Munich’s Springfest, or Frühlingsfest, is perfect if you love festivals but don’t enjoy the huge Oktoberfest crowds. It’s been around since 1965 and offers the same Bavarian fun, just in a more relaxed and friendly setting.
Held from late April to early May, Springfest has beer tents, traditional food, music, and fairground rides. The key difference is that there are only two main beer tents, so it feels calmer and easier to enjoy without the chaos.
The festival takes place at Theresienwiese, the same spot as Oktoberfest, giving you that classic Munich festival feel with much more space to move around and enjoy yourself.
Springfest vs. Oktoberfest
Springfest, or Frühlingsfest, is often called Oktoberfest’s little sister because both celebrate Bavarian traditions with beer tents, local food, and a fun atmosphere. The big difference is size and pace.
Oktoberfest is huge and very busy, with massive tents and crowds from all over the world. Springfest is much smaller and more relaxed, with just two main beer tents. This makes it easier to enjoy the festival, chat with friends or locals, and move around without feeling rushed.
Both festivals are held at Munich’s Theresienwiese, so they share the same famous setting. You’ll still find rides, food stalls, music, and classic treats like pretzels and sausages. Springfest’s music mixes traditional Bavarian songs with popular hits, keeping the mood lively but laid-back.
For those who find Oktoberfest too crowded, Springfest offers the same Bavarian spirit in a calmer, more comfortable way, making it ideal for enjoying the celebration without the chaos.
Accommodation Tips for Springfest
Finding somewhere to stay during Springfest really comes down to planning ahead. As soon as the dates are announced, places start filling up and prices creep up fast, so booking early can save you both stress and money.
If you’re travelling on a tight budget and don’t mind a lively atmosphere, camping is the cheapest option. Stoke Travel runs a fun campsite close to the city for around 60 euros a night, with tents, meals, and parties included. Just be quick—spots don’t last long.
Not into camping? There are plenty of hotels and apartments within easy walking distance of Theresienwiese. You can keep it simple with places like Hotel Pension Haydn, or go for something a bit more comfortable such as Bavaria Boutique Hotel or an apartment at One Bavaria Homes.
Hostels are also a solid choice, especially if you’re travelling solo or want to meet other festival-goers. Spots like wombat’s CITY Hostel are close by and social without being overwhelming. With a bit of early planning, you’ll find a place that fits your budget and lets you enjoy Springfest to the fullest.
Beer Tents and Gardens
Springfest Munich has two main beer tents, and each offers a different vibe. Festhalle Bayernland is decorated in classic blue and white and serves Augustiner beer. Long shared tables, live music, and a friendly crowd make it easy to meet people, especially for solo travellers or younger visitors. The music mixes traditional Bavarian songs with popular singalongs, keeping the mood lively all day.
The Hippodrom tent is just as fun but puts more focus on food, with fresh pretzels and roast chicken being crowd favourites. Music and celebrations continue throughout the day and into the night. Both tents are open from morning until late evening, so arriving early helps if you want a good seat. Sharing tables is normal and part of the Springfest experience, bringing together good food, music, beer, and Bavarian spirit.
Food and Drink Options
If you’re hungry at Springfest, you can’t go wrong with Bavarian staples straight from the grill or oven. Roasted chicken is always a winner, with crackling skin and juicy meat—grab one with your mates and you’ll feel just like a regular at a Munich beer garden.
Another favourite is pork knuckle, or Schweinshaxe if you fancy practising your German. This dish is all about the contrast between crunchy crackling and melt-in-the-mouth pork, and it’s usually served with proper sides like sauerkraut or potato dumplings that make it a true local feast.
And pretzels… well, they’re practically impossible to ignore. These giant salty snacks are baked fresh at the festival and handed over warm, perfect for soaking up your drinks or sharing at your table.
Speaking of drinks, beer is centre stage and the prices are more forgiving than at Oktoberfest. Expect to pay about 11 euros for a full litre, tip included. The festival is a proud cash-only event, so pop a mix of banknotes and coins in your pocket before you set off. It makes it easier to tip the servers too—just round up when paying, and you’ll be sorted. Cards just won’t cut it at Frühlingsfest, so it’s best to stick to tradition and bring cash along.
Special Events and Highlights
If you fancy a bit of extra sparkle at Munich’s Springfest, keep an eye out for Firework Fridays. Twice during the festival, the night sky bursts into colour at 10 pm. These evenings get busy fast, so plan ahead and grab your spot early if you want a great view. The tradition, energy, and festivities of Munich’s Springfest celebration offer something for everyone, whether you’re there for fireworks, rides, or the infectious festival buzz.
For families, Tuesday afternoons are a real treat. From midday until 7 pm, Family Day brings discounted prices on rides and attractions—making it much more wallet-friendly to bring the kids along for fairground fun and the festival buzz.
The Giant Flea Market is another massive event tied to Springfest, taking place just once during the festival. It’s Munich’s largest, pulling in around 2,000 sellers and up to 80,000 eager bargain hunters. Expect stalls packed with anything from antique trinkets to bold retro jackets and proper curiosities you never knew you needed. The market’s lively energy is contagious, and it’s a brilliant spot for finding a one-off souvenir or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Visiting Springfest
Dressing up adds to the fun at Springfest, especially if you want to blend in. Regular clothes are fine, but many people wear traditional Bavarian outfits. Men often wear lederhosen with a checkered or white shirt, while women usually wear a dirndl with a blouse, bodice, and apron. Comfort is key, so make sure whatever you wear fits well and feels good for the whole day.
A traditional outfit is nice, but it’s not worth overspending if you’ll only wear it once.
Bring a valid government-issued ID, as age checks are strict. If you look young, you will likely be asked to show it. Cash is also essential, since most places don’t accept cards. You’ll need money for drinks, food, tips, and even toilets, with beer costing around 11 euros per litre.
Take it easy early on, especially if you plan to stay all day. Lighter drinks can help you pace yourself. If you’re going with friends, pick a meeting spot ahead of time, as it’s easy to get separated in the crowds.
Why Visit Springfest
Springfest is a brilliant way to get right into the spirit of Munich without the mayhem found at Oktoberfest. Imagine all the best bits—joyful beer tents, thrilling fairground rides, and delicious Bavarian eats—but with space to breathe and actually have a chat. You’ll really get to connect with locals here since the crowds aren’t so thick and frantic.
There’s a genuine friendliness that runs through Springfest, making it easy to start up conversations with people from Munich and fellow travellers alike. The festival takes place on Theresienwiese, so you’re still getting that classic festival energy, just with much less hustle. The relaxed size means you’re not shouting over thousands; instead, you can join in a bench singalong, swap stories with your table, or play those classic stein-holding games.
Don’t forget, Springfest is as much about the city as the festival. Munich is packed with museums, green spaces, and scenic streets to wander once you’ve had your fill of Bavarian hospitality. For anyone after a taste of real Munich—with all the laughter and none of the stress—Springfest is your golden ticket.