Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
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: Awaiting dates – Typically Thursday to Sunday in late March.
- 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.
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.
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.
Promenadepl. 2-6, 80333 München, Germany
Offering 5 gourmet restaurants, 6 bars, and an exclusive spa with rooftop pool, this historic 5-star hotel is located directly in Munich’s fashionable shopping district.
The luxurious rooms and suites of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof each feature an original design, ranging from cosmopolitan to colonial style. They all provide high-speed WiFi and air conditioning. A complimentary fruit basket and a bottle of mineral water are also included.
Frauenstraße 4, 80469 München, Germany
Located directly at the historic Viktualienmarkt marketplace in Munich city centre, this environmentally friendly hotel features a gym, 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Marienplatz Square is 200 m away.
The stylish rooms at Living Hotel Das Viktualienmarkt use renewable energy sources. Highlights include a 32-inch flat-screen TV, hot drinks facilities, and extra-long beds. Some rooms feature views of Viktualienmarkt marketplace.
Eurostars Book Hotel, 44, Schwanthalerstraße, Klinikviertel, Ludwigsvorstadt-Kliniken, Ludwigsvorstadt, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Munich, Bavaria, 80336, Germany
Just 650 m from Munich Central Station, the contemporary-style Eurostars Book Hotel offers a fitness centre and free WiFi. Literary-themed rooms feature a flat-screen TV. You can also enjoy the sauna. Each of the stylish rooms at Eurostars Book Hotel is dedicated to a famous book. The hotel’s restaurant serves a selection of international specialities. Features include tea/coffee facilities, a minibar and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries.
Hotterstraße 4, 80331 München, Germany
This quietly located, 3-star Superior hotel in ’s is just a 3-minute walk from the famous square. It offers air-conditioned rooms and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
A large, tasty breakfast buffet is on offer at the Mercure Hotel München Altstadt every day.
Kohlstraße 7, 80469 München, Germany
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, a living room with a TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher and a microwave. WiFi is free of charge.
Ehrengutstraße 9, 80469 München, Germany
Cocoma-Design-Apartment Deluxe – very central offers a modern and stylish apartment, which features a fully-equipped kitchen, a seating area and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Geyerstraße 52, 80469 München, Germany
Rooms and apartments with kitchenette and a safety deposit box. Guests enjoy free landline and mobile calls within Germany A Finnish sauna, 24-hour gym are available FREE WIFi
Mozartstraße 13, 80336 München, Germany
This apartment includes 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a washing machine. Free WiFi
Theresienstraße 130, 80333 München, Germany
● A cozy gay sex shop with a video cruising area.
● Admission fee ranges from €10 to €18.
Monday-Saturday 12:00 – 20:00; Sunday 14:00 – 20:00
Düsseldorfer Straße 7, Munich 80804
● A cozy and well-maintained gay sauna situated in northern Munich.
● Known for its calm and relaxed environment.
● Admission fee is 24 €.
● Website: schwabinger-men-sauna.de
Daily: 15:00 – 23:00
Reichenbachstraße 13, Munich 80469
● A vibrant sauna located at the back of the Deutsche Eiche Restaurant and Hotel.
● Offers a diverse atmosphere with various facilities.
● Admission prices range from 22-27 € (17 € for those up to 29 years old); cabin fees vary from 10-30 €.
Thursday: 12:00 – 07:00 Friday: 12:00 – Monday 07:00 nonstop
Dachauer Straße 9 A, Munich 80335
● A small, traditional daytime sauna close to the central station.
● Features a tranquil setting with a predominantly mature clientele.
● Admission is approximately 23 €.
11:00 – 18:00/19:00
Hans-Sachs-Straße 2, Munich 80469
● One of Munich's longest-running gay bars, known for its friendly vibe.
● Features a lovely street terrace during the summer.
Daily 15:00 – 03:00
Müllerstraße 14, Munich 80469
● Open café and bar run by a non-profit gay counseling and cultural center.
● Popular spot on weekend nights for a lively atmosphere.
Monday-Thursday 19:00 – 23:00; Friday 19:00 – 24:00 Saturday 20:00 – 01:00; Sunday 15:00/19:00 – 23:00
Pestalozzistraße 6, Munich 80469
● A traditional beer bar frequented mainly by middle-aged and mature men.
● Known for its cozy atmosphere and a clientele of beards and bears.
Daily 15:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Thalkirchner Straße 4, Munich 80337
● An LGBT+-friendly café, restaurant, and cocktail bar with a mixed crowd.
● Enjoy drinks on the street terrace when the weather is nice.
Daily from 10:00
Müllerstraße 47, Munich 80469
● Munich's oldest gay leather and fetish bar, established since 1967.
● Attracts a mature clientele, primarily those in their 40s and older.
Monday-Thursday 20:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00;
Sunday 20:00 – 03:00
Theklastraße 1, Munich 80469
● A vibrant party bar offering a mix of German Schlager and international charts.
● Welcoming to guests of all ages.
Wednesday 20:00 – 01:00; Thursday 19:00 – 01:00 Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00; Sunday 19:00 – 01:00
Müllerstraße 54, Munich 80469
● A fun spot known for German Schlager, oldies, party hits, and karaoke nights.
● Attracts a diverse crowd looking to unwind and enjoy music.
Monday-Thursday 18:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 05:00;
Sunday 20:00 – 04:00
Blumenstraße 21a, Munich 80331
● A cozy gay pub popular among local regulars, especially in the early evening.
● Has been a staple in the community since the 1980s.
Tuesday 14:00 – 01:00; Wednesday-Friday 11:00 – 01:00;
Saturday 09:00 – 01:00; Sunday 09:00 – 23:00
Palmstraße 4, Munich 80469
● A vibrant LGBT-friendly café and resto-bar.
● Enjoy a delightful selection of salads, main dishes, desserts, and homemade cakes.
● During pleasant weather, relax on the street terrace
Daily except Wednesday 18:00 – 24:00; Kitchen until 22:00
Maximiliansplatz 5, Munich 80333
● Join the vibrant mid-week gay night at club Rote Sonne, a popular event since 2023.
● Enjoy a mix of House, Techno, and Pop music that keeps the energy high.
● Admission ranges from 5 to 10 €, making it an affordable night out.
Wednesday: 22:00 – 05:00
Elisenstraße 3, Munich 80335
● Experience the excitement every Friday and Saturday night at NY.Club.
● The venue features various areas including dancefloors, bars, and a terrace.
● Fridays are all about Luxuspop with Pop and Chart hits attracting a youthful crowd.
● Saturdays shift to House music with performances from national and international guest DJs.
Friday & Saturday: From 23:00
Reisingerstraße 15, Munich 80337
● A busy gay bar featuring a cruising area.
● Fetish-friendly atmosphere without a strict dress code.
● Minimum consumption: just one drink to enjoy the space.
Monday 20:00 – 01:00; Tuesday-Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 04:00; Sunday 20:00 – 01:00
Machtlfinger Straße 29, Munich 81379
● The go-to party venue for the Munich fetish association, MLC.
● Offers a unique party calendar and specific dress codes available on their website.
● Note that parties are private; ID is required for entry.
Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 04:00 (entry until 23:00)
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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