Munich is throwing a huge birthday bash! In 2025, it turns 867. Wow! The party is on June 14 and 15. Everyone is welcome to join. They call it Stadtgründungsfest there. It means City Foundation Festival. It’s a really happy time.
The streets will be full, and you’ll see music and dancing. There will be lots of yummy food as well. People will be smiling everywhere! Locals love to celebrate. Visitors enjoy it too. It’s worth the trip. There’s fun for all ages. Kids and adults will love it. History fans can learn a lot.
Don’t worry about finding things. We have all the info. You’ll enjoy this big party. It’s a great way to see Bavaria.
Munich is not as old. Some Bavarian cities are older. Augsburg and Regensburg are Roman cities. That was a very long time ago! Munich started in the 1100s. Its story involves salt. Salt was super important then. It helped people save food. There were no fridges, so salt was the best way to save meat and fish. That made salt a big deal, and everyone wanted to control the salt trade. Powerful people tried to take over salt roads, bridges, and places where salt was sold. Munich was near a busy river crossing, which made it a great trading spot. In 1158, Duke Henry the Lion knocked down a bridge near Munich. He built a new one in the city so he could control the salt route. This clever move helped Munich grow and become the city it is today. Now it’s the capital of Bavaria, but it all started with salt and a bridge.
Back in the 12th century, three important leaders helped start Munich. Each of them had different feelings about the city’s beginning. First, there was Henry the Lion. He was the Duke of Saxony and Bavaria. Henry was really good at getting more power and finding ways to earn money. He had a smart idea to control the salt trade because salt was very valuable. Instead of letting salt traders go through other towns, Henry built a new bridge. This bridge was over the Isar River, near where the Deutsches Museum stands now.
The new bridge made traders want to come to Henry’s land instead. To make his plan work better, Henry also destroyed an old bridge nearby. That old bridge belonged to Bishop Otto of Freising, a famous thinker back then. Bishop Otto was the third important leader in Munich’s early story. The second was Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor and Henry’s cousin. While Henry was excited and active, Frederick and Bishop Otto were less interested. Still, together they helped shape Munich’s early growth and future.
Munich’s official birthday is often said to be June 14, 1158. That’s the date when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa wrote about it in a document. It was the first time Munich, then called “Munichen,” was mentioned in writing. The emperor gave the town permission to hold a market and make its own coins. These rights helped the small village grow into an important trading place.
Henry the Lion’s salt route change helped make this all possible. Marienplatz, once called Schrannenplatz, became the center of business and trade. Salt from places like Salzburg and Bad Reichenhall came through here to Italy. Traders brought carts through a city gate called Talburgtor, near today’s Altes Rathaus. They left the city heading toward Karlsplatz-Stachus, using today’s pedestrian street. Back then, that area was a main road for trade through the city. One of the gates they used, Kaufingertor, is no longer around today. So next time you walk through Munich’s shopping street, remember its long, rich history.
Get ready for a big party in Munich on June 14 and 15, 2025! The city will be turning 867 years old and everyone is welcome to join. There will be a fun “adventure mile” set up through the Old Town area. This year’s theme is “Glamour, Glory, and Enjoyment,” and it sounds exciting! You’ll find music, tasty food, fun shows, and cool cultural things to explore. The whole celebration mixes old traditions with the fun spirit of today’s Munich.
On June 14 and 15, 2025, Munich’s Old Town will turn into a big party. From morning until night, the area is busy. It’s between two main streets. You’ll find live music there. There will be dancing too. Enjoy fun games and activities. Everyone can join the fun. There’s a beer garden. You can ride a Ferris wheel. There’s also a special crafts village and market with handmade things to check out. Families can enjoy cool programs, city tours, and lots of surprises along the way. The fun kicks off on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. on Marienplatz. Street performers will pop up with fun birthday acts and playful entertainment. Bands will play music, and the historic Würmesia City Guard will parade through. There’s something for everyone just come ready to smile and explore!
The schedule for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Marienplatz Stage.
