Fruehlingsfest, Munich's Little Oktoberfest
Springtime Festival in Munich Is a Smaller Version of Folk Festival
Jun 14, 2009
Oktoberfest isn't the only time of year that the city of Munich celebrates regional food, beer and music. Annually since 1964, the Bavarian capital has staged Fruehlingsfest (Spring Festival) for two weeks during the latter half of April.
Located on the the same festival grounds as Oktoberfest, Fruehlingsfest is only about half the size of her "big sister" but still maintains the same fun-filled spirit, with carnival rides and games, food stands, and lots of beer.
Rides and Games for Kids of All Ages at Fruehlingsfest
Roller coasters, bumper cars, gravity-defying thrill rides and plenty of games are on offer daily at Fruehlingsfest, starting daily at 11AM and ending at 11PM. There is no admission fee to enter the grounds, but ride prices vary from between 1 Euro and about 4 Euros. It's best to begin with a turn on the giant Ferris wheel, which provides a great overview of the festival area and impressive views of the western side of Munich.
Rides for children include circling cars and airplanes, pony rides, a giant slide and a kid-sized roller coaster.
Fruehlingsfest Offers Family Days with Discounts
Similar to Oktoberfest, each Tuesday during the 2-week long Fruehlingsfest is family day. Between 12PM and 7PM, all rides are half-price (for both children and adults) and many food stands offer specials on cotton candy and other snacks. Family days get crowded with after-school kids from 2PM onward, so it's best to get there just before noon and enjoy the rides before breaking for lunch.
Food, Beer and Music at Fruehlingsfest
Among the rides are plenty of stands selling hot and cold snacks and sweets. Traditional favorites are bratwurst in a roll with mustard, chocolate-covered fruit kebabs, and fried dough rounds covered with cinnamon sugar, called Ausgezogene.
Those looking for a true taste of Oktoberfest should eat in the festival's one beer tent (a smaller version of an Oktoberfest tent). Guests seat themselves among the long tables with benches and are waited on by separate servers for beer and food. Beer is served by the liter, and the restaurant offers typical beer garden food, like pretzels, sausages, roast chicken and salads. A live brass band plays traditional Bavarian folk music throughout the day.
Fruehlingsfest's Special Annual Events
Munich locals look forward to the annual flea market (Flohmarkt), which takes place from 7AM to 5PM on the first Saturday of Fruehlingsfest. It is the largest flea market in Bavaria with about 2,000 vendors selling clothing and every kind of imaginable knick-knack .
Car enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Antique Car Show (Oldtimertreffen), held traditionally on the first Sunday of Fruehlingsfest. About 1,000 antique vehicles, from public busses to race cars and motorcycles, are featured. Entrance is free.
There is also a two fireworks shows during the two-week long festival, starting at around 10PM.
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