Honoring FC Bayern Munich – German Champions 2025/26

Reception for FC Bayern Munich

 

"The 'Star of the South' is shining! FC Bayern Munich is the pride of Bavaria and the figurehead of German football." On September 16, 2026, Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder welcomed and honored the FC Bayern Munich women's and men's first teams in the Dome Hall of the Bavarian State Chancellery to celebrate their status as German champions for the 2025/26 season

 

Bavaria is a sports state – FC Bayern proves it! (DEUTSCH, ENGLISH)

Munich. This week, Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder welcomed the FC Bayern women's and men's first teams to the State Chancellery to honor them for their achievements in the 2025/26 season. For the occasion, the four cups and two championship shields were displayed at the State Chancellery before being moved to the FC Bayern Museum, where they will be exhibited alongside trophies from previous victories.

Allianz Arena, Munich, Photo: A. Waess (Press Archive)

Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder praised FC Bayern as follows:

"The 'Star of the South' is shining bright! FC Bayern Munich is the pride of Bavaria and the flagship of German football. Heartfelt congratulations to both the FC Bayern women's and men's teams on their respective domestic trebles. League title, Cup, and Supercup: all roads to football glory lead through Munich. It was a pleasure to once again welcome the teams - along with their coaching staffs, the executive board, and the leadership team led by President Herbert Hainer - and to offer my personal congratulations. Like the Free State itself, FC Bayern stands for hard work, tradition, stability, and success. Moreover, our athletes serve as role models and sources of inspiration for young people, encouraging them to get active and play sports. They deserve great respect and recognition for this. Bavaria is a sports state—which is why we are bringing major sporting events here: the Allianz Arena could host another 'home final' in the Champions League in 2028, and we aim to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Munich together. Thank you to FC Bayern for your vigorous support in this endeavor. All the best for the future and continued success!"

 

MUNICH – Munich Football Arena / Allianz Arena (Munich), Photo: A. Waess – May 16, 2024

An FC Bayern jersey bearing the name "SÖDER"

The captains of both teams - Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir, the Icelandic central defender and captain of the FC Bayern Munich women's first team, and Manuel Neuer, captain of the FC Bayern men's first team - presented a red FC Bayern "SÖDER" jersey on this occasion; each jersey was signed on the back by all the players of the respective team.

MUNICH – Munich Football Arena / Allianz Arena (Munich), Photo: Helga Waess

 

Medieninformation: Newsletter der Bayerischen Staatsregierung 

Munich Oktoberfest Countdown 2026: 5 days

Munich Oktoberfest Countdown 2026: 5 days

Oktoberfest Countdown: 5 days and 22 hours to go until the great Munich Oktoberfest 2026

 

The 191st Munich Oktoberfest kicks off on Saturday: it all begins with the traditional grand entry of the festival hosts and their beer barrels, followed by the tapping of the first keg by the Mayor of Munich

 

September 19 to October 4, 2026 – 191st Munich Oktoberfest (ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, NEDERLANDS)

 

Munich – Theresienwiese. On Saturday, September 19, the ceremonial procession of breweries and festival hosts begins, bringing Oktoberfest beer to the *Wiesn* (festival grounds) using traditional brewery horse teams. The festive parade of carriages—carrying the brewery owners—and decorated beer wagons starts at 10:35 a.m. on Josephspitalstraße and makes its way through Munich’s city center to the Theresienwiese. At exactly 12:00 noon, once Munich Mayor Dominik Krause has tapped the first beer keg, he loudly proclaims, "O’zapft is!" (It’s tapped!) and "Here’s to a peaceful *Wiesn*!" He hands the first *Maß* (liter mug of beer) to Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, while twelve ceremonial cannon shots fired at the foot of the Bavaria statue announce the start of the festival. 
The festival beer is now flowing in all the tents, marking the start of the 191st Munich Oktoberfest. From the arts and culture blog: TIP: Only 5 days left until Oktoberfest 2026 – Oktoberfest camping in Munich – reserve your spot now!

The Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest landlords at Munich’s Theresienwiese... everyone is waiting for the brewery horse teams and the landlords! Photo: Helga Waess

The Oktoberfest parade makes its way through the city center:

        Josephspitalstraße
        Eastern Sonnenstraße
        Schwanthalerstraße
        Hermann-Lingg-Straße
        Bavariaring
        Theresienwiese
        Wirtsbudenstraße

The Grand Entry of the landlords... the anticipation is building! And everyone cheers for the "Münchner Kindl" leading the procession! Photo: Helga Waess

On the first Saturday of the festival, the tapping of the keg officially opens Oktoberfest 2026!

•     Tents open from 9:00 a.m.; non-alcoholic beverages (excluding non-alcoholic beer) served from 10:00 a.m.
•     12:00 noon: "O'zapft is!" (It's tapped!) and the start of beer service

Beer service at the Munich Oktoberfest begins at 12:00 noon – Photo: Helga Waess

Monday through Friday, the tents open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 11:30 p.m.