10:30 a.m. – Isartaler Blasmusik: Brass music
11:00 a.m. – Carillon at town hall tower
11:15 a.m. – Opening of 867th city anniversary with Munich City Guard, firecrackers, product royalty, drag queens, and market women
12:00 p.m. – Carillon at town hall tower
12:15 p.m. – Dance of the Moriscos
1:30 p.m. – What’s up Brass Band: Modern brass music (pop, rock, soul)
3:00 p.m. – Paul Daly Band: Hits from Dire Straits to Bob Dylan
5:00 p.m. – Carillon at town hall tower
5:15 p.m. – Heischneida: Authentic folk music from Chiemgau region
7:00 p.m. – Jazoum: Fresh funky sound (called “a true joy” by Bayern 3)
8:30 p.m. – Da Rocka & da Waitler: Guitar meets accordion, mixing styles
Presented by Uli Florl, Radio Arabella
Event ends at 10:00 p.m.
The schedule for Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Marienplatz Stage:
11:00 a.m. – Carillon at town hall tower
11:00 a.m. – Beer garden starts with Oberlinger musicians and traditional white sausage breakfast
12:00 p.m. – Carillon at town hall tower
12:30 p.m. – Accordion Orchestra of the Municipal Singing and Music School, led by Karin Renner-Kiese
1:00 p.m. – Midday prayer for the city’s birthday with the accordion orchestra
3:00 p.m. – Oktoberfest table raffle with Dr. Christian Scharpf, King Ludwig I, and Queen Therese of Bavaria
3:30 p.m. – Tune Circus: melodic rock and pop, debut in Munich
5:00 p.m. – Carillon at town hall tower
5:45 p.m. – Cagey Strings: Rock ’n’ Roll hits from all decades
7:30 p.m. – MerQury: Queen tribute show with greatest hits
Presented by Uli Florl, Radio Arabella
Event ends at 9:00 p.m.
The star of Munich’s birthday is a huge Ferris wheel at Wittelsbacherplatz. It’s 50 meters tall and has comfy enclosed gondolas to ride in. From the top, you get amazing views of the Old Town’s towers and the city. Right by the Ferris wheel, local dance schools throw a big dance party. It’s Munich’s largest open-air dance floor, and the fun goes on all evening. You can watch cool dance shows or join in with easy dance lessons. This year, there’s something new called the sound mile on Brienner Straße. French artist Etienne Favre made it with giant instruments from recycled stuff. They have funny names like Broom Wheel, Boot Flute, and Elephant Piano. Everyone can play the instruments and make music together. It’s a fun way to enjoy sights and sounds all at once. The festival really brings the city’s birthday to life in a special way.
Odeonsplatz is the perfect family spot during the Munich city birthday celebration. Kids will love riding the classic chain flyers and the cheerful children’s carousel. Colorful balloon stalls add extra fun and brighten up the whole festival scene. There are loads of food stands offering something tasty for everyone to enjoy. Craving something hearty? Try juicy meat dishes or freshly grilled fish. Prefer something lighter? You’ll find yummy vegetarian and vegan options too. Need a drink? Choose from cool sodas, coffee, or even a glass of prosecco. It’s a great place to relax, snack, and enjoy the happy festival mood together.
