14 May is Ascension Day and Father’s Day – and Berlin is celebrating with you! The city is showing off its festive, musical and fun-filled side: stroll through historic villages, raise a glass at the huge beer festival, or take a leisurely boat trip through the city. Look forward to the queer festival “Herrentag LOL” at Plötzensee, the atmospheric Spandau Havel Festival with a colourful programme for the whole family, and spots for barbecuing.
Here are 11 tips on how to make the most of Father’s Day – and if you’re looking for more ideas for the long Ascension Day weekend, we’ve put something together for you there too.
Tip 1: Chill out at Wendenschloss lido
A bank holiday with a view: at Wendenschloss lido on Lake Müggelsee, you can enjoy ice-cold draught beer, delicious barbecue food and a fantastic spot right by the water. Whether on the beach or in the beer garden – it’s all about relaxation here. Perfect for anyone who just wants to switch off and spend a cosy bank holiday with friends.
Where: Möllhausenufer 30, Köpenick
Tip 2: Immerse yourself in extraordinary productions at the Berlin Theatertreffen
If you’d like to spend Father’s Day in Berlin with culture rather than commotion, keep an eye on the Berlin Theatertreffen. From 1 to 17 May 2026, the festival will present the ten most remarkable productions of the season at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele and other venues across Berlin. Here you’ll experience theatre that sparks conversation and pairs perfectly with a stroll through the city. This makes it the ideal outing for anyone looking to discover something new over the long weekend and enjoy a special evening together.
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: Enjoy Father’s Day outdoors in a beer garden
Berlin shows its relaxed side on Father’s Day, and that’s exactly why beer gardens are among the best places to meet up on the day. In the city, they’re more than just a place for a drink; they’re genuine open-air spots for groups of friends, families and anyone who wants to sit together outdoors. Particularly lovely is the mix of traditional classics like the Prater Garten and waterside spots such as the Zollpackhof or the Schleusenkrug, where you can combine views of the Spree or passing boats with a spot in the greenery. This turns Father’s Day not into a scheduled event, but a shared outing with time to raise a glass, chat and soak up the sun.
Where: Various locations across Berlin
Tip 4: Round off the day in a relaxed manner with an evening boat tour
As the hustle and bustle of the day slowly dies down, perhaps the most beautiful part of the day begins: perfect for an evening boat tour through Berlin. From the water, you’ll experience the city in the golden evening light – passing Museum Island, the Reichstag and the Cathedral, whilst the last rays of sunshine make the facades glow. On board, you can sit back, treat yourself to a drink and enjoy Berlin from a whole new perspective. The perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation and that holiday feeling!
Where: Departure from, for example, Friedrichstraße or the Nikolaiviertel
Tip 5: Stroll through Friedrichshagen at the Bölschefest
Celebrate Father’s Day with a trip to Friedrichshagen and discover the Bölschefest on Bölschestraße. From 14 to 17 May 2026, the 1.2-kilometre-long shopping street invites you to browse, look around and enjoy yourself. Amidst the flea market, antique stalls, music and stage programme, you can leisurely stroll through the colourful hustle and bustle and keep discovering new details. There’s also delicious food, extended shop opening hours on Saturday and a programme that has plenty in store for families too. For children, there is entertainment, carousels and sweet snacks, whilst local clubs present themselves with their own stalls. In this way, the Bölschefest combines shopping, music and a neighbourhood atmosphere with a relaxed day out in East Berlin.
Where: Bölschestraße, Friedrichshagen
Tip 6: Celebrate Men’s Day at Festsaal Kreuzberg with hardgroove and hardtechno
Fancy a party with a bit of attitude? Experience Father’s Day from a different perspective and dance the afternoon away at Festsaal Kreuzberg. From 2 pm to 10 pm, INFERNOBERLIN will be bringing hardgroove, bounce and techno to the dance floor, creating a day dedicated to music, community and good vibes. The event is organised by a female collective and invites you to spend Father’s Day in a relaxed, respectful atmosphere.
Where: Festsaal Kreuzberg, Treptow
Tip 7: Go on a discovery tour at International Museum Day
International Museum Day over the long Ascension Day weekend invites you to experience Berlin from its cultural side. Museums across the city are opening their doors and offering special programmes that bring their collections, exhibitions and perspectives to life. In Berlin, there are events taking place at various locations, often with free admission or additional activities.
Museum Day highlights the diversity of museum work and shows just how exciting cultural education can be. If you’re looking for an inspiring activity after Father’s Day, this is the perfect opportunity.
Where: Various venues across Berlin
Tip 8: Enjoy Berlin in a relaxed, open-air setting
Or does the great outdoors appeal to you? Whether you’re out and about with friends or want to spend the day with family – a picnic is the perfect opportunity to unwind together. Berlin offers plenty of great spots for this: from wide meadows and shady parks to idyllic riverside spots. Here you can enjoy the bank holiday in a relaxed atmosphere under the open sky – with good food, cold drinks and plenty of time for the finer things in life.
Tip 9: Celebrate Father’s Day at the Philharmonie with Stravinsky and Norman
Celebrate Father’s Day in style with a special concert evening at the Philharmonie: Klaus Mäkelä brings Stravinsky’s‘The Firebird’ and Andrew Norman’s‘Play’ together on stage with the Berlin Philharmonic. Whilst Stravinsky’s music captivates with energy and lightness, Norman’s work adds a modern, surprising touch.
Let yourself be carried away by the special atmosphere in the city’s most famous concert hall and turn Father’s Day into a cultural experience with a special finale!
Where: Philharmonie Berlin, Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten
Tip 10: Exciting races and family time at the Mariendorf trotting track
Spend the Ascension Day weekend with a trip to the Mariendorf Trotting Track and experience equestrian sport up close. On Sunday, the focus is primarily on young, talented horses competing in thrilling races and offering a glimpse into the future of trotting.
At the same time, there’s plenty of time to explore the grounds at your leisure and soak up the special atmosphere. A particular highlight: children can enjoy free pony rides whilst you watch the races.
Where: Mariendorf Trotting Track, Mariendorf
Tip 11: Round off Father’s Day at the Kreuzberg Open-Air Cinema
From 8 May 2026, the Kreuzberg Open-Air Cinema kicks off its new season and invites you to spend the evening outdoors in the courtyard of the Kunstquartier Bethanien. Here you can watch films under the open sky, right in the heart of Kreuzberg yet pleasantly shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cinema is one of Berlin’s oldest open-air cinemas and thus offers exactly the right mix of summer vibes and cinema culture for a relaxed Father’s Day. Why not plan your visit for an evening out with friends or family and stick around for a while after the film has finished? That way, your trip to the cinema turns into a little excursion through Berlin’s early summer.
Where: Freiluftkino Kreuzberg
