People in some areas light bonfires and spend the evening and night outside. Young people may play pranks, shaving foam and „Böllers“ (firecrackers) left over from New Years Eve play a big role. Maypoles are also prepared for the following morning, known as May Day. In Bavaria there is also the custom of stealing those maypoles. Traditionally, when the maypoles are returned whoever managed to steal them gets free food and beer.

May Day is also an occasion to campaign for, and celebrate workers rights particularly in Berlin, as it coincides with the Inernational Labour Day. These events may be tied with campaigns from other European countries. The largest marches occur in Kreuzberg, an area of Berlin, or the Hamburger Schanzenviertel and attracts many political activists each year.