Tollwood Summer Festival

What to Expect at the Tollwood Summer Festival

Every summer from late June through late July, the Olympiapark in Munich transforms into a vibrant, multicultural summer festival that is as much about international arts and culture as it is about food, music, and socializing. Tollwood Summer (Tollwood Sommerfestival) is the warm-weather counterpart to the Winter Tollwood, and while the winter edition has a Christmas market feel, the summer version is a cosmopolitan, green, and distinctly bohemian celebration set against the backdrop of one of the most architecturally significant spaces built in 20th-century Germany — the 1972 Olympic Park.

The festival grounds are centered around the Olympiapark Süd area, with a large festival village featuring dozens of food stalls representing cuisines from around the world: Ethiopian, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Lebanese, and of course, excellent Bavarian classics. What sets Tollwood apart from other summer festivals is its strong commitment to sustainability and fair trade: all food vendors must source at least 50% organic ingredients, all packaging must be biodegradable, and the festival operates entirely on eco-friendly electricity. The program features international theater, dance, cabaret, and circus performances (many free, with some ticketed evening events in the Olympic venues), as well as live music ranging from world music and jazz to folk and electronic. Beer lovers will find a curated selection including organic and craft beers alongside traditional Bavarian brews, served in eco-friendly cups. The overall vibe is relaxed, creative, and ideal for anyone who wants to experience Munich's progressive, globally-minded side — the side that coexists alongside the lederhosen-loving Bavarian stereotype.

Getting There

Olympiapark is extremely well-connected by public transit. Take the U-Bahn line U3 to Olympiazentrum station, or bus line 154 from Munich Hauptbahnhof (about 25 minutes total). The festival entrance is clearly signposted from the station. By car, there's ample parking at the Olympiapark garage, though public transport is recommended — the U3 runs every 5 minutes during peak summer hours, and there's no need to navigate Munich's evening traffic after a pleasant evening at the festival.

Nearby Attractions

• Olympiapark: Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the park is a masterpiece of tensile tent architecture (designed by Frei Otto) and remains one of the most visited and beloved public spaces in Munich. The Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm) offers panoramic city views from 190 meters.
• Olympic Stadium & Hall: The iconic tent-like roof structure of the Olympic venues is now used for concerts, sports events, and guided tours. Walk on the roof (when accessible) for a unique perspective.
• BMW Welt & Museum: Directly adjacent to the Olympiapark, BMW's stunning building is both an architectural marvel and a fascinating exhibition of automotive history. Entry to BMW Welt is free.
• Rotor Bath (Seebad Olympia Schwimmbad): A lakeside swimming area within the Olympic Park — perfect for hot June and July afternoons before the festival opens in the evening.

Beer & Wine Pricing, Local History

At Tollwood Summer, organic and traditional beers cost €5–€8, and wine (including excellent selections from organic producers) ranges from €5–€9 per glass. Food at the festival is priced modestly, with most meals in the €8–€14 range. Tollwood was founded in December 1988 by two Munich theater directors, Christof and Xaver Mayr, who wanted to create a cultural festival that combined high-quality arts programming with the warmth and accessibility of a neighborhood fest. The summer edition was added in the early 1990s (first at various locations, moving to Olympiapark in 2008) and has since grown into one of Munich's most important annual cultural events, attracting around 1 million visitors over five weeks. The festival's core values — "Culture, Sustainability, and Tolerance" — aren't marketing slogans but operational principles that shape everything from food sourcing to audience programming. Summer Tollwood is the festival for anyone who wants Munich's beer gardens, global cuisine, world-class architecture, and a genuinely progressive cultural community — all in one place.