Munich Newsletter - March 2026

March marks the time when Munich truly begins to wake up from winter. With warmer temperatures finally arriving, the city comes alive as locals return to the streets and green spaces. It is an excellent time for a hiking day trip into the nearby foothills or simply a long walk through the English Garden or along the Isar river. The first warm days of the year also signal the official start of Munich's Beer Garden Season. If the weather holds up, heading to the famous Chinese Tower beer garden is a perfect way to embrace the changing season and enjoy the outdoors.

While the days are ideal for fresh air, the evenings offer a different kind of warmth. March is the heart of Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Season), often called Munich’s "fifth season." Taking place during Lent, this tradition sees the city's major beer halls serving potent Doppelbock beers. The festivities generally kick off with the Salvator tapping at Nockherberg, but you can find unique strong beer festivals at various breweries across the city. Their hearty, convivial atmosphere often feels more authentic and local than the large crowds of autumn.

Beyond the beer halls, Munich's cultural calendar is full of variety. The Cirque du Soleil: Alegría brings its classic artistic show to a tent on the Theresienwiese, utilizing the Oktoberfest grounds for a very different kind of spectacle. On March 14, the city turns green for the 30th anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, a lively celebration organized by Munich’s Irish community. For those interested in digital culture, the GG Bavaria Gaming Convention takes place early in the month, while families might enjoy the participatory music festival Der Gasteig brummt! at Gasteig HP8.

As you plan your visit, remember that daylight saving time begins on March 29, so be sure to update your clocks. If you want to understand the history behind the buildings and streets you are exploring, we are here to help guide you. You can get a comprehensive introduction to the city's past on our Welcome to Munich! Old Town Guided Walking Tour, or examine a darker chapter of 20th-century history on our Hitler’s Third Reich: Exploring the “Capital of the Movement” tour.