Munich Airport turns into a Bavarian party before travellers even reach the city for Oktoberfest 2026

Outfits, food and music means landing in Munich will have you feeling festive, and you don’t even need to leave the terminal to join in with Oktoberfest.

Party at the terminals

Munich Airport launched its own Oktoberfest programme for 2026, giving arriving and departing passengers a proper taste of Bavarian tradition weeks before the famous “O’zapft is!” call rings out at the Theresienwiese. The official city festival runs from September 19 to October 4, in it’s incredible 191st edition, celebrations at the airport began on September 2 and continue right through to the final day. Millions of visitors are expected to pass through the terminals during that window, with many heading straight on to the fairgrounds.

A festive welcome before you even collect your luggage

Travellers stepping into Terminal 2 are being greeted with gingerbread hearts, a symbol of the occasion, whilst all around you costumed folk groups perform both in the public atrium between Terminals 1 and 2 and beyond security. Concourses are dressed and kitted out with regional motifs, and staff turn out in dirndls and lederhosen for the occasion.

Live bands and a free pint at the Gaudium tapping

Beer lovers need not wait until reaching the city centre. Airbräu, the airport’s own brewery and beer garden, hosts its Gaudium tapping ceremony on September 19, with the first keg of house-brewed beer poured free of charge. A packed live music schedule follows, mixing brass with rock, pop, country and folk, acts booked so far include the Alpencasanovas, Menage a Trois, Ledawix, Helmut Schranner & his Holledau Musicians, Chestnut Tree and the Henry Caddie Band. Diners can tuck into roast chicken (Wiesn-Hendl), crispy pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), soft pretzels and potato salad, giving anyone on a short layover the chance to sample proper fare without setting foot in the city. Even if you don’t go to the festival you can still experience some of the fun and festivities as part of your travels.