The Surprisingly Queer Munich Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is often thought of as the pinnacle of the straight man's existence - beer by the stein, damsels in dirndl and meaty meals from dawn till dusk. But at the original Oktoberfest in Munich, the offering for LGBTQ+ visitors is equally enticing, with the festival itself having surprisingly queer origins.

Queer Beginnings

In the early 1970's, when Oktoberfest's organisers took a group booking for an event under the name 'Munich Lions' Club', they thought it was the fan club of Munich’s most traditional football club TSV 1860 München, the so called "Lions". They were shocked to see a group of 50 leather-clad gay men arrive on the day. It then became rapidly clear that the gay men's leather fetish club shared the same name as the renowned football club, which not only made for a hilarious mishap, but also marked the advent of a series of annual queer events at Munich's Oktoberfest.

What began with a case of mistaken identity has blossomed into one of the most anticipated annual events in Munich’s LGBTQ+ calendar. Today, Oktoberfest proudly embraces its queer side, with a number of unofficial - but hugely popular - LGBTQ+ gatherings drawing thousands of queer visitors from around the world.

LGBTQIA+ Oktoberfest

The biggest queer offering is Gay Sunday (Rosa Wiesn Sonntag), which takes place in the Bräurosl tent, one of Oktoberfest’s 14 large beer tents. This fabulously rowdy event falls on the first Sunday of the festival and sees the tent fill with over 8,000 LGBTQ+ revelers - mostly gay men, but increasingly inclusive to all identities. Expect a joyful sea of tight-fitting lederhosen, traditional dirndls with a twist, and flirtation over frothy Maßkrüge (beer steins). The Bräurosl tent has become such a focal point for the queer community that it's affectionately dubbed the "gay tent" by locals during the festival.

Another standout is PROSECCO-Wiesn, a slightly smaller but equally spirited celebration often held midweek, attracting a more mixed crowd including lesbians, drag queens, and allies. This event is typically hosted in the Fischer-Vroni tent and offers a more alternative vibe, with Schlager hits, pink boas, and endless selfies on the beer benches.

Munich's Bustling Queer Scene

Outside the tents, Munich’s gay scene ramps up its offering throughout the festival. Bars like NY.Club, Prosecco, and KRAFTwerk throw themed parties during Oktoberfest season, often continuing late into the night after the tents close. For a more intimate scene, the SUB gay center in Glockenbachviertel also offers LGBTQ+ meetups and info for queer tourists navigating the festivities.

Oktoberfest today is about more than beer - it’s about celebration, connection, and proudly taking up space. And whether you're in full leather, Bavarian drag, or simply there for the beer and bratwurst, there’s a spot at the table for you.