Event Dates
From: Thursday, March 26, 2026
To: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Starkbierfest Munich
Strong Beer Festival 2026
To appreciate the Munich love of beer you just have to consider what locals call the “fifth season”. It’s the Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Time).
Starkbierfest 2026 Munich Strong Beer Festival
To appreciate the Munich love of beer you just have to consider what locals call the “fifth season”. It’s the Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Time), a frenzy of early-spring stout swigging.
- Visiting Munich? Stay in the heart of the city in a luxurious suite at Beyond by Geisel a unique luxury concept putting you in the heart of the action. Meanwhile the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, offers amazing views of the city and a great rooftop pool.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Thursday 26th March, 2026 – Sunday 28th March, 2026
- Munich is always brewing up some kind of excuse to get buzzed. Sandwiched between Carnival celebrations and Easter, Starkbierfest is Munich’s Lent-time justification for alcohol consumption. The festival is celebrated over a few weeks during early Spring
- Beer halls and breweries host their own Starkbierfests across the city. It’s a fabulous event where you have the supreme privilege of downing fresh, delicious brew that tastes like it was especially concocted just for you to drink on that specific day.
The Gay Event
- The Munich Leather and Fetish association, MLC host a special 4 day weekend version of their very own Starkbierfest each March.
- Events typically kick off with a meet and greet on Thursday from 7 pm. Guests can mix and mingle with the candidates from Bavarian Mr Leather. The event is followed with a bar tour.
- After a cultural programme on Friday afternoon, enjoy a delicious food at the Bluf Detish Dinner followed by a hardcore fetish party at the UnderGround.
- Saturday plays host to the coronation of Bavarian Mr Leather followed by the „Löwennacht“ at UnderGround, a dress code fetish event.
- On Sunday, the Starkbierfest-weekend ends with one or more mugs of Maximator, the strong malty beer of Augustiner brewery, proper Bavarian brass music and lots of guys in traditional Bavarian leather shorts.
- The event is held at Augustiner Keller München, from 10 am.
The Full Program 2026
- Enjoy 4 days and nights of parties.
Thursday 26 March 2026
19:30-23:00 Meet & Greet im SUB Opening night social for Starkbierfest with welcome by the MLC board, first task for Bavarian Mr Fetish candidates, live DJ and free cold snacks, no dresscode, fetish welcome. SUB e.V. Friday 27 March 2026
14:00-16:00 Führung Guided tour as part of the Starkbierfest weekend, further details to follow. Venue tbc 21:00-05:00 Piss, Fist & Fuck Hardcore fetish night at the MLC club with weekend package access or door tickets, free drink for MLC and LFC members, beer on tap, strict MLC dresscode, men only. UnderGround Saturday 28 March 2026
13:00-16:00 Fetisch-Flohmarkt mit Kaffee & Kuchen Daytime fetish flea market with coffee and cake, greeting by the MLC board, task for Bavarian Mr Fetish candidates, free entry, vendor registration only, open dresscode, fetish friendly, all gender. UnderGround 16:30-22:00 Krönung des Bavarian Mr. Fetish Gala evening with welcome drink, 3 course dinner, farewell to the current titleholder and final voting plus crowning of the new Bavarian Mr Fetish, fetish outfit requested, all gender welcome. Oberangertheater Sunday 29 March 2026
10:00-22:00 GaySunday Traditional Sunday celebration with brass band from 11:00, welcome and greeting of the new Bavarian Mr Fetish, Schwuhplattler shows, party band from afternoon, food and drinks self-pay, men only, Tracht or fetish welcome. Festsaal im Augustinerkeller Gay Munich
- The gay neighbourhood in Munich is quite compact. There are 9 gay bars most of them are in the old town around the Glockenbachviertel.
- Known as the vibrant gay district of Munich, upscale Glockenbachviertel offers trendy bars and nightlife venues that go into the wee hours of the morning. It’s home to the Gender-Ampel traffic light featuring diverse pedestrian characters, as well as boutiques, galleries and performing arts at the State Theater on Gärtnerplatz.
Underground
- Underground is a gay cruise & fetish nightclub in Munich, hosted by MLC (Münchner Löwen Club) open from Friday to Sunday morning. 21:00 – 04:00 (entry till 23:00).
- It is a 20-minute drive from the gay bars along Glockenbachviertel.
Augustiner Keller München
- Augustiner-Keller – Landmark restaurant known for its large beer garden & hall, serving Bavarian & international dishes.
- It is a 12-minute drive from the gay bars of Munich.
- The beer tent is open on Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Brass bands start at 11 pm with special performances from 1 pm.
- Party music in the beer cellar from 3 pm.
Sub e.V
- SUB e.V. – Community center and bar for Munich’s gay and fetish crowd, home to the Starkbierfest meet & greet.
Oberangertheater
- Oberangertheater – Historic city center theater used as an event space for gala shows, dinners and the Bavarian Mr Fetish coronation.
