The first week of Oktoberfest is coming to an end and with it the so-called Italian Weekend. In our overview, we’ll tell you what it’s all about and what other events await you.
45th commemoration day of the Oktoberfest attack
This year, as every year, the 234 victims of the attack on the Oktoberfest in 1980 will be commemorated. Mayor Dieter Reiter will give a speech on September 26, relatives of the victims and survivors will have their say and there will be a wreath-laying ceremony. The trade union youth of the DGB has always organized the day of remembrance for the biggest attack in German history.
📍 Location: Memorial on the edge of the Theresienwiese, Bavariaring 5
📅 Date: Friday, October 26
Italian weekend
The Wiesn attracts many international guests, but Italians are particularly well represented at 20%. They traditionally arrive on the second weekend of Oktoberfest, which is why it is nicknamed the “Italian Weekend”. Countless motorhomes make their way over the Brenner Pass to the “Festa della Birra” and the local radio stations also broadcast their traffic reports in Italian.
But this year you can leave your car at home, because the Espresso Monaco will take you from Rome to Munich overnight. Bavarian tradition meets southern flair on the Theresienwiese. If you venture to the Wiesn on the Italian weekend, you’ll have to get up early as the festival tents fill up quickly.
📍 Location: Theresienwiese
📅 Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28
Square concert of the Wiesn hosts
On the second Wiesn Sunday, the traditional Wiesn hosts’ square concert takes place. The bands from all the festival tents gather on the steps in front of the Bavaria to play together. From 11 a.m., over 300 musicians play classic Bavarian marches and Schuhplattler and traditional costume groups perform. Mayor Dieter Reiter and various celebrities set the pace.
At the end of the stand concert, the Bavarian anthem is sung together with the audience and hundreds of colorful balloons are released into the air. The concert is free of charge, but can also be watched live on television and online.
📍 Venue: Bavaria statue
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28 from 11 am
💶 Price information: Free of charge
PROUD Wiesn & queer bowling on the Italian weekend
LGBTQIA* events also take place on the second Oktoberfest weekend. Since 2016, up to 350 members of the queer community have met annually in the Armbrustschützenzelt. The event is organized by the LGBTQI+ employee network of BMW and Queer Tourism. Accordingly, the event is primarily for professional networking of queer people, but their friends and family are also welcome. Both individual seats and tables for 10 can be reserved
📍 Venue: Armbrustschützenzelt, central nave
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28 from 4:30 pm
If you prefer a sporty atmosphere instead of a professional one, sign up for queer bowling at the Oidn Wiesn instead. DJ James Munich, the Schwuhlattler and well-known drag queens will be there. You can expect a lot of fun and above all a colorful audience.
📍 Venue: Historic bowling alley, Oide Wiesn
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28 from 2 pm