Every year around end of February the “fifth” season, the strong beer festival (Starkbierfest), starts in breweries in and around Munich. Originally invented by monks to make the fasting period between carneval season and Easter more bearable, the strong beer is very popular still nowadays. The name says it all, the beer stands for a special brew with 7.5-8.15% alcoholic strength. This means the beer contains about double the normal alcohol percentage.

The festivals are offering a similar entertainment like Oktoberfest tents. You will find most people in Dirndl and Lederhosen, Bavarian and party music, Schweinsbraten and Hendl and of course many happy drunk people dancing and singing along.

Strong beer festival events in Munich:

(c) http://www.nockherberg.com/starkbierfest_termin.html

• Paulaner am Nockherberg: Most famous “Derblecken” on February 24, 2016, when all Munich and Bavarian politicians will be spoofed in a musical comedy by famous local artists and comedians. Like every year the main characters, who’s legs are pulled, will be present in the audience to watch their doubles in action. Also a tradition since many years: the appearance of “Mama Bavaria” calling her “children politicians” over the coals.
• Löwenbräukeller: Strong bier tapping on February 18, 2016, with the Bavarian cabaret artist Christian Springer presenting his traditional comical speech on the political elite.
• Augustinerkeller: Strong beer festival from February 18, 2016, with traditional Bavarian food, Augustiner strong beer “Maximator Dopppelbock” (7,5% alcohol!) and music.