The year really picks up speed in February. Berlin Fashion Week attracts stylish people to Berlin. Shortly afterwards, international stars and film-makers flock to the capital for the Berlinale. Valentine's Day also leaves its mark on wintery Berlin and puts you in a romantic mood. The whole thing is topped off with excellent food and profound exhibitions.
Tip 1: Honouring cinematic masterpieces at the Berlinale
The highlight of February is the Berlinale. From 15 to 25 February, the annual film festival makes the hearts of film enthusiasts from all over the world beat faster. World premieres, stars on the red carpet and lots of information about the coming film year are available here without end.
Teddy Award
As every year, the numerous awards at the Berlinale also include the Teddy Awards, which will be presented on 23 February at the Volksbühne Berlin. This award is dedicated to the queer film industry. Here you can find out more about the development, growing acceptance and success in the world of film and which films deserve to be honoured.
When: 15 to 25 February
Where: Various cinemas in Berlin
Tip 2: Spend Valentine's Day in Berlin
Before Valentine's Day on 14 February catches you off guard again this year, why not spend a few romantic days with your loved one in Berlin? You can read about Berlin's many romantic sides in our blog post about the top 11 romantic places in Berlin. Stroll hand in hand through Charlottenburg Palace, enjoy the view over the rooftops of the city or snuggle up to each other in one of Berlin's extraordinary cinemas.
Tip 3: Discover sustainable fashion during Berlin Fashion Week
For ten days, the fashion world looks to Berlin for Berlin Fashion Week. In addition to exclusive fashion shows, there are also a number of events that are open to the public. For example, you can buy unique pieces from up-and-coming designers at Platte.Berlin or attend an upcycling workshop at Bikini Berlin.
When: 5 to 8 February
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Our recommendation: For a real insight into the Berlin fashion world, take part in COSH's Green Fashion Tour on 7 February at 5 and 6:30 pm during Fashion Week. The tour will focus on the topic of sustainability. What does sustainability mean for small boutiques and local designers? The tour is free of charge, with a donation you support the commitment to more transparency in the fashion world.
Tip 4: Analysing the impact of online content at Transmediale
The annual Transmediale festival uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the cultural connections and social effects of digitalisation. This year's edition focuses on the attention economy of online content. One of the questions being asked is whether and how this affects our lives and has a potentially negative impact on the human psyche. The programme includes discursive formats, exhibitions, performances and workshops.
When: 31 January to 4 February
Where: House of World Cultures, silent green Kulturquartier, Kunstraum Kreuzberg/ Bethanien, transmediale Studio
Tip 5: Visit eat! Berlin Festival to broaden your culinary horizons
What do patisserie and sculpture have to do with each other? What do the best macarons in Berlin taste like? And what do Cannes and Berlin have in common? You can get to the bottom of these and many other questions at the eat!Berlin gourmet festival. Packed with inspiring and informative events, the programme offers a whole range of special menus and taste experiences.
When: 22 February to 3 March
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 6: Experience films up close at the Independent Film Festival
If you want to see the big film news and award ceremonies, you go to the Berlinale. But the film industry is much more than productions with a budget in the millions. If you like amateur filmmaking and would like to get an idea of the best low-budget films, the Berlin Independent Film Festival is the right place for you. At the Babylon cinema, you can not only watch these films, but also talk to the producers and exchange ideas with them.
When: 16 to 23 February
Where: Babylon cinema, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, Mitte
Tip 7: Understanding dogs better and laughing with Martin Rütter
Fans of the well-known dog trainer Martin Rütters can look forward to a highlight in February: the dog expert will be at the Mercedes-Benz Arena with his programme "He just wants to play! Entertaining and with a lot of humour, he provides important information on dealing with dogs and helps people to better understand the behaviour of their four-legged friends. The expert's strength clearly lies in his ability to address serious issues relating to dog ownership, despite all the humour.
When: 17 February, 8 pm
Where: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Mercedes-Platz 1, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Seeing art that was almost never seen again
In its new exhibition "Rescued Modernism", the Kupferstichkabinett presents works that were only saved from the Nazi purge by the intervention of a single person. In 1937, research assistant Willy Kurth saved works that are now categorised as Classical Modernism. In addition, the exhibition shows the artistic spectrum that was declared "degenerate art" in the Third Reich with further works by Max Beckmann, Otto Dix, George Grosz, Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Wassily Kandinsky, Käthe Kollwitz, Henri Matisse, Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso.
When: From 2 February
Where: Kulturforum - Kupferstichkabinett, Matthäikirchplatz 8, Mitte
Tip 9: Immerse yourself in the synaesthetic artwork VEKTOR
In February, Christopher Bauder's latest expansive installation can be seen against the industrial backdrop of the former Mitte cogeneration plant. The artist, who realised "Lichtgrenze" with his brother in 2024 to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, uses light and sound to transport you into abstract worlds of thought.
When: From 1 February
Where: Kraftwerk Berlin, Köpenicker Str. 70, Mitte
Tip 10: Cheer on the professional athletes at ISTAF Indoor
For all athletics enthusiasts, the ISTAF Indoor (International Stadium Festival) starts on 10 February in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Here you can watch well-known winners from various international and national competitions compete against each other in many disciplines. Sprint, hurdles, long jump and pole vault, everything is represented.
When: 23 February
Where: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Mercedes-Platz 1, Friedrichshain
ISTAF INDOOR
Tip 11: Listen to Vivaldi live in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Anyone who has always wanted to see the inside of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and is in the mood for a unique concert experience should make a note of this concert in February. The " Philharmonic Orchestra of Soloists" will perform "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi. An exceptional opportunity in every respect: the " Philharmonic of Soloists" is made up of top-class international soloists, the setting is epic and the music programme is an absolute must for classical music enthusiasts, but also appealing to casual listeners.
When: For the first time on 3 February, further dates on 1 March, 13 April, 11 May and 8 June
Where: Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Breitscheidplatz, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Vivaldi at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
You can find even more tips for February and the rest of the year in the events calendar.
