January in Munich has a very specific mood. The city exhales. The streets get quieter. The air turns crisp enough to wake you up properly…and suddenly, every plan comes with the unspoken question: “Can we do this without spending money?”
Good news: you absolutely can! Despite the winter slowdown, free events in Munich in January 2026 are quietly everywhere. From rare cultural traditions and museum days to winter walks that feel almost cinematic if you time them right.
So we did the digging (you do the showing up). Below you’ll find free, uniquely Munich ideas to kick off the year curious, cultured, and comfortably within budget.
Free Events in Munich For January 2026
This month is full of no-cost ways to get out of the house without sacrificing vibes. Save this list, send it to your group chat, and thank yourself later when January suddenly feels a lot more alive.
Schäfflertanz Munich 2026 (Rare 7-Year Tradition)
If you do one cultural thing this winter, make it this. The legendary Schäfflertanz appears only once every seven years, and January is prime time to spot dancers in red jackets and white knee socks popping up across the city.
Ideal for: history lovers, curious locals, “wait, what’s happening?” moments
When: January–February 2026 (various dates)
Where: Various locations across Munich
JazzProjekt Jam Session
If your Sunday night calls for live music and open minds, this monthly JazzProjekt Jam Session hits all the right notes. Hosted at Freies Musikzentrum e. V. München.
The evening kicks off with a short workshop ensemble led by Jazz Project instructors, before opening the floor to anyone who wants to jump in. Expect improvised grooves, curious listeners, and a welcoming, low-pressure jam that often stretches deep into the night.
Ideal for: Jazz lovers, musicians of all levels, music students, and anyone who enjoys spontaneous live sessions
When: Sunday, 11 January 2026 · 8:00 PM
Where: Freies Musikzentrum e. V. München
Chess Night Jam
A winter evening done right: chess boards on wooden tables, soft jazz in the background, and hot drinks within reach. Chess Night Jam is a relaxed, drop-in chess evening at Eisbrunnen Plant Based Creamery, where beginners and pros share the same tables.
Come to play a few rounds, come to watch, or just come to vibe. Vegan snacks, drinks, and good company included.
Ideal for: Chess lovers, curious beginners, solo visitors, and anyone craving a low-pressure social night
When: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 · 6:00–10:00 PM
Where: Eisbrunnen Plant Based Creamery, Maxvorstadt
NFL Sunday Night Football
Sundays at The Keg Bar are made for football fans. With 8 screens, multiple NFL games rolling throughout the night, and Red Zone keeping you looped into every big moment, this is one of Munich’s most reliable spots for American football energy.
Add €0.80 wings, cold beer, and a room full of fans yelling at screens in unison and suddenly Sunday feels very correct.
Ideal for: NFL fans, expats missing game day, group hangouts, and anyone who believes wings are a food group
When: Sunday, 18 January 2026 · from 3:00 PM (games throughout the evening)
Where: The Keg Bar
40 Jahre Gasteig Silent Disco
Slip on a pair of wireless headphones and dance beneath a glittering disco ball at Gasteig HP8. This free Silent Disco turns Hall E into a joyful, slightly surreal dance floor.
Where you choose between multiple DJ channels and move to your own beat (together), but quietly. Expect feel good energy, flashing lights, and plenty of spontaneous dancing.
Ideal for: Night owls, dance lovers, friend groups, and anyone who likes their parties a little unconventional
When: Wednesday, 7 January 2026 · 6:00–10:00 PM
Where: Hall E, Gasteig HP8, Munich
Terrably Funny! English Comedy Night
Sunday nights get a little louder (and a lot funnier) at Terra. Terrably Funny! is a free English-language comedy open mic where Munich’s up-and-coming, experienced, and delightfully chaotic comedians test out new jokes.
Expect big laughs, a few glorious misfires, and a friendly crowd that’s here for the fun not the pretentious. Stick around after the show and you’ll likely end up chatting with comics, locals, and new friends over drinks.
Ideal for: English speakers, comedy fans, expats, solo visitors, and anyone who enjoys laughing at imperfect jokes
When: Sunday, 18 January 2026 · from 7:30 PM
Where: Terra Bar
MAGIC NIGHT – Open Mic for Magicians
If your January needs a little sparkle, Magic Night delivers. Once a month, Senatore Bar turns into a low-lit stage for illusion, sleight of hand, and wonderfully unpredictable magic.
From amateur wizards to semi-pro illusionists, performers test new tricks in front of a friendly crowd. With pizza, drinks, and a relaxed bar vibe easing everyone into the evening. Come curious, leave slightly enchanted.
Ideal for: Fans of magic, comedy lovers, midweek socializers, and anyone who enjoys weird-but-wholesome bar nights
When: Wednesday, 21 January 2026 · Show from 8:00 PM (pizza & drinks from 6:00 PM)
Where: Senatore Bar
Tuesday Music Trivia
Midweek brains-on, drinks-up energy lands every Tuesday at Yokocho Karaoke Box & Bar. Tuesday Music Trivia runs in quick, fun bursts; five-minute trivia rounds every 30 minutes, so you can jump in whenever you arrive.
All you need is your phone, a little musical knowledge (or confidence), and a taste for friendly competition. Win a round, score a free drink, then belt out karaoke between games.
Ideal for: Trivia fans, karaoke lovers, casual groups, after-work hangouts, and spontaneous weeknight plans
When: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 · 6:00–11:00 PM
Where: Yokocho Karaoke Box & Bar
Early Birds Yoga (All Levels)
Cold mornings get a whole lot better with this dynamic Vinyasa Flow designed to gently wake you up and leave you feeling grounded.
Expect smooth transitions, a balance of movement and stillness, and a welcoming atmosphere where beginners and regulars flow side by side. No pressure, no prior experience needed, mats are provided, and the focus is simply on feeling good in your body.
Ideal for: Morning people (and those trying to become one), beginners, gentle movers, and anyone craving a mindful winter reset
When: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 · 6:30–7:30 AM
Where: Ysenburgstraße 16, near Rotkreuzplatz (studio entrance via the courtyard)
Good to know:
- Suitable for all levels
- Donation-based (€7 recommended to support space costs)
- New indoor location for the cold season
Looking for More Free Events in Munich?
We keep our events calendar updated with free happenings, seasonal highlights, and low-effort winter plans worth leaving the house for.
Cold air, warm culture, zero euros.
