Munich Fasching 2026 is on the way! Costumes zipped, confetti ready. Below is your no stress route to the parade, the street stages, and the century old Viktualienmarkt traditions. We added pro tips, fun facts, and viewing advice so you can spend less time searching and more time twirling.
Munich Fasching 2026 At A Glance
➡️ Quick refresher: Fasching is Bavaria’s carnival season. Think bright uniforms, guard dances, brass bands, greasepaint moustaches, and jelly-filled Krapfen in suspiciously generous quantities. The mood is playful. The schedule is packed. Your mission is simple. Pick a spot, pick a costume, and let Munich do the rest.
Faschingsumzug Der Damischen Ritter (Parade)
The legendary “Gaudiwurm” winds through the Old Town with guard regiments, brass bands, and glitter in every direction. The energy is warm and cheeky. The choreography is tight. The photo ops are dangerously good.
“Gaudi” is Bavarian for fun. “Wurm” is worm. Together it describes a long, wiggly parade of joy. Watch for the Prinzenpaar, the prince and princess of carnival, and the Funkenmariechen, the acrobatic show dancers with high kicks that defy February temperatures.
💡Pro tip: If you like brass and drums, plant yourself near narrow streets like Rosental or Färbergraben. The sound bounces off the buildings and turns the whole lane into a moving concert.
When: Sunday, Feb 8, 2026, 13:13 start
Where: Inner city route via Rosental → Färbergraben → Kaufingerstraße → Marienplatz → Altes Rathaus
Cost: Free street parade
München Narrisch (Street Party Across the Old Town)
Three days of music, costumes, and spontaneous street choreography. Stages pop up between Stachus and Marienplatz, with another hub at Viktualienmarkt. Drop in at lunch for family vibes. Return at twilight for neon face paint and pop anthems. If you hear a whistle, a line dance is about to happen, and you better make sure to join it.
Make sure to watch out for the guard shows! With precision marching, cover bands that pull the whole square into a singalong and mini dance floors that bloom in front of the stage, then drift down the street like confetti clouds with legs.
Snack plan? Krapfen with apricot jam is the classic! Chocolate is the wildcard. Custard is the risk that pays off. Napkins are non-negotiable.
When: Feb 15–17, 2026, programming from ~10:30 daily
Where: Karlsplatz-Stachus ⇄ Marienplatz ⇄ Viktualienmarkt
Cost: Free street program
Unsinniger Donnerstag at Viktualienmarkt
This is the switch that flips the city into carnival mode. The stage program starts in the afternoon while the guard troupes keep the tempo up. The market stalls hand out smiles and, if you are lucky, samples. It pretty much feels like the pre-party that became the main event by accident.
The motto often nods to community. Watch for local institutions on stage, from traditional clubs to tent bands you may know from Oktoberfest.
When: Thu, Feb 12, 2026 from ~14:00
Where: Viktualienmarkt main stage
Cost: Free street program
Tanz der Marktweiber (Dance of the Market Women)
The undisputed highlight, Viktualienmarkt’s stallholders take the stage with a choreographed number that is equal parts history, humour, and community theatre. With costumes that wink at what each stand sells. You can expect produce crowns, pretzel props, and a surprising amount of rhythm from people who normally hand you celery.
The tradition actually dates back more than a century! The market women started dancing for their regulars, then the city embraced it, then the whole square started coming for it. Now it is the grand finale of Faschingsdienstag.
When: Tue, Feb 17, 2026, performance from ~10:30, celebrations until ~19:00
Where: Viktualienmarkt main stage
Cost: Free street program
Bars and Clubs All Around Town
From Gärtnerplatz to Glockenbach to Maxvorstadt, costume parties run through the weekend into Tuesday. Themes include glitter, retro, pirates, and at least three different versions of “neon jungle.” Many venues switch to presale tickets by evening. Early arrivals get the best dance floor real estate and the shortest cloakroom line.
Fasching Know-How: Snacks, Costumes, Etiquette
Snack Checklist
Krapfen, pretzels, and a warming drink. If you want the insider move, grab a hot Leberkässemmel after the stage finale, it fixes cold fingers and restores dancing power.
Munich Approved Costume Ideas
Any nostalgic nod tends to do the trick, as well as sparkly anything with comfortable trainers. However, a solid go to is a group theme with one prop each, so you can still hold a drink and clap on two and four.
Etiquette
Alway make sure to keep doorways, shop entrances, and tram tracks clear. Ask before photos if a costume is super cool (basic politeness guys, I know we live in the digital age but its still culturally an important quality no matter where you are), litter goes into the nearest bin so the city sweepers can perform their own ballet at dawn.
Fasching Glossary
- Prinzenpaar is the carnival prince and princess
- Funkenmariechen are the acrobatic dancers
- Kehraus is the last night closeout
- Gaudiwurm is the parade that snakes through the city and into your camera roll
Getting Around, Viewing Spots, Accessibility
Transportation
Use U and S-Bahn to Karlsplatz-Stachus or Marienplatz, then walk since trams can be rerouted around the parade. MVGO shows live disruptions and is your best friend when the crowd decides to conga to your platform.
Viewing Spots
- For kids: stand slightly back from the route where sidewalks are wider, like Marienplatz east side.
- For photographers: try a corner on Kaufingerstraße to catch movement and color in one frame.
- For tall hat wearers: back row please, you are powerful.
Accessibility
Elevators at Marienplatz and Stachus help with step-free access, make sure to avoid dense pinch points near stage fronts if you use a stroller or wheelchair. And its good to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before each show block for easier positioning (it can get super busy and crammed!).
Final Munich Fasching Prep
Dress warm, pack napkins, and choose shoes that forgive cobblestones! For live updates, map pins, and last-minute party tips, follow @boredinmunich. We will be out there, sequins included.
