Munich’s Springfest, or Frühlingsfest, is a local favourite that feels like a calmer, friendlier version of Oktoberfest. It runs from mid-April to early May and draws lots of people, but it’s smaller and more relaxed, so you’re more likely to chat with locals than push through crowds. Getting a drink is easier, and the whole festival feels more personal and easygoing.
You’ll still find everything people love about Bavarian festivals—big beer tents, lively music, traditional outfits, tasty food, and fun fair rides—but without the long queues and heavy tourist crowds. The beer is made the traditional way, with simple ingredients, and many people say it’s easier to enjoy without overdoing it.
If you want real Bavarian fun with space to move, dance, and enjoy a beer, Springfest is a great choice. It’s often called a hidden gem, and it’s perfect for anyone who likes a good festival without the stress.
Springfest in Munich feels like the city’s best neighbourhood party, just on a slightly larger scale. You’ll spot plenty of locals laughing over steins, and the tourist crowds are noticeably thinner than at Oktoberfest. This gives the whole festival a welcoming, genuine feel that’s treasured by residents and those in the know.
Instead of millions packed into massive tents, you’re more likely to find yourself chatting easily with others in a cosy crowd of tens of thousands. It’s big enough to still feel exciting, but small enough that you can relax, enjoy a slower pace, and never queue too long for a drink or a dance.
Tradition is everywhere you look. Locals proudly wear their dirndls and lederhosen, while oompah bands crank out those familiar tunes that make it nearly impossible not to join in. You’ll hear classic beer hall songs filling the air, helping everyone drop their guard and get swept up in the fun. It’s a full-on Bavarian celebration, but one that still feels personal, friendly and without the showy add-ons you get at bigger festivals.
Beer at Springfest sits on a genuine pedestal. The famous German purity law from 1516, the Reinheitsgebot, means every festival brew is proudly made from just four ingredients: hops, barley, water and yeast. No strange additives, no chemicals you can’t pronounce—just satisfyingly clean, flavourful beer. Most options at Springfest are nearly 6% alcohol, so don’t be surprised if your stein gives you a bit of extra cheer halfway through the night.
You’ll have your pick of crowd favourites. Augustiner, loved by locals for its history and reliably smooth finish, has earned legendary status around Munich. Spaten Frülingsfest Hell wins fans both for its easy-drinking taste and the cheeky festival-specific name. And if you fancy something lighter, Paulaner wheat beer adds a classic, mellow kick to the lineup.
Having a beer at Springfest isn’t just a quick drink; it’s a full experience. The beer tents buzz with laughter, music and the clinking of litre glasses, and you can’t help but feel part of a proud tradition that’s been shared across generations. Whether you’re arm in arm singing along with oompah bands or simply enjoying every sip, this is the Bavarian beer celebration most people dream about—and at Springfest, you’re right in the middle of it.
Springfest isn’t just about raising glass after glass of beer, though no one’s complaining about that. Thrill-seekers can dive into the festival’s colourful rides, with rollercoasters and spinning attractions that leave everyone from little ones to grown-ups shouting and laughing together. Even if you’re avoiding the beer tents, there’s plenty to throw yourself into on the fairgrounds.
Step outside the festival and Munich opens up even further. Stroll over to the Eisbach River, where crowds watch as surfers—yes, actual surfers—take on one endlessly flowing wave in the city centre. It’s not just a spectacle, either; friendly cheers ring out as locals and adventurous visitors snap on wetsuits for a go, making it one of Munich’s most unexpectedly sociable corners.
When it’s time to slow down, nothing beats the Englischer Garten. This city park is so vast it beats out both Hyde Park and Central Park for size, offering shady spots for a lazy afternoon and prime real estate for nursing yesterday’s overindulgence with a bit of sun.
Springfest also feel especially fun thanks to a sea of dirndls and lederhosen throughout the grounds. You’ll hear live Bavarian music, and before long, find yourself swept up in the dancing and joining in familiar songs. Traditional costume, joyous tunes and the energy from all the festival rides and attractions blend together into a uniquely Bavarian celebration that feels both lively and inclusive.
Staying at Springfest is about more than just a pillow for the night; it’s a chance to really get stuck in with a lively festival crowd. Stoke Travel, for example, pulls together groups of travellers who want a fun, communal atmosphere. Think camping under sturdy tents, sharing laughs and late-night stories with your tent neighbour, and waking up to the smell of breakfast already cooking. Twin tents come with comfy air mattresses and sleeping bags, so there’s no need to haul gear across Europe.
Camping with a tour group means your meals are sorted too. Breakfast and dinner are served up every day, fuelling both slow mornings and those inevitable nights that somehow stretch until dawn. The Stoke campsite keeps spirits high with events right at your doorstep: DJs pumping out tunes, drinking games that break the ice fast, and an open bar that makes sampling German beer and sangria remarkably easy. With so many festival fans in one place, it’s almost impossible not to make new friends—and sometimes even meet someone special.
Springfest’s campsite isn’t the only place buzzing either. Getting into Munich and over to the festival grounds is simple, thanks to the city’s solid system of trams, buses, and trains. It’s easy to hop around town without fussing over timetables or tickets, and you can make the most of your beers without any worry about driving. For anyone coming to experience Springfest, this mix of community vibe and easy travel is worth its weight in steins.
Springfest has all the fun of a true Bavarian festival, just without the big tourist crowds. You don’t have to fight for a seat or wait forever for a beer, and the mood is relaxed and welcoming. Locals are a big part of the festival, wearing traditional clothes and happy to chat with anyone who joins in.
One big reason people love Springfest is the beer. It’s brewed the traditional way, following old German rules, so it’s fresh, simple, and full of flavour. Enjoying beers like Augustiner, Spaten, or Paulaner feels like a small celebration on its own, not just another drink.
Compared to Oktoberfest, Springfest gives you space to slow down and really enjoy yourself. You can talk, listen to the music, sing along, and meet new people without the noise and rush. If you want good beer, good food, and a friendly crowd, Springfest is a special part of Munich that many people are glad they discovered.
