With culture, exciting encounters and particularly muddy sporting events, Berlin is once again showing its lively side this weekend. But there are also plenty of quiet hours: the Classic Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt will whisk you away to a midsummer night's dream under the stars. And Berlin's oldest passenger ship now glides across the Spree with a barely audible electric motor.
Tip 1: Enjoy music at the Classic Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt
After a two-year break, the Classic Open Air is finally returning to Berlin's event calendar. Two eagerly awaited comebacks are being celebrated to mark the occasion: With the Classic Open Air, the Gendarmenmarkt shows what it can do after long renovation work. In front of the impressive backdrop, the greats of the German classical music scene will perform at the weekend with a magical light and fire show, giving you an open-air concert experience that will last until late in the evening.
The concert kicks off with the Konzerthausorchester, which is based on the square, performing Mendelssohn Bartholdy's Midsummer Night's Dream. In the following days, music icons such as Gregory Porter and Giovanni Zarrella will take over the stage. Look forward to a classical music highlight under the stars!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various times
Where: Gendarmenmarkt, Mitte
Tip 2: Come to the lesbian-gay city festival in the Nollendorf neighbourhood
Berlin is queer - and always has been. As early as the 1920s, the city was a centre of attraction for the queer movement, which is still deeply rooted in its nightlife and art scene today. Schöneberg has always been considered an unofficial centre and still regularly hosts queer events, demonstrations and festivals.
Right at the forefront is the Lesbian-Gay City Festival, which will take place for the 31st time on Saturday and Sunday in the Nollendorf neighbourhood with rainbow flags, beats and around 350,000 visitors. On six stages, in five theme worlds and at countless stands, you can expect everything from queer cabaret and soul acts to political talk on the wild sofa. Look forward to the colourful hustle and bustle and raise your voice for free love, tolerance and equality!
When: Saturday and Sunday from 11 am
Where: Around Nollendorfplatz, Schöneberg
Tip 3: Take a tour of the UdK locations
As is tradition at Berlin's art academies, the studio and studio doors are opened to a curious public once a year on the occasion of the tour. As one of the city's most traditional art academies, the University of the Arts (UdK) is of course not to be missed. Students from various disciplines will be presenting their works directly in the places where they were created.
From painting and jazz music , fashion design and sculpture to dance, drama and scenic writing, almost everything the art world has to offer is represented here. The academy now offers around 70 degree programmes at its various locations. In some places , the students themselves even offer guided tours and give you a direct insight into their studies, art and creative process!
When: Friday from 4 to 10 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Tip 4: Have breakfast with Tim Raue at breathtaking heights
Want to be part of Berlin's high society? You can do that without a Porsche and a villa in Dahlem. At a height of 207 metres,you can enjoy celebrity chef Tim Raue's exquisite menu at the Sphere Restaurant and sip your morning coffee while the rooftops of Berlin glisten sleepily in the morning light. In addition to the incomparable flavour highlights, the view here is also unique: from Tiergarten to Teufelsberg, from the cathedral to Plänterwald, you can really see all of Berlin. Whether it's a romantic morning, brunch with the family or an exclusive solo experience: simply drive up, order and start the day in front of Berlin's most beautiful panorama!
When: Friday to Sunday from 9 to 11 am
Where: Sphere Tim Raue in the TV tower, Panoramastraße 1A, Mitte
Tip 5: Immerse yourself in worlds of words at the African Book Festival
This weekend, for the seventh time, the African Book Festival invites you to discover and celebrate literary voices from Africa and the African diaspora. Under the motto In Other Wor(l)ds, this year' s festival focuses on Ghanaian literature and African fantasy, horror and science fiction works.
The multi-faceted programme was put together by Ghanaian curator, author and spoken word artist Ivana Akotowaa Ofori. Together with the literary community, she is creating a fertile safe space and open space for queer perspectives and marginalised voices on the grounds of the Alte Münze. Look forward to readings, talks, performances and a lively exchange that goes far beyond the literary.
When: Friday from 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am
Where: Alte Münze, Molkenmarkt 2, Mitte
Tip 6: Listen to music from around the world at DURCHLÜFTEN in Schlüterhof
The DURCHLÜFTEN music festival is guaranteed to bring a breath of fresh air - both to the Schlüterhof in the Humboldt Forum and to your playlists. The line-up is not only a colourful mix of genres, but also brings together musicians from all corners of the globe. Mexican cumbia punk, Ghanaian gospel, dodo blues from Kenya and Japanese folk with a Caribbean flavour bring a wide variety of cultures to Berlin's Stadtschloss and invite you to broaden your musical horizons. Curated by the talented American organiser Melissa Perales, the festival not only brings global soundscapes to Berlin, but also creates a space for encounters and exchange. And best of all: admission is free for everyone!