Recommended Munich Hotels
The following hotels are close to Munich’s top attractions and a short ride to the Starkbierzeit parties:
Bayerischer Hof, Hotel Exquisit, Living Hotel, Mercure Hotel
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Sofitel Munich is our preferred place
to stay when in Munich, it books out fast!
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Starkbierfest visit The Website
Gay Map of Munich
The best area to stay in Munich is the Innenstadt and is within easy walking distance of most of the city’s shops and bars. Gay life in Munich focuses around the Glockenbachviertel and Sendlinger-Tor-Platz.
Address: Promenadepl. 2-6, 80333 München
- Long-standing luxury hotel near Munich’s cultural heart
- Elegant rooms and suites with thoughtful amenities
- Spa, indoor pool and rooftop garden for relaxation
- Multiple dining venues from casual to fine dining
- Attentive service and a refined, classic atmosphere
- Website
Address: Frauenstraße 4, 80469 München
- Apartment-style hotel with bright, modern rooms
- Kitchenette options for flexible stays
- Calm common areas with welcoming staff
- Convenient location near transport and city sights
Good option for short or longer Munich visits - Website
Address: 44, Schwanthalerstraße, Klinikviertel
- Stylish book-themed hotel near Munich Hauptbahnhof
- Modern, comfortable rooms with good lighting
- Library lounge and cozy common spaces
- Attentive staff and solid breakfast buffet
- Easy access to transport, cafés and city sights
- Website
Address: Hotterstraße 4, München
- Mid-range hotel near Munich Hauptbahnhof with practical rooms
- Modern furnishings and comfortable beds for restful stays
- Buffet breakfast with hot and cold choices
- Great access to public transport and city eateries
- Professional service with no-nonsense convenience
- Website
Address: Düsseldorfer Straße 7, Munich
- Small gay sauna and cruising spot in northern Munich
- Sauna, steam, bio/infrared heat, lounge and bar areas
- Men-only, predominantly gay clientele
- Casual, relaxed vibe with basic wellness and social spaces
- Accessible near U-Bahn Bonnerplatz / Scheidplatz
- Open: Daily 3pm-10pm
- Website
Address: Reichenbachstraße 13, Munich
- Men’s gay sauna in Glockenbach, Munich
- Sauna, steam and lounging spaces for chill and meetups
- Mostly gay male crowd with friendly atmosphere
- Basic comfort over luxury setting
- Close to transport and nearby gay nightlife
- Open: 3pm-11pm
- Website
Address: Theresienstraße 130, 80333 München
- Small gay sex shop, cinema and cruising club in Maxvorstadt
- Backroom cabins, videos and dark room for no-fuss play
- Adult shop at the front with DVDs, toys and gear
- Men-only, gay crowd with busier evenings and happy hours
- Easy to reach from U-Bahn Theresienstraße near central Munich
- Open: Mon-Sat 10am-1am, Sun 2pm-12am
- Website
Address: Hans-Sachs-Straße 2, Munich
- Gay café bar in Glockenbach with friendly, relaxed vibe
- Comfortable seating, cocktails, coffee and hearty German eats
- Central bar encourages chats and lingering visits
- Popular with locals and visitors alike
- Good starting point before exploring wider gay nightlife
- Open: Daily 3pm – 3am
- Website
Address: Müllerstraße 14, Munich
- Gay community café-bar and meeting place in central Munich
- Friendly gay crowd with relaxed, social atmosphere
- Affordable drinks run by volunteers and community teams
- Regular events, karaoke nights and social gatherings
- Easy spot to start an evening or meet locals and visitors
- Open: Mon-Thu 7pm-11pm,
- Fri 7pm-12am, Sat 8pm-1am, Sun 3pm-11pm
- Website
Address: Pestalozzistraße 6, Munich
- Small gay bar in Glockenbach with a loyal local crowd
- Traditional Bavarian pub look with wood and a central bar
- Older, bear-heavy mix of guys and friends of the scene
- Cheap drinks, friendly staff and busy evenings
- Great warm-up bar before heading deeper into gay Munich
- Open: 3pm-1am
Address: Thalkirchner Straße 4, Munich
- Gay cafe-bar with drinks, burgers and light food
- Street terrace adds outdoor social space on warm days
- Relaxed, chatty crowd from local LGBTQ+ scene and beyond
- Good spot for brunch, early evening cocktails or casual meetups
- Can flow late on weekends with music and drinks
- Open: Mon–Thu 10am-1am, Fri–Sat 10am-4am/5am, Sun 10am-1am
Address: Müllerstraße 47, Munich 80469
- Legendary gay leather and fetish bar in Glockenbach
- Men-only space with a classic, cozy interior
- Popular with leather, jeans, rubber and uniform crowds
- Laid-back vibe with drinks, music and cruising
- Scene staple with decades of LGBT history
- Open: Mon-Wed 9pm-4am, Thu 8pm-4am,
- Fri-Sat 8pm-6am, Sun 9pm-4am
- Website
Address: Theklastraße 1, Munich 80469
- Prosecco is a gay bar and dance party venue in Glockenbach
- Energy builds from chilled drinks to late-night dance vibes
- Music ranges from Schlager to pop and chart hits
- Frequent themed nights, drag shows and karaoke events
- Busy weekends with DJs and long closing times
- Open: Wednesday-Thursday 7pm-1am, Friday 8pm-5am,
