When does the carnival kick-off in Munich take place?

The event takes place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The warm-up begins at 10:30 a.m., the official start is at 11:11 a.m., and the program ends around 1:30 p.m.

Where will the carnival kick-off be celebrated?

The carnival kick-off takes place in the beer garden at Viktualienmarkt in the center of Munich.

What is the cost of entry?

Admission to the carnival kick-off at Viktualienmarkt is free.

What can visitors expect from the program?

The program includes the presentation of the official carnival prince couple and the children’s prince couple, party music by Tomay’s Spezlwirtschaft, guard dance, flag regiment, and first excerpts from the 2027 Narrhalla shows.

Will the event take place in the rain?

Yes, the open-air carnival festivities will take place in any weather.

Who organizes the carnival kick-off?

The Munich Society Narrhalla opens the carnival season and presents the new prince couples.

Munich's Carnival Awakens: Prince Couple, Party Music, and Guard Dance at Viktualienmarkt

Name: Fasching Kick-off in Munich
Start: 2026-11-11T10:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-11T13:30:00+01:00
Location: Hochreiter's Biergarten am Viktualienmarkt

Helau, Munich: The carnival begins at Viktualienmarkt

On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Viktualienmarkt transforms into Munich's crazy open-air stage. The Narrhalla opens the carnival season 2026/2027 and presents the new official carnival prince couple of the state capital as well as the children’s prince couple starting at 11:11 a.m.

Warm-up with party music and dance

Starting at 10:30 a.m., the party band Tomay’s Spezlwirtschaft brings energy to the beer garden at Viktualienmarkt. This is complemented by guard dance, flag regiment, and the first excerpts from the new shows of the Narrhalla. Brass sounds, fanfares, and the excited crowd create an authentic party atmosphere right in the heart of Munich's old town.

The big moment at 11:11 a.m.

At the traditional eleven, the Narrhalla reveals its best-kept secret: The new carnival prince couple 2026/2027 makes its first public appearance. The children’s prince couple will also be introduced. Welcome words from the city of Munich and the Munich market halls accompany the festive ceremony.

Open-air club experience in any weather

The carnival festivities take place outdoors and in any weather. Instead of a classic DJ set, the focus is on live party band, guard dance, and show elements. The mix of Munich traditions, music, costumes, and a lively crowd makes the carnival kick-off a special club experience in the open air.

Free entry and right in the heart of Munich

Admission is free. The gates open at 10:00 a.m., the warm-up starts at 10:30 a.m., and the official beginning follows at 11:11 a.m. The program ends around 1:30 p.m. Visitors experience the season's start directly in the beer garden at Viktualienmarkt and celebrate with the Narrhalla into the short carnival season.

Conclusion: Anyone who wants to experience Munich's carnival live, colorful, and tradition-conscious should firmly plan for November 11, 2026. Free entry, live music, guard dance, and the unveiling of the new prince couple provide the perfect start to a merry season.