When: Friday from 19 to midnight
Where: Schlüterhof in the Humboldt Forum, Schloßplatz, Mitte
Tip 7: Fight your way through the mud for a good cause
Our next tip is aimed at all those who want to get their hands dirty for a good cause - and this weekend at the Karlshorst trotting track, it won't just be about getting your hands dirty. The Muddy Angel Run is no ordinary charity run: Women and girls aged twelve and over will run, crawl, jump and climb through the mud on a five-kilometre course , crossing 15 muddy obstacles - from bubble baths to climbing frames. Part of the ticket price is donated directly to organisations that are committed to the fight against breast cancer. Here you can set a strong example together with many other women!
When: Friday and Saturday from 8.30 am to 8 pm
Where: Karlshorst trotting track, Treskowallee 59, Karlshorst
Tip 8: Celebrate 25 years of C/O Berlin
Happy Birthday, C/O Berlin! For 25 years, this special place in the centre of City West has been inspiring all photography fans and art lovers. This weekend, you are cordially invited to celebrate the anniversary in style - without paying admission. Live music, exclusive guided tours and exciting encounters await you at the big open house. From 19 July, you can immerse yourself in the new group exhibition "Documentary in Flux", which brings almost two decades of C/O Berlin Talent Awards to life. Join in the celebrations, discover new things and enjoy the creative flair of this unique cultural venue.
When: Exhibition from Saturday, open house on Sunday
Where: C/O Berlin Foundation, Hardenbergstraße 22-24, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
25 years of C/O Berlin
Tip 9: Whisper quietly across the water on the Kaiser Friedrich
Relaxing on Berlin's waterways on a summer Sunday is always a good idea - especially if you're on board the lovingly restored Kaiser Friedrich. The city's oldest passenger ship now glides almost silently through the historic centre of Old Berlin thanks to its electric drive .
With a cool drink in your hand, you can relax and watch sights such as the City Palace, the Nikolai Quarter, Museum Island and the government district pass you by. From Berlin Cathedral to the Pregnant Oyster - the Berlin nickname for the House of World Cultures - you can immerse yourself in the history and panorama of the city. Without the hustle and bustle of the big city and ideal for taking a deep breath and savouring!
When: Various departure times
Where: Hadynski shipping company landing stage, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, Mitte
Tip 10: Celebrate 650 years of Britz with a big summer party
On Sunday, the historic Britz estate will be transformed into a lively festival site: to mark the 650th anniversary of the district, the big summer festival invites you to join in the celebrations. Between the baroque palace, the lovingly tended park and the old stables, a varied programme for the whole family awaits you.
Seven stages offer live music of various genres, while workshops, guided tours and hands-on activities give you an insight into the history and present-day life in Britz. Children can let off steam with creative arts and crafts activities and for adult guests, the exhibitions at Museum Neukölln and Schloss Britz offer exciting insights into the development of the neighbourhood. With free admission, this is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover historic Britz!
When: Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Gutshof Britz, Alt-Britz 81, Britz
Big summer festival
Tip 11: Experience the colourful summer atmosphere at the Weißenseer Blumenfest
Flowers, beats and Berlin summer fun in Weißensee! The flower festival invites you to a colourful weekend of fun right by the Weißer See lake. For three days, Amalienstrasse and Albertinenstrasse are transformed into a lively festival area with live music, artistic performances and culinary delights from all over the world. There are carousels and numerous hands-on activities for the little ones, while you can feast your way through street food stalls or discover new things about the blossoming neighbourhood at information stands. There is also plenty of space on the extensive grounds to spread out your picnic blanket and let the sun shine on your nose with your eyes closed in front of the bustling atmosphere - pure summer relaxation!
When: Friday from 2 to 10 pm, Saturday from 12 to 10 pm and Sunday from 12 to 8 pm
Where: Amalienstraße / Albertinenstraße, Weißensee
Flower festival
Additional tip: Run through Neukölln with Edith in the BKA theatre
Compared to Edith Schröder, Tom Tykwer's action heroine Lola looks pretty lame, as the former still runs through Neukölln at high speed even after ten futschis. The role of Berlin's favourite unemployed woman Edith Schröder seems to have been tailor-made for her creator, the satire king Ades Zabel.
Wearing a cat shirt, leo leggings and a smoker's voice, Edith delivers all kinds of ruthless social criticism in the BKA theatre - as original as she is alcoholic. Zabel's freshly shot clips in the style of Run Lola Run and the humorous live performances are well received by the audience and take you on a journey through two decades of Neukölln history. An evening full of humour, song and Berlin charm awaits you - a must for fans of the Berlin cabaret scene and all those who want to become one.
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 pm
Where: BKA Theatre, Mehringdamm 34, Kreuzberg
Here you'll find even more great tips for things to do in Berlin – rain or shine.
