Munich’s carnival is reaching its climax: on Tuesday, February 17, the market women will be dancing for you at the Viktualienmarkt, and the carnival societies will be giving it their all once again at Marienplatz and Stachus during “München narrsich.” In the evening, the last Schäfflertanz will take place, putting the crown on this year’s season. The fifth season is coming to an end and Lent is beginning. If you want to really let your hair down one last time, don’t miss the legendary street carnival in the Gärtnerplatz district.
Long tradition
Photo: Unknown/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Deutsche Eiche is a real Munich institution and looks back on a long history as the city’s meeting place for artists and gay people. Even famous stars like Freddie Mercury used to frequent the bar on Reichenbachstraße. Today, the Deutsche Eiche is still a hotspot in the LGBTQ community and is also home to Germany’s largest men’s sauna.
However, the Deutsche Eiche is not only known for its prominent guests and exclusive basement, but also for its street carnival. Every year on Shrove Tuesday, Reichenbachstraße is transformed into a party zone where large numbers of people gather to celebrate together. This tradition goes back to the dancer Ernst Craemer, who came up with the idea for a carnival celebration. At that time, the artists parodied the two landladies Ella and Toni, among others. Since 2000, the festival has been held as a street carnival in front of the restaurant.
This year’s street carnival at the Deutsche Eiche
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Unfortunately, last year’s celebration in front of the Deutsche Eiche had to be canceled, but in 2026 you can finally visit it again. On Tuesday, February 17, starting at 2 p.m., you can celebrate at Munich’s most colorful carnival party. Drag DJ Pasta Parisa will get you in the mood with a mix of pop and club beats and get the crowd dancing. Daisy Ray will keep the mood lively and the entertainment top-notch with a drag show, and you can refuel at the food truck and pop-up bars.
Put on your most extravagant costume and, with a little luck, win an award for your efforts. The street carnival lasts until 10 p.m., after which the action moves inside the Deutsche Eiche. Reichenbachstraße between Gärtnerplatz and Reichenbachplatz will be closed to traffic especially for the party. It is therefore best to use public transportation to get to the festival. Buses 52 and 62 stop at Gärtnerplatztheater, and trams 16 and 17 stop at Reichenbachplatz.
📍 Location: Deutsche Eiche: Reichenbachstr. 10-19
📅 Date: Shrove Tuesday, February 17, starting at 2 p.m.