Event Tip: July 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. – "Kocherlball," a tradition in Munich's English Garden
Munich dances on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden during the traditional "Kocherlball"
Head to the Chinese Tower at sunrise—turn left, hop, turn right—it’s all about the joy of movement at the Kocherlball! Bavarian dancing made easy here! Live music plays at the Chinese Tower beer garden ... (ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, ITALIANO, FRANÇAIS)
Munich. Sunday in Munich: It all kicks off early on Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. The "Kocherlball" dance festival is traditionally celebrated by participants wearing *Dirndls*, *Lederhosen*, and historical costumes from the 19th century. Live music plays at the Chinese Tower beer garden—the stage was set up yesterday—and the dancing continues until 10:00 a.m. Until 10:00 a.m., there is music, dance instruction, candlelight, hearty snacks (*Brotzeit*), and breakfast under the open sky... The beer garden tables are decorated, and all around, people dance the *Landler*, *Zwiefacher*, polka, waltz, and—very importantly—the legendary Munich *Française*. Dance experts Katharina Mayer and Magnus Kaindl will set the rhythm from the stage; on the large stage, they will demonstrate step-by-step how to master the *Boarischer*, *Landler*, *Zwiefacher*, and polka in a relaxed atmosphere full of good cheer—so come join in! This applies even to those who have never danced Bavarian-style before. Afterward, you can enjoy a Bavarian snack—such as an ox-meat roll, a mug of coffee, and the popular *Schmalznudeln* or *Ausgezogene* (traditional fried pastries)—while the band plays at the Chinese Tower. You might want to dip your feet in the Eisbach stream for a moment before heading to the exciting annual Japan Festival (located behind the Haus der Kunst) in the English Garden at noon (read our article about it here: Japanfest (hinter dem Haus der Kunst) im Englischen Garten).
 |
| Chinese Tower and beer garden in the English Garden; photo: A. Waess (press photo archive) |
In the 21st century, the Kocherlball is one of Munich’s most popular events
– attracting up to 12,000 guests with Bavarian folk music and the pure joy of dancing under the open sky. And all this at one of Munich’s most beautiful beer gardens in the English Garden!
 |
| Stage setup for the Kocherlball at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden; photo: A. Waess (press photo archive) |
Where does the Kocherlball tradition come from?
The history of the Kocherlball in the English Garden was revived in 1989.
In the past, domestic staff—the household employees of Munich’s upper class—would meet for Sunday dances. While their employers were at church, kitchen maids, cooks, nannies, and gardeners could relax and dance on their day off. However, this dancing event was banned in 1904 due to a perceived "lack of propriety" and was not revived until 1989.
 |
| Setting up the Kocherlball stage at the Chinese Tower, right next to the beer garden in Munich’s English Garden; photo: Helga Waess (press photo) |
Live music has been part of the Kocherlball since as early as 1880
Domestic staff would meet early in the morning before starting work to dance. Estimates suggest that upwards of 8,000 servants, soldiers, cooks, and maids would flood the English Garden, getting to know one another while dancing.
At the time, someone decided that this fostered a "lack of propriety"...
...and so, the traditional servants' ball was banned in 1904.
The ball was revived in 1989 during the English Garden's 200th-anniversary celebrations and has taken place annually on a Sunday in July ever since.
"Kocherlball" –
Traditional folk dance event in the English Garden
- Sunday, June 19, 2025
- 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Beer garden at the Chinese Tower, Englischer Garten 3, 80538 Munich
Music: Niederbayerischer Musikantenstammtisch and Schreinergeiger
- Dance instruction: Katharina Mayer, assisted by Magnus Kaindl
- Participation: The reservable area is already fully booked. Open seating is available around the Chinese Tower.
- Good to know: Please do not bring your own drinks. Open flames are not permitted under the Chinese Tower or directly next to the wooden pagoda.
- Getting there: Buses 54, 58, 68, and 154 to Chinesischer Turm; Trams 16 and 36 to Tivolistraße; U-Bahn lines U3/U6 to Giselastraße
Location: Chinesischer Turm Beer Garden
Englischer Garten 2
80538 Munich
Our Sunday tip: July 19 at 12:00 PM
After the Kocherlball, head straight to the
"Japan Festival Munich 2026 in the English Garden"
 |
| Tea House in the English Garden – the all-day Japan Festival kicks off here on July 19 at 12:00 PM; photo: Helga Waess (press photo) |
