Ander Art Festival

Munich's Festival for Diversity Since 1997

The Ander Art Festival has been Munich's most important open-air festival since 1997, specifically celebrating the cultural diversity of Bavaria's state capital. It is organized by the Cultural Department of the City of Munich in collaboration with the Migration Advisory Board and the Office for Intercultural Work. The Mayor of Munich is the patron.

Odeonsplatz on the 2nd Saturday of Oktoberfest

The festival has a fixed date on the second Saturday of Oktoberfest. While the rest of Munich celebrates traditionally around the Theresienwiese, Ander Art Festival offers an international counter- and complementary program in the heart of the city center. The Odeonsplatz, in front of the Feldherrnhalle and the Theatinerkirche, serves as the stage from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM – in any weather.

Music from All Over the World

On the main stage, music styles and countries of origin alternate. In previous years, it has featured Cumbia bands from Latin America, jazz and soul acts from Munich with international lineups, German-Turkish pop artists, hip-hop, and reggaeton from Argentina (e.g., headliner Chocolate Remix in 2025), Persian and African ensembles. A characteristic feature is the mix of established Munich acts with migration backgrounds and internationally booked headliners.

Musicians' Meetup and Jam Sessions

A tradition: the Musicians' Meetup (Musikant:innenstammtisch) – open jam sessions several times a day, where all musicians of the festival can participate. This creates a spontaneous exchange between Cumbia, jazz, funk, and folk that would not be possible in regular concerts.

Art Tents and Munich Wallflowers

Around the main stage are art tents where international and Munich artists present their current works. In 2025, artists such as Mohammad Folad Azurgar, Godwin Namanyabyoona, and the Munich street art collective Munich Wallflowers were represented. The art tents make Ander Art Festival more than just a concert festival – they open spaces for encounters, political education, and artistic exchange.

Zero Waste, Community Kitchen, and Inclusion

The festival is certified as a Zero Waste Festival and focuses on reduced waste, lower energy consumption, and sustainable catering concepts. The Community Kitchen cooks with rescued food (food sharing) and makes culinary culture part of the program. Mobile induction loops are available for hearing-impaired guests – the festival explicitly positions itself as inclusive.

More Than a Festival – Munich's Self-Image

The Ander Art Festival is an expression of Munich's self-image: cultural diversity not as a tourist label, but as social practice. Here, the 'other' Munich – migrants, international students, long-time Munich artists with migration backgrounds – celebrates its contributions to the city's culture. Free admission, open stage, visible urban society.