As the days grow longer and Berlin takes on the scent of summer, the cinemas move outdoors: to parks, courtyards, cultural spaces and amongst old trees. Then you can sit under the open sky with a tub of popcorn, watch films in the evening light and discover the city at its most relaxed.
It’s particularly lovely at the Sommerkino am Kulturforum with its view of the night-time skyline, at the leafy Freiluftkino Rehberge, or in the atmospheric courtyard of the Freiluftkino Kreuzberg. The Neue Zukunft am Wasser, the Freiluftkino INSEL on the historic BUFA site, and the Sommerkino im Haus Schwarzenberg also demonstrate just how diverse open-air cinema in Berlin can be.
Whether you’re in the mood for original versions, arthouse films, classics, family programmes or big cinema moments in the park: in Berlin, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect screen for your summer evening. Discover our 11 visitBerlin tips for open-air cinemas in Berlin.
Tip 1: Experience courtyard cinema at the Kreuzberg Open-Air Cinema
Tucked away in the courtyard of the Kunstquartier Bethanien, one of Berlin’s most atmospheric open-air cinemas awaits you: at Freiluftkino Kreuzberg, you’ll sit beneath the trees, right in the heart of the neighbourhood yet pleasantly shielded from the hustle and bustle around Mariannenplatz. The programme ranges from the latest arthouse films and festival favourites to original versions with subtitles.
When: Season from 8 May 2026
Where: Kunstquartier Bethanien, Mariannenplatz 2, Kreuzberg
Tip 2: Find your favourite spot at the Friedrichshain Open-Air Cinema
Summer evenings are particularly cosy in the heart of Volkspark Friedrichshain: under the shade of mature trees, you can watch films on a big screen at the radioeins Friedrichshain Open-Air Cinema – with modern laser projection, free seating and plenty of options ranging from wooden benches to a grassy area for lying down.
The programme features current cinema favourites, classics and English or subtitled versions. Arrive in good time, as the gates and box office usually open 30 minutes before the film starts – and when the weather is fine, the best spots are snapped up quickly.
When: Season from 13 May 2026
Where: Open-air stage in Volkspark Friedrichshain, near Ernst-Zinna-Weg, Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain Open-Air Cinema
Tip 3: Enjoy balmy nights at the Hasenheide open-air cinema
Right in the heart of the park, Hasenheide becomes your favourite summer cinema: here you can watch open-air films every day – come rain or shine – and look forward to a wide-ranging programme featuring highlights from the last indoor season, music films, classics and special themed evenings.
Particularly handy: during the season, there are up to three screenings a day. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening starts, so make sure to allow time for the walk through the park.
When: Season from 21 May 2026
Where: In the Hasenheide, Neukölln
Tip 4: Enjoy summer cinema with a view of the skyline at the Kulturforum
Right in the heart of the city, between the Philharmonie, museums and Potsdamer Platz, the Kulturforum transforms into a huge open-air screen in the summer. At the ARTE Summer Cinema at the Kulturforum, you can watch the season’s highlights, classics, previews and film series – often in the original language and sometimes even with guests from the film crew.
Particularly lovely: from your deckchairs, you’ll have a panoramic view of the night-time skyline. It’s best to arrive early to secure good seats and combine your cinema evening with a stroll through the Kulturforum.
When: Season from 17 June 2026
Where: Johanna-und-Eduard-Arnhold-Platz / Matthäikirchplatz, Tiergarten
Tip 5: Immerse yourself in the summer greenery of the Rehberge open-air cinema
In Volkspark Rehberge, you’ll feel as though you’re sitting in a green amphitheatre: ancient giant trees, benches with backrests, a large screen and modern laser projection make the Rehberge open-air cinema a particularly relaxing summer spot. The programme ranges from major cinema releases to original-language screenings; you can quickly find English and subtitled versions using the filter. On cool nights, it’s worth grabbing a fleece blanket
When: Season from 20 May 2026
Where: In Volkspark Rehberge, Wedding
Tip 6: Discover film history at the INSEL open-air cinema
On the southern edge of Tempelhofer Feld , you can watch films where Berlin has been making cinema and television history for over 100 years: in the Atelier Gardens, the former BUFA site. The INSEL open-air cinema screens independent films, the latest arthouse highlights, short films, documentaries and festival specials – with a big screen, cool drinks and comfortable deckchairs. Screenings take place from Thursday to Sunday, with special screenings also on Wednesdays.
When: Season from 15 May 2026
Where: Atelier Gardens, Oberlandstraße 26–35, Tempelhof
Tip 7: Watch arthouse films in the back garden of Kino Central
Tucked away in the Haus Schwarzenberg, right onthe edge of the Hackescher Markt, lies a genuine Berlin courtyard cinema: during the summer season, from Sunday to Wednesday, the Kino Central open-air cinema screens modern classics and the latest arthouse films – all shown either in English or with English subtitles.
Amidst street art, local charm and a backyard atmosphere, a night at the cinema here feels almost like a short stroll through the city with a screening to round it off. Arrive before dusk and explore the courtyards first.
When: Season from 15 May 2026
Where: Haus Schwarzenberg, Rosenthaler Straße 39, Mitte
Tip 8: Watch open-air cinema at Neue Zukunft
Between Treptower Park and Ostkreuz, summer becomes a film set: at the Neue Zukunft open-air cinema, you can sit under the open sky, right by the River Spree and right in the heart of Friedrichshain’s cultural life. From arthouse films and classics to the latest cinematic gems, there’s a programme updated weekly, often showing films in their original language with subtitles.
Be sure to arrive in good time: the box office opens 30 minutes before the film starts, and reserved tickets must be collected 15 minutes beforehand.
When: Season from 2 May 2026
Where: Neue Zukunft Open-Air Cinema, Alt-Stralau 68, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Spend a summer evening at the Friedrichshagen Open-Air Cinema
After a trip to Lake Müggelsee or a stroll down Bölschestraße, the Friedrichshagen Open-Air Cinema is the perfect way to round off your summer’s day. Nestled amongst trees and with a neighbourhood vibe, you’ll find a relaxed open-air cinema with 714 seats, a cinema bar, popcorn, hot dogs and sweet and savoury snacks.
As well as films, the programme also features concerts and special events – ideal if you want to combine a night at the cinema with a cultural experience. The box office opens around 30 minutes before the screening begins.
When: Season from 15 May 2026
Where: Behind Kurpark 13, Köpenick
Friedrichshagen Open-Air Cinema
Tip 10: Campus Cinema
The Campus Cinema in the courtyard of the “Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy” shows selected films relating to the Stasi and the GDR’s past, and invites you to join in discussions afterwards with eyewitnesses and experts . You can also hire audio guides from the visitor centre for the open-air exhibition in the courtyard, “Revolution and the Fall of the Wall”, and visit the Stasi Museum beforehand.
By the way: Admission to the Campus Cinema is free.
When: Season from 3 August 2026
Where: Courtyard of the “Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy”, Ruschestraße 103, Lichtenberg
Tip 11: Discover cultural cinema at the Weißensee Open-Air Theatre
The Weißensee Open-Air Theatre is more than just a summer cinema: in an atmosphere that blends park-like tranquillity with theatrical flair, you can enjoy films, concerts, children’s events and shows under the open sky. Films are frequently screened on the Small Stage, alongside original-language films, DEFA evenings and special cultural events.
If you want the best seat, you should arrive early – there are no seat reservations. Remember to bring cash, as the Kleine Bühne only accepts cash payments.
When: Season from 22 May 2026
Where: Große Seestraße 10, Weissensee
