We will be in west and southern Germany in the beginning of May. We know of the big Munich Spring Fest but are looking for smaller festivals we could attend. I have been unable to find any on the net. If anyone knows of any or has been to some in the past we would like to know. We are looking for fests with beer and traditional Bavarian style entertainment
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
Chris, the spring fest in Munich really isn't that big. There are only two beer tents operating and it is mostly locals. If crowds are a problem for you, go during the week. I went in 2010 for lunch and had so much fun I went back that evening and spent several hours eating, drinking, and having a great time. I highly recommend it! As a matter of fact I will be in Munich as well in early May and am going to hit the spring fest at least once, maybe twice! The Augustiner beer tent has good food and in my opinion the best beer in the world. The Augustiner Brewery is less than a mile from the fest grounds, so you know the beer is fresh. Again, I highly recommend you attend the one in Munich.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
I did find one in Stuttgart as well during that time period, but have never been to that one, so I can't advise.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8954 posts
Usually, if you check the town websites for any of the places you want to visit for those dates, you will find information about any festivals going on. This website, though in German is pretty comprehensive with all of the small festivals in Germany. You need to know the land you want to visit, Bayern, Hessen, etc. and the kind of fest. Ostern is Easter, Weihnachts is Christmas, Dorf is Village, Stadt is City, Wein is Wine, Jahrmarkt is going to be an annual fest of some kind where traditionally the trade fairs used to be held, usually with some kind of product being featured, like pottery, art, or a Historical kind, such as a Medieval fest. Kirmes or Kerb are carnival type fests, but usually for small towns. http://www.volksfeste-in-deutschland.de/ There are tons and tons of festivals going on everywhere, so you shouldn't have a difficult finding one that is fun to visit.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
Fruelingsfest in Stuttgart is pretty big, actually. Bigger than the Munich one. It doesn't sound like what you're looking for - it's kind of like an American State Fair except with beer tents. It's loud and big and while there is traditional music in the tents and people are dressed in dirndls and lederhosen it's not really quaint and it's not small at all. The Munich fest sounds like a better option for you.