In addition to Munich’s famous sights, numerous inspiring events lie in store for visitors to the Bavarian capital throughout the remainder of this year.
München Tourismus presents a selection of five fascinating and highly varied events due to take place from August to December: living tradition galore at long-established fairs such as the Auer Dult, much loved by Munich locals; top-class sports and free concerts at the European Championships, the biggest multiple sports event in Munich since the 1972 Olympic Games, and a visit by some of the world’s top art galleries to Munich museums, galleries and artist-run spaces under an initiative called “Various Others”. The finale is the Munich Christkindlmarkt (Munich Christmas market) – complete with Kripperlmarkt (Nativity market), arts and crafts and a wonderful Yuletide atmosphere for the festive season.
There’s an enormous sense of expectation in the city right now: after a two-year hiatus, the 187th edition of the world's biggest traditional fair is to be held from 17 September to 3 October – the Oktoberfest, known locally as the Wiesn. Residents of the Bavarian capital also love the charm of the Auer Dult– another typical Munich fair that has been in existence since 1796. From 30 July to 7 August, the oldest of the three annual Auer Dult fairs – the Jakobidult – attracts visitors from all over the world with its market and fairground fun.
While younger guests let off steam on the carousel, swing ride or boat swing, crockery and antique enthusiasts can set off on a treasure hunt through one of Europe’s largest tableware markets and hope to pick up a gem or two among a large selection of porcelain, ceramic figurines and antiques. If you have other plans for the summer, there’ll be another chance from 15 to 23 October with the Kirchweihdult.
Sports lovers will be drawn to the European Championships from 11 to 21 August. Right on time to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich will be hosting Europe’s top athletes in the disciplines of beach volleyball, canoe racing, climbing, athletics, cycling, rowing, table tennis, triathlon and gymnastics.
In addition to watching the contests in the Olympiapark (Olympic Park), visitors to the European Championships will be able to cheer on the athletes in the city centre, too: the climbing and beach volleyball contests will take place against the impressive backdrop of Königsplatz (square). Anyone not interested in the sport itself can look forward to the musical support programme instead: the European Championships will be accompanied by The Roofs Festival, lasting eleven days and featuring headliners Marteria, Wanda, RY X, Gayle and the Beatsteaks, who perform free of charge at the Olympic Park.
Munich’s series of autumn cultural events – the Kulturherbst – gets under way with the opening weekend of Various Others (8 to 11 September). For a brief period, this initiative aims to make Munich a Mecca for contemporary art, with 19 international galleries – from Athens, Kyiv, Mexico City, Los Angeles and New York – enriching the city’s cultural landscape (until 9 October). In the first week alone from Various Others, interested visitors can choose between more than 20 exhibition openings, followed by dozens more events at participating museums, galleries and artist-run spaces throughout the city.
Another highlight in the cultural calendar opens in November at Pinakothek der Moderne: for the first time, the large-scale monographic exhibition Max Beckmann - Departure (25 November 2022 to 12 March 2023) is dedicated to the theme of travel – something that was of existential importance to the painter and sculptor (1884-1950), both biographically and symbolically. Not only were war transit and exile among the central themes of his work, but also fashionable holidays, the urge for freedom and the longing to travel. Among the approximately 70 works drawn from important private and public Beckmann collections is the first triptych DEPARTURE from the MoMA.
The special exhibitions at the Pinakothek der Moderne are also well worth seeing: these are being put on till the end of the year to mark the museum’s 20th anniversary. They will be dedicated to the history and future of architecture, art, graphics and design.
The Tollwood Winter Festival starts on Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground) at the end of November. This “alternative Christmas market” includes a programme of theatre, music and environmental activities, along with organic catering and arts and crafts produced sustainably and fairly. From 13 to 30 December, the Canadian circus group Machine De Cirque performs spectacular acrobatics combined with a dash of humour. Visitors can also opt to enjoy a four-course menu in organic quality created by well-known chef Holger Stromberg.
And from 21 November to 24 December, the traditional Munich Christindlmarkt on Marienplatz provides a festive-style finale to the calendar of events. Find guided tours here.
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