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Travel Series: Starkbierfest

History of Starkbierfest

The Secret Beer Festival

6 min readMar 13, 2025

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Starkbierfest

Starkbierfest is a public celebration throughout March this year, though some biergartens began in February.

The heart of this festival is in Munich, Germany, specifically at Paulaner am Nockherberg Brewery, where it all began.

This year, the first keg tapping begins at the Donisl Restaurant in Munich on March 14, marking the official beginning of the festival season; the celebration runs from March 14 through April 4. Different breweries run their celebration on varied dates. In a few ways, it is unlike its more well-known sibling, Oktoberfest.

Little Known

It’s not widely known outside of Germany, and Munich in particular, except to German ex-pats or beer lovers. Or historians who have visited Munich in the Spring.

Narrowly Observed

Perhaps half a dozen locations in Munich celebrate it, including restaurants and breweries.

Misunderstood Starkbierfest

What is Starkbierfest?

It’s the festival for Starkbier.

What is Starkbier?

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Bill Petro
Bill Petro

Written by Bill Petro

Historian, technologist, blogger/podcaster. Former Silicon Valley tech exec. Author of articles on history, tech, pop culture, & travel. https://billpetro.com

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