Music Competition Oktoberfest
The official Oktoberfest music competition, organized by the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs (RAW), is entering its second round. Musicians from all over Bavaria are invited to submit their own compositions, which are intended to give new expression to the spirit of the world’s largest folk festival.
Here's how the music competition works
The contest “Oktoberfest Is Looking for You: A Song for the Wiesn” is open to musicians from Bavaria and neighboring regions, as well as anyone who feels a musical connection to Oktoberfest. Through new compositions or interpretations of well-known pieces, participants can give fresh expression to the spirit of the festival. The song should convey a cheerful mood, evoke positive emotions, and fit the exuberant atmosphere of the festival.
The submission period ends on April 26
The music competition “Das Oktoberfest sucht Dich: A Liad für d’Wiesn” kicks off on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with the submission phase. Until April 26, artists and bands from Bavaria and neighboring regions can upload their songs online at www.oktoberfest-musikwettbewerb.de
Only songs that meet the entry requirements will advance to the next round. For example, the submission must be capable of being performed live. It must have a Bavarian character—for instance, through the choice of instruments or the language used—and must have been professionally recorded. A panel of experts will then evaluate the submitted entries.
The winning song will be performed at “Brass Wiesn”
The best songs will be made available for public online voting on June 1. Music fans will have until June 28 to vote for their favorites. The winning song will be announced on August 1, 2026, on the main stage of the “Brass Wiesn” festival in Eching (Freising district). The winning act will receive extensive promotion for their song.
Event Organizer and Organization
The music competition organized by the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs is taking place for the second time this year in collaboration with Antenne Bayern, Brass Wiesn, the Association of Munich Breweries, and the Association of Munich Oktoberfest Innkeepers. The partners play a key role in the project through their diverse support, and it is guided by Wolfgang Köbele, founder of the Oktoberfest band “Münchner Zwietracht.” Last year’s winner, Michael Fenzl, also serves as an ambassador for the music competition.
