A liter of festival beer costs between €13.40 and €14.50 at this year’s Spring Festival, putting it in direct competition with beer prices at Oktoberfest. It doesn’t help that the Oktoberfest’s little sister has been extended to mark the anniversary —one more week to spend money instead of saving it. But there are a few tips and tricks on how you can enjoy the fun without having to file for bankruptcy afterward.
Take advantage of Family Days
Just like at Oktoberfest, every Tuesday at the Spring Festival is Family Day. Thanks to the anniversary, you’ll get to enjoy it three times this year. On April 21 and 28, as well as May 5, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, there are discounts on the rides. And there are also special offers at the other stands, such as reduced prices on gingerbread hearts or chocolate-covered fruit. Despite its name, the promotion isn’t just for families with children, but for all visitors. For the little ones, there’s also face painting, where they can transform themselves into the most imaginative characters.
Ride the carousel for 60 cents
If you really want to save money at the Spring Festival, you should mark the first Sunday in your calendar. In keeping with the 60th anniversary, the “60 Minutes – 60 Cents” promotion awaits you on April 19. From 10 to 11 a.m., you pay only 60 cents for all rides, and there are also special offers at the other stands. If you’re the type who likes to try out lots of rides, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here.
Pay with D-Mark
Now it’s getting retro. If you still couldn’t part with your old Deutschmarks after the euro was introduced, your attachment is now paying off: On two Mondays, the vendors at the Spring Festival will also accept Deutschmarks. Two Deutschmarks are equivalent to one euro. This way, you’re only spending money that you couldn’t use to pay for anything anyway. If you don’t have any D-marks yourself, hit up Grandma and Grandpa and take a trip back in time—one where you can save some money.
Shopping at the Giant Flea Market
This year, the Spring Festival will once again feature the giant flea market, where you can hunt for bargains. You won’t save money directly on the festival fun, but you might discover a second-hand treasure or two here that you would otherwise have bought new. If you’re still missing the right traditional costume for your visit to the “little Wiesn,” you can find it here as well. Or you can sell your own goods at Bavaria’s largest flea market and even make a profit!
