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The calendar of events in Munich starts with Carnival, which is shorter than in Cologne, but lots of fun: On Rose Monday, nearly 1,000 Gays and Lesbians celebrate a big ball with fancy costumes at the Oberangertheater; and the day after, crowds gather on Viktualienmarkt, and in and around the Deutsche Eiche Hotel.
Munich is one of four cities in Germany where the Verzaubert Queer Film Festival (Enchanting Queer Film Festival) brings gay and lesbian cinema to the masses. The festival's name reflects the changing dynamic of issues related to love and gender identity.
The Starkbierfest (strong beer festival) at the beginning of Lent before Easter, attracts locals and friends from all over the world.
During the outdoor summer festival season, the gay community celebrates the first gay and lesbian "Maypole" with symbols of the scene on it on May 1. Other festivals not to be missed include the "Klenzestraßenfest" at the end of May, the "Glockenbachfest" in June and the "Gärtnerplatzfest" with an open-air concert of the orchestra of the Gärtnerplatztheater in July. In August, there are two important festivals: one in the Hans-Sachs-Street (anniversary of the Gay Community Cultural Center) and one in Pestalozzi Street. Click here to download a list of Munich's hot spots, gay websites and more information.
Christopher Street Day has been celebrated in Munich since 1980, and now attracts tens of thousands of visitors each July. Munich's Lord Mayor is patron of the annual Munich CSD which includes a political parade, street festivals on Marienplatz Square and Rindermarkt, live performances and an open-air disco. Highlight: Clubbing in the City Hall!
The Munich Loewen Club celebrates the opening weekend of the Oktoberfest each year with excursions, parties, and Gay Sunday in the Bräurosl Beer Tent. During Oktoberfest, entire beer tents such as Fischer Vroni are taken over by the gay crowd on various days - check with local information sources for 2010 dates. On the last Sunday of Oktoberfest, the crowd usually gathers at the Schottenhaml tent.
The Gay Christmas Market - Pink Christmas - takes place each December at Stephansplatz Square in the Glockenbach district.
World Aids Day Munich
Some 1,000 people joined in the candlelit procession from Odeonsplatz Square to the town hall at Marienplatz Square on Dec 1, 2007. Afterwards an ecumenical service was held at Saint Lukas' church, with guided meditations and music in memory of those who had died from AIDS. A dance benefit often followed the service. Visit the World Aids Day website for details and upcoming events.
