Berlin August brings together cultural highlights and the city's creative sense of freedom: Whether it's balmy nights in a museum, political insights behind historic facades or classical music in the open air, unforgettable moments await. In this blog article, we show you eleven hand-picked tips that will make your summer of culture unforgettable. You don't even have to miss out on a visit to the theatre, as there is an exciting programme to discover despite the summer break.
Tip 1: Love is in the air at the Long Night of Museums
This August, the Long Night of Museums is all about love. Whether tragic artist couples, amorous scandals or a Venetian masked ball: you will experience a night full of heart palpitations and surprises. Over 70 museums open their doors deep into the night and invite you to around 700 events. Workshops, guided tours, concerts and performances make Berlin's cultural diversity tangible. Shuttle buses will take you comfortably from place to place. So, grab your favourite people and let yourself be enchanted by this unforgettable night!
When: 24 August 6 p.m. to 25 August 2 a.m
Where: in 75 Berlin museums
Tip 2: Festivals in August 2025
- Board Game Summer Festival | 1 to 3 August | Try out board games on over 9,000 square metres, get to know new products and take part in tournaments.
- Berlin laughs! Street Theatre Festival | from 5 August | Potsdamer Platz and Hauptbahnhof become colourful stages full of theatre, music, clowning, circus and street food - with free admission and a summer festival atmosphere.
- Miudinho Festival | 8 to 10 August | Miudinho Forró Berlin celebrates Brazilian culture with workshops, live music, dance and a lively exchange that brings Forró fans from all over the world together.
- Berlin Circus Festival | 7 to 18 August | The Berlin Circus Festival presents contemporary circus art with international artists, innovative productions, interactive formats and a sustainable, inclusive festival experience.
- silent green summer festival | 23 August | The silent green cultural quarter invites you to celebrate the summer with music, films, culinary delights and a relaxed get-together on the historic grounds.
- Pistachio Street Food Festival | 23 and 24 August | It's all about creative sweet and savoury pistachio creations from around the world, accompanied by live cooking classes, international specialities and summer music.
- Pop-Kultur Festival | 25 to 30 August | Brings people, art and society together and opens up new perspectives on pop, culture and what moves us all with concerts, readings, films and discussions.
Tip 3: Tanz im August brings opposites together on stage
Be inspired by the magic of contemporary dance! Experience international artists and pioneering choreographies that transform Berlin's stages into pulsating places of movement. Dance, art and social issues merge here. This year's overarching theme is "A landscape of fault lines", which symbolises points of friction in contemporary dance.
Whether major premieres, intimate performances or exciting discussions: The festival shows how diverse and lively modern dance is. Look forward to unforgettable moments, new perspectives and the special atmosphere that makes this festival so unique. The programme includes three world premieres and ten German premieres.
When: 13 to 30 August
Where: at HAU Hebbel am Ufer and other venues in the city
Musikfest Berlin 2025
The Musikfest Berlin 2025 will inspire with over 40 concerts. Highlights: Opening with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, five guest performances from France, the Berliner Philharmoniker honour Pierre Boulez and more! Tickets available now.
Tip 4: Enjoy three weeks of classical music at Musikfest Berlin
Every year in late summer, Musikfest Berlin delights audiences with extraordinary concerts and top international musicians, unofficially heralding the start of a new season. The programme ranges from classical masterpieces to surprising new discoveries that come to life in Berlin's most beautiful concert halls . Be enchanted by symphonic sounds, vocal ensembles and innovative performances and discover how exciting classical music can be.
When: 30 August to 23 September
Where: Various venues in Berlin
Tip 5: Listen to young musicians from all over the world at the Young Euro Classic Festival
Listen to exciting interpretations of classical compositions by youth orchestras from all over the world. They are all united by their love of music and thus also set an example for peaceful coexistence. For two and a half weeks, the next generation of international orchestras will show what they can do at Berlin's Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt. And for the very youngest music fans, there will be children's concerts and a workshop for dancing and making music.
