In Munich, one open-air event follows another in July, and many of them are free of charge to boot. From street festivals and theater to opera and concerts, there’s truly something for everyone here, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. Music fans should mark this coming weekend in their calendars, because that’s when the Gärtnerplatz Open-Air takes place again. Look forward to two days of street food and cultural events under the open sky against the beautiful backdrop of the Gärtnerplatz Theater.
To mark the occasion

Twenty years ago, Gärtnerplatz underwent a redesign. To celebrate its completion, a concert was held, and the Gärtnerplatz Open-Air was born. Initially, it took place every two years and was always linked to an event in the city, such as the city’s 850th anniversary in 2008 or the 200th Oktoberfest in 2010. Since 2015, the festival has been held annually and organized independently of other celebrations or events.
That’s how the Gärtnerplatz Open-Air became a fixture on Munich’s event calendar. Today, it consists not just of one but of several concerts, and an entire festival has grown up around it. In addition to the musical performances, you can look forward to street food and drinks, as well as booths from various vendors in the streets surrounding Gärtnerplatz.
Musical Diversity
From Saturday, July 11, through Sunday, July 12, there will be plenty to enjoy on the Gärtnerplatz stage. The festivities kick off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with jazz, when Sounddrift takes the stage to show off what these young talents can do. Afterward, the Kneipenchor will perform a selection from their repertoire, which covers everything from Nirvana to Lady Gaga. At 7:00 p.m. , headliner Paul Wetz takes the stage, thrilling the crowd with his experimental mix of indie, pop, and techno. The electronic vibe continues afterward when DJ André Danceowski from the Goldener Reiter takes the decks and transforms Gärtnerplatz into an open-air disco.
On Sunday, the Gärtnerplatz Open-Air will feature classical music. At 7:30 p.m., the Gärtnerplatztheater Orchestra will traditionally give its concert as the grand finale of the cultural festival. You can already join in the afternoon for the public dress rehearsal. So no matter what genre of music you prefer, the Gärtnerplatz Open-Air offers you the full spectrum. Here, you can both dance wildly and listen intently. Grab some food and drinks from the food trucks, find a nice spot, and enjoy the atmosphere and the musical lineup.
📍 Location: Gärtnerplatz
📅 Dates: Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 12
💶 Ticket Information: Free admission