•     Saturdays, Sundays, and the public holiday (Oct. 3): Service begins at 9:00 a.m.; closing time is 11:30 p.m.
•     Festival halls: Last beer and music until 10:30 p.m.
•     Smaller tents (roast chicken stands, snack halls, and café tents): Music ends at 11:00 p.m.
•     Käfer Wiesn-Schänke / Kuffler’s Wine Tent: Open until 1:00 a.m.; last drinks served from 12:30 a.m.

Wiesn; Photo: Helga Waess Archive

Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrates with the little ones on official, budget-friendly Family Days

The two Tuesdays are the official Family Days:

•     Until 7:00 p.m. on both days
•     Large and small festival tents offer discounted specials and menus for children and their families
•     Rides and stalls also offer reduced prices for these groups
•     Who offers this? Look for signs reading "Familientag" (Family Day) or "Kindertag" (Children's Day) to find price discounts!!!

Heart-shaped gingerbread cookie at the Munich Oktoberfest – Photo: Helga Waess

"Wiesn" hearts and giant pretzels at the festival sales stalls

•     First Saturday of the festival: Open from 9:00 a.m. until midnight
•     Monday through Thursday (except the public holiday): 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Fridays and Monday, Oct. 2: 10:00 a.m. to midnight
•     Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to midnight
•     Sundays and the public holiday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Giant pretzels available for purchase at the Munich Oktoberfest from 9 a.m. – Photo: Helga Waess

 

Oktoberfest opening hours for rides and showmen's attractions

•     Opening day: Open from 12 noon until midnight!
•     Mondays to Thursdays (except public holidays): 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Fridays and Monday, October 2: 10 a.m. to midnight
•     Saturdays: 9 a.m. to midnight
•     Sundays and public holidays: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Löwenbräu festival wagon – carriage horses – Photo: Helga Waess

The "Oide Wiesn" (Old Oktoberfest) on the southern festival grounds

•     Festival tents open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Beer service at the Oide Wiesn: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

When are the showmen's attractions open?

•     Opening day: 12 noon to midnight
•     Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Friday, Saturday, and Monday, October 2: 10 a.m. to midnight
•     Sundays and public holidays: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Paulaner brewery wagon – Photo: Helga Waess

For those visiting the Munich Oktoberfest in a motorhome, there is now a temporary, fully equipped campsite offering a 20-minute subway ride to the festival grounds

Munich Oktoberfest camping at Messestadt Ost 

 (ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, NEDERLANDS)

From the arts & culture blog: TIP: Only 5 days left until Oktoberfest 2026 – Oktoberfest camping in Munich – Reserve your spot now! Oktoberfest Camping in Munich: A fully equipped temporary campsite at Messestadt-Ost during the great Munich Oktoberfest 2026 – Only 5 days left until the Wiesn: the tents are up and the rides are currently being assembled... September 19 to October 4 – 191st Munich Oktoberfest... Book your Oktoberfest campsite now: www.oktoberfest-camping.com

 

Text and press archive photos: Helga Waess 

March 4-8 - International Crafts Fair (IHM) 2026 - Munich

Motto of the 2026 International Crafts Fair (IHM): "With skilled trades, we are shaping Germany's future"

The Bavarian Minister-President, Dr. Markus Söder, is opening the 2026 International Crafts Fair (IHM) at this very moment

 

The IHM will take place from March 4 to 8, 2026, at the Munich Trade Fair Center (ENGLISH, ITALIANO, FRANÇAIS, DEUTSCH)

Munich. The Bavarian Minister-President, Dr. Markus Söder, is opening the 2026 International Crafts Fair (IHM). In his speech, he announced plans to strengthen dual vocational training. He also addressed the issue of free master craftsman training: If university studies are tuition-free, then the master craftsman qualification should be equivalent to a master's degree. In Bavaria, the master craftsman qualification will be free of charge in the future. The "Day of Skilled Trades" is well-received in Bavarian schools. Young people learn about businesses and work processes and sometimes discover their future career path. Markus Söder hopes for the same at the federal level. Incidentally, the skilled trades are facing a nationwide shortage of over 200,000 skilled workers. 

Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame overlooking the Theresienwiese in Munich, photo: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv)

The planned special investment program will offer new opportunities for many trades. As the leading event for the skilled trades, the IHM (International Trade Fair for Skilled Trades) presents innovations, construction, renovation, and craft technology. High-tech combustion engines must also have a chance and be produced in Germany in the future. The Minister-President and the Free State of Bavaria are very receptive to the concerns of the skilled trades. Dr. Markus Söder wished the trade fair every success and all the best!

Katherina Reiche (CDU) – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy during her opening speech

The Federal Minister will continue to advocate for strengthening the concept of merit so that children can take over their parents' master craftsman businesses.

The skilled trades are the backbone of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and SMEs are the backbone of our country.

The awarding of contracts must become more transparent and also take small businesses into account.

"More opportunities for local tradespeople!"

Bureaucracy must be reduced step by step. Taxes and levies must be adjusted to strengthen businesses. She intends to continue advocating for this at the federal level.