When: 1 to 17 August
Where: Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt, Mitte
Tip 6: Enjoy a cool down in the Kolonnaden Bar on Museum Island
You can still enjoy the Kolonnaden Bar in one of Berlin's most beautiful spots in August. It can be found in the eponymous Kolonnadenhof courtyard of the Alte Nationalgalerie. With a panoramic view of the Spree and the TV tower, you can enjoy talks, DJ sets and cool drinks. Since 2017, an annual pop-up bar has opened in the Kolonnaden, which is used as a place to meet and socialise. This year, the focus is on the motto "Here we are" and will be accompanied by a programme from Wednesday to Sunday.
When: Until 31 August
Where: Kolonnadenhof of the Alte Nationalgalerie, Museum Island, Mitte
Tip 7: Celebrate 10 years of Zug der Liebe and demonstrate for freedom and tolerance
For ten years, the Zug der Liebe has been bringing thousands of people together to take to the streets in favour of humanity, tolerance and social justice. With music, creative messages and good humour , the colourful demonstration is transformed into a moving celebration that shows: Cohesion is strength. Dance, celebrate and get involved - the Train of Love is not just a parade, but a loud, cheerful appeal for better coexistence. In its anniversary year, the event is all about reflection and new beginnings. The after-party of the demonstration traditionally takes place at Ritter Butzke and starts at 9 pm.
When: 30 August
Where: Start at Mauerpark
Tip 8: Let yourself be enchanted at the Waldbühne concert
Nothing is better in summer than enjoying music in the open air. The Waldbühne concert with Daniel Barenboim, Lang Lang and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra also promises to be an unforgettable experience in 2025. Star pianist Lang Lang delights audiences with Mendelssohn's energetic piano concerto before Beethoven's powerful "Eroica" fills the stage. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Waldbühne, you will experience a summer evening full of emotion, virtuosity and musical passion. This concert event promises goosebumps and unforgettable moments.
When: 10 August
Where: Waldbühne Berlin, Glockenturmstraße 1, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 9: Watch classic films in the open air at the UFA Film Nights
The magic of Weimar cinema unfolds on three summer evenings against the stunning backdrop of Museum Island: At the UFA Film Nights, you can experience classic films in the open air on Museum Island.
It starts with "Varieté", the legendary drama with Emil Jannings. The restored version will be set to music live by the UFA Syncopators. The music by Werner Küspert and Richard Siedhoff will be premiered. On the second evening, you will be immersed in the opulent operatic world of "Der Rosenkavalier" . The Metropolis Orchestra Berlin plays Richard Strauss' original music, specially arranged for this silent film. The finale is "The Convict from Stambul" with Heinrich George, accompanied by specially composed film music.
When: 27 to 29 August
Where: Museum Island Berlin, Bodestraße, Mitte
Tip 10: Take a look behind the scenes at the Federal Government's Open Day
Come along and discover how politics really works. At the Federal Government Open Day, you can visit the Federal Chancellery, the federal ministries and the Federal Press Office. Look forward to exciting talks, personal encounters and informative guided tours. The employees will give you first-hand insights into their work.
This special weekend offers you the chance to gain a better understanding of political processes and engage in dialogue with those who shape them - a particularly valuable experience for children and young people. You are invited by the Federal Chancellor himself!
When: 23 to 24 August
Where: Government district, centre
Open Day of the Federal Government
Tip 11: Feel like a prince and princess at the Potsdam Palace Night
Discover Potsdam's UNESCO World Heritage Site from a new perspective in August: during the Potsdam Palaces Night, Sanssouci Park is transformed into a gigantic stage. Stroll through the grounds and be enchanted by the music, acrobatics, readings and musical programme . As soon as it gets dark, the palaces and the illuminated park sparkle in a blaze of light. There are also interesting special tours to discover.
When: 22 to 23 August
Where: Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam
You can find even more tips for events in August in our event calendar.