- Saturday 8pm-5am, Sunday 7pm-1am
Address: Müllerstraße 54, Munich
- Gay bar in Munich’s Glockenbachviertel with drinks and chat
- Small, welcoming space with themed nights and karaoke
- Mix of locals and visitors across a broad age range
- Casual vibe that warms up into a late night spot
- Central location near Sendlinger Tor in the gay scene
- Open: Mon–Wed 6pm-5am, Thu-Fri-Sat 6pm-5am, Sun 6pm-1am
Address: Palmstraße 4, Munich
- Gay bar and café in Glockenbach with a friendly vibe
- Coffee, drinks and casual social atmosphere
- Music from pop to chart hits keeps it lively
- Regular local crowd that welcomes visitors
- Good early evening hangout or relaxed late night spot
- Open: Tue–Sun 4pm-1am
- Website
Address: Maximiliansplatz 5, Munich
- Gay club night at Rote Sonne with house, techno and electro
- Queer crowd dancing mid-week into the early morning
- Starts around late evening and runs into early hours
- Mix of local LGBTQ+ patrons and visitors
- Music, DJs and occasional drag or performance moments
- Open: Wednesdays 11pm–5am
- Website
Address: Elisenstraße 3, Munich
- Gay dance club with house, pop and circuit music floors
- Split level design with lounge space and darkroom cruising
- Vibrant, young LGBTQ+ crowd late into the night
- Friday Luxuspop and Saturday house/tech events
- Central spot near Hauptbahnhof for gay nightlife
- Open: Fri-Sat 11pm-6am
- Website
Address: Reisingerstraße 15, Munich
- Men-only gay bar and cruising venue in Munich
- Casual bar area with drinks and chat space
- Large darkroom and cruising area with themed nights
- House, club and electronic music on weekends
- Friendly crowd of locals and visitors under one roof
- Open: Mon-Thu 8pm-1am/2am, Fri-Sat 8pm-4am, Sun 8pm-1am
- Website
Address: Machtlfinger Straße 29, Munich
- Men-only gay cruise and fetish club in Munich hosted by MLC
- Large multi-area play space with dark zones, BDSM and showers
- Regular themed nights like rubber, sneakers and naked events
- Bar area with affordable drinks and social cruising vibe
- Crowd of gay men into kink, fetish and play culture
- Open: Fri 9pm-11pm, Sat 9pm-11pm, Sun 3pm-5pm
- Website
Recommended Hotels in Munich By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Munich that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, exclusive spa, rooftop swimming pool.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- High-speed WiFi, air conditioning.
- Historic elegance and modern luxury in Munich’s shopping district, perfect for an indulgent stay.
Living Hotel
4 Star, Good Value
- 4-star, environmentally friendly.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Flat-screen TV, extra-long beds.
- Sustainable, stylish, central, ideal for environmentally conscious travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Eurostars Book Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, literary-themed rooms, near Central Station.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities.
- Unique, book-inspired design, close to transport links, perfect for literary enthusiasts.
Mercure Hotel
3 Star, Location
- 3-star Superior, Munich’s Old Town.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Air-conditioned rooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Quiet yet central, offering modern comforts and an extensive breakfast, ideal for city explorers.
Video Munich Gay Guide
Israel Plata explores the best of gay Munich.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Munich
Munich, the capital and largest city of the state of Bavaria in Germany, is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere. When it comes to LGBTQ+ life in Munich, the city has a welcoming and inclusive community.
Glockenbachviertel | The Gay Hub of Munich
Photo: Glockenbachviertel is home to some of Munich’s most popular gay bars
- Often referred to as the “gayborhood” of Munich, Glockenbachviertel is a trendy and bohemian district known for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
- It has numerous gay bars, clubs, and cafes, making it a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
- The neighbourhood hosts several of the gay after parties during Munich Pride and Oktoberfest.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Munich.
Sendlinger Tor
Sendlinger Tor is another area with a concentration of gay & friendly establishments. This neighborhood is known for its mix of shops, restaurants, & bars
Maxvorstadt
Maxvorstadt is a central district famous for its cultural attractions, including museums & galleries. A cosmopolitan area that attracts people from various backgrounds
Schwabing
Schwabing is a historic and artistic district in Munich that has a reputation for being open-minded and diverse. Offering a range of inclusive spaces and events.
Marienplatz
Marienplatz & the nearby Kaufingerstrasse are the city’s main shopping streets. Here, you’ll find international brands, department stores, & traditional Bavarian shops.
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