The Rindermarkt turns into an Irish-Bavarian party during the big city celebration. Irish and Bavarian folks share a love for music, dancing, and good beer. That’s why this spot is full of fun, laughter, and great vibes all around. On stage, you’ll find a cool mix of Irish and Bavarian music and dance. One highlight is a big dance night with “ScheinEilig” and the August Ceili Band. The Irish folk band “Cailíní Lua” will also take the stage with lively tunes. Dance groups from Munich and even Australia will show off their cool moves. You’ll hear everything from traditional folk songs to upbeat rock music. To match the fun, there are tasty Irish and Bavarian snacks to try too. Grab a plate, tap your feet, and enjoy this joyful mix of two cultures.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 – Rindermarkt Stage Schedule
10:30 AM – Greensleeves featuring Alan Burke
1:00 PM – Rince Na Chroi (Irish Dance)
1:30 PM – Urner Musi (Traditional Bavarian Music)
3:00 PM – Rince Na Chroi
3:30 PM – Cailíní Lua (Irish Folk Ensemble)
5:00 PM – Rince Na Chroi
5:30 PM – SkillGang & Awesome Brass (Fusion Sounds)
8:00 PM – The Hush (Live Band)
Presented by Sylvia Schneider from Radio Arabella
End of Program: 11:00 PM
Sunday, June 15, 2025 – Rindermarkt Stage Schedule
11:00 AM – Munich Old Town Musicians (Traditional Sounds)
1:00 PM – The Waltzing Matildas / Bush Dance
1:30 PM – Orla Geary & Band (Irish Folk Music)
2:00 PM – Kilian’s House Band (Lively Pub Tunes)
3:30 PM – The Waltzing Matildas / Bush Dance
4:00 PM – Cailíní Lua (Celtic Music Performance)
5:30 PM – The Waltzing Matildas / Bush Dance
6:00 PM – Bavarian-Irish Dance Evening featuring
→ Augusta Ceili Band & ScheinEilig (Fusion of Dance & Music)
🎤 Presented by Sylvia Schneider from Radio Arabella
🕙 End of Program: 10:00 PM
This year at Alter Hof, kids can dive into history with fun hands-on activities. The old courtyard turns into a playful learning space all about the Isar River. Here, children and parents can explore how the river shaped life in Munich. They’ll get to cook in a medieval kitchen, scrub clothes in a washhouse, and more. Workshops let everyone try crafts and chores from long ago. You’ll see how the Isar was used for travel, power, and as a home for wildlife.
Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Infopoint Museums & Palaces in Bavaria joins the Munich city birthday fun again this year. Their theme is “Building relationships—then and now!” with activities for all ages. At Alter Hof, kids can make bracelets and pendants to share with friends. They’ll also try out old-fashioned crafting techniques used long ago. The “WERKSAM” project shows how royal women built strong networks in the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore the multimedia exhibit “Munich Imperial Castle” in a beautiful Gothic hall. It shares cool stories about the first Wittelsbach castle and its history. It’s a great spot to learn, create, and connect during the city’s big celebration.
On both days, the Munich Tourist Guide Association offers free walking tours. These tours start every hour and explore the Old Town’s rich history. There are also special tours that follow the anniversary theme closely. You can meet the guides at their booth in front of the Tourist Info Center. That’s right by the New Town Hall on Marienplatz, easy to find. It’s a great way to learn about Munich while enjoying the city’s birthday fun. If you’re coming from another country, getting to the city is easy. You can use Munich Airport Transfer for a smooth ride from the airport. They offer reliable airport taxi services that take you right to the Old Town.
Saturday, June 14 — Tours start every hour from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday, June 15 — Tours start every hour from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, June 14, 2025
12:30 PM — Queens and Princesses
Learn about famous Bavarian queens and princesses who shaped Munich, like Caroline of Baden, Marie of Prussia, and Therese of Bavaria.
2:30 PM — Nothing Works Without Women
Discover the stories of women who made a big impact in Munich’s history.
Sunday, June 15, 2025
12:30 PM — Nothing Works Without Women
Same tour as Saturday, about important women and their stories.
2:30 PM — Queens and Princesses
Same tour as Saturday, about famous queens and princesses.
Munich celebrates its patron saint, Saint Benno, with lots of fun near the cathedral. The Benno Festival runs along Kaufinger and Neuhauser streets to the Richard Strauss Fountain. Catholic groups and local churches offer music, dance, and fun activities for everyone. Near St. Michael’s “church square,” enjoy faith talks and shows with acrobatics. The “marketplace” has interactive stalls, and the “playground” offers games and a bouncy castle. Kids named Benno and their families can climb the cathedral tower for free. At the “Bennogarten,” you can relax with snacks and watch the lively crowd. On Saturday night, don’t miss OIMARA’s energetic show with the hit “Wackelkontakt.”
Saturday, 14 June 2025, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, 15 June 2025, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The festival takes place near Frauenkirche and St. Michael on Neuhauser Straße, with a stage on Kaufingerstraße.
Munich’s birthday is more than just history it’s about community and fun. Whether you love music, food, or culture, the event has something for you. The Munich City Birthday 2025 promises a special time in a beautiful city. Mark June 14–15, 2025, on your calendar now. Join thousands of people to celebrate Munich’s past, present, and future together!
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