Running concurrently with the International Crafts Fair (IHM) 2026

are the "Crafts & Design" and "Garden Munich" trade fairs

Accompanying events:

• "FUTURE CRAFTS",
• "Garden Munich"
• Special exhibition "Jewelry"

Important information about IHM 2026:

• www.ihm.de

Dates: March 4–8, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)

Opening hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Munich Exhibition Center
Focus areas: Crafts, Construction, Renovation, Modernization, Crafts & Design

As the Bavarian Minister-President emphasized in his opening speech at the IHM:

...Munich has a few highlight events:

1. the International Motor Show,
2. the International Crafts Fair,
3. the Nockberge Festival – tonight –
4. and the Munich Oktoberfest.

All important, and we will continue to report on these important events in the Arts & Culture Blog ... 

Munich is getting pandas!

Hellabrunn Zoo – “Munich will become Panda City!”

The pandas are coming! Fantastic that it's happening! The Bavarian Minister-President and the people of Munich are looking forward to 2028 and the new arrivals at Hellabrunn Zoo.

Bavaria will thus become the eighth panda location in the EU! Munich is getting black and white newcomers (Deutsch, English, Français, Italiano)

Munich. The Free State of Bavaria is building a panda enclosure in the Asia section of Hellabrunn Zoo. As the Bavarian State Chancellery announced, there will soon be two giant pandas at Hellabrunn Zoo. We are pleased to quote Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder: “Munich will become Panda City! Two giant pandas are coming to Bavaria, to Hellabrunn Zoo. This is a unique attraction and a major draw for visitors: Bavaria will thus become the eighth panda location in the EU. It is even unique in Europe that, with Berlin and now Munich, there are two pandas in one country. ...

SZ-Zeppelin über München, Platzhalter - Presse-Fotoarchiv: Helga Waess

...There are only 19 zoos worldwide with 51 pandas outside of China. Pandas are simply adorable. Since my trip to Chengdu and Beijing in 2024, I have been a strong advocate for pandas in Bavaria. It's fantastic that it's working out! This will promote species conservation and the survival of this endangered species, create a major attraction, and strengthen the partnership between China and Bavaria.

Cooperation and partnership are more successful than confrontation. We rely on open dialogue. Today marks the culmination of Bavarian-Chinese diplomacy. As the Free State of Bavaria, we are enabling the construction of a panda enclosure in the Asia section of Hellabrunn Zoo. The zoo's current 18,000 animals of over 500 species will then have new neighbors in 2028.

Thank you to China and Ambassador Hongbo Deng, the City of Munich and Third Mayor Verena Dietl, and the zoo and its director, Rasem Baban. Today, Bavaria is not only white and blue, but also black and white."

(Quote from bayern.de: Newsletter of the Bavarian State Government - January 23, 2026)

As early as January 21, 2026, Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, together with Munich's Third Mayor Verena Dietl, Munich's Third Mayor and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Hellabrunn Zoo, and Dr. h. c. Rasem Baban, Director of Hellabrunn Zoo, announced a groundbreaking new construction project in the Asia Geozone, which will be completed in 2028.

Munich: 34th BauMa 2025 Opens - Riem Exhibition Center

Munich - 34th Bauma - April 7-13, 2025

April 7, 2025 - Mayor Reiter today opened BauMa - the world's leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material systems, mining machinery, construction vehicles, and construction equipment

The main topics of BauMa 2025 are climate neutrality, alternative drive concepts, and a secure supply of raw materials.

Munich - Exhibition Center. The world's largest construction trade fair is currently taking place in Munich. The 34th BauMa, the world's leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material systems, mining machinery, construction vehicles, and construction equipment, will take place from April 7-13 at the Munich Exhibition Center. This morning at 9:30 a.m., Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter, together with Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of Messe München, opened the international construction machinery trade fair BAUMA. The world's leading trade fair offers visitors a wealth of innovations brought to Munich by 3,500 exhibitors from 57 countries. Presentations will be held not only in the halls, but also in the outdoor area, covering 614,000 square meters – approximately the size of 86 football fields. Visitors from all over the world will marvel at the exhibits, innovations, and trends for 2025, conclude contracts, establish partnerships, and trade.

Munich-Foto, Press-archiv - Kunst-Kultur-Blog - foto: A. Waess

3,500 exhibitors from 57 countries showcase world firsts at bauma

All are back, with Wirtgen showcasing 45 world premieres this year.

Doka is bringing a total of 30 innovations – including a 30-meter-high scaffold tower as an eye-catcher (there are 180 steps to climb). The tower consists of 12,340 components and has a total weight of 67 tons (it is illuminated by 113-square-meter sitelight LEDs).

Another eye-catcher is the CC 78.1250-1 lattice boom crawler crane from Tadano Faun, which has a total weight of 996 tons – that's about the weight of 100 African bull elephants.

The topic of climate friendliness

Volvo Construction is showcasing some purely electric, emission-free machines for the first time at bauma 2025 – which should attract international interest.

All exhibitors at BauMa 2025 can be found on the construction machinery trade fair's  "bauma"-website:

• exhibitors.bauma.de/de/aussteller-warengruppen/aussteller-marken

Munich Exhibition Center
"bauma"

Opening Hours:

• Monday, April 7, 2025, to Friday, April 11, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.