What’s on in Berlin
Berlin International Film Festival
15 — 25 February 2024
Potsdamer Platz
The coveted Golden and Silver Bears of the Berlin International Film Festival are the symbol of achievement in one of the top events in the film industry. The Berlinale has become …
Berlin International Film Festival
15 — 25 February 2024
Potsdamer Platz
The coveted Golden and Silver Bears of the Berlin International Film Festival are the symbol of achievement in one of the top events in the film industry. The Berlinale has become one of the biggest and most reputable festivals in the international business of artistic media and film, where world-class filmmakers launch their latest projects. Aside from screenings, there are also filmmaking workshops and opportunities for young producers and directors to screen their own one-minute films. The Berlin International Film Festival attracts many celebrities and has an impressive red carpet turnout which delights the many spectators.
Website www.berlinale.de
Christopher Street Day
27 July 2024
The gay pride parade on Christopher Street Day has its origins in New York's Christopher Street, which was the site of violence between customers in a gay bar and raiding police in…
Christopher Street Day
27 July 2024
The gay pride parade on Christopher Street Day has its origins in New York's Christopher Street, which was the site of violence between customers in a gay bar and raiding police in June 1969. It's a huge, colourful festival with hundreds of thousands of participants, including many heterosexual revellers and supporters of the cause. The organisation's core belief is that ignorance and fear is at the root of homophobia and that raising awareness greatly improves the lives of LGBTQ+ people by encouraging pride and public support. This enormous party is spectacular, overwhelmingly popular and has become an important day on Berlin's calendar.
Website www.csd-berlin.de
Classic Open Air
TBC 2024
Gendarmenmarkt
Set in one of Europe's most beautiful squares, Classic Open Air stages the romantic summer sounds of classical music presented by internationally acclaimed musicians, conductors an…
Classic Open Air
TBC 2024
Gendarmenmarkt
Set in one of Europe's most beautiful squares, Classic Open Air stages the romantic summer sounds of classical music presented by internationally acclaimed musicians, conductors and composers. The concert series attracts large crowds to evenings of music under the starlit sky, against the romantic backdrop of the Gendarmenmarkt's stunning architecture. The shows aren't limited by genre, having included opera, jazz, stage musicals, pop, soul, swing, blues and more. The performances are also visually impressive as they include fireworks, light shows and lasers.
Website www.classicopenair.de
Berlin Christmas Markets
December annually
Various
During the festive season, more than 40 Christmas markets pop up in Berlin. They attract visitors with traditional arts and crafts, Christmas lights and decorations, along with aro…
Berlin Christmas Markets
December annually
Various
During the festive season, more than 40 Christmas markets pop up in Berlin. They attract visitors with traditional arts and crafts, Christmas lights and decorations, along with aromas of glühwein, gingerbread and roasted nuts. Santa Claus, fairytales and puppetry are there to entertain children while shoppers browse antique toys and dolls, candles, woodwork and a variety of traditional goods. The suburb of Spandau allegedly has Europe's largest Christmas market, where stalls spread throughout the Old Town. As people yearn for a less commercial Christmas experience, they enjoy the nostalgia and charm of traditional gifts and decorations. Nothing is mass-produced and the atmosphere is old-fashioned, with Berlin boasting some of the best of these markets in Germany.
Berlin Marathon
29 September 2024
Taking runners past most of the famous sights of the historic city, the annual Berlin Marathon is one of the most popular in the world and ends at the imposing Brandenburg Gate. It…
Berlin Marathon
29 September 2024
Taking runners past most of the famous sights of the historic city, the annual Berlin Marathon is one of the most popular in the world and ends at the imposing Brandenburg Gate. It's an extremely popular race and the limit of 40,000 runners is generally reached a few hours after entries open for the event. The route is interspersed with about 80 live music stages where bands urge on competitors and entertain spectators. This remarkable music marathon makes the race even more special: some participants are even lucky enough to have requested songs played for them as they approach the finish line.
Website www.berlin-marathon.com
The Berlin Jazz Festival
31 October — 3 November 2024
Various
The Berlin Jazz Festival is one of the world's premier jazz festivals and a highlight on the Berlin musical calendar, with a range of concerts taking place all over town and in a v…
The Berlin Jazz Festival
31 October — 3 November 2024
Various
The Berlin Jazz Festival is one of the world's premier jazz festivals and a highlight on the Berlin musical calendar, with a range of concerts taking place all over town and in a variety of different settings, from casual jazz clubs to large arenas. Some of the best in the business have graced its stages, such as Lee Konitz and the legendary Herbie Hancock. World music bands also feature on the programme, bringing a lot of originality and range to the festival. Berlin is always a great city to visit for lovers of jazz music, but Jazzfest truly showcases the city's jazz scene.
Website www.berlinerfestspiele.de