can join in, and there’s no official timing. At the finish line, refreshments and an open-air program await as a reward.

A real highlight for May: The globally successful Formula 1® exhibition is coming to Munich and opens on May 20, 2026, at Pineapple Park. Discover legendary race cars and exclusive artifacts from the world of Formula 1®. See for yourself if you have what it takes to be a driver by getting behind the wheel in interactive racing simulators. This immersive exhibition is an absolute must-see for all racing fans.

Even though we have to do without the classic open-air concerts at the Olympic Stadium this year, there will still be plenty of music around the Olympiaberg. After the Theatron Whitsun Festival organized by the Munich Youth Cultural Center celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, the next round is set for 2026. Over three days, you can once again look forward to numerous artists from the local music scene performing on the Olympic Park’s lake stage —and admission is free!

Six Wines, 70 Minutes of Comedy: Wine Tasting Meets Stand-Up at Theater Drehleier! If you’re in Munich in May and looking for an evening that combines indulgence with great jokes, An Idiot’s Guide to Wine is the perfect choice: The show combines an interactive wine tasting with rousing stand-up comedy —featuring six hand-selected wines, about 70 minutes of entertainment, and humor without any technical jargon. The shows take place on select dates at the Drehleier Theater with limited seating.