Berlin is bursting into life with vibrant spring colours, and this weekend’s cultural programme is just as varied as the city’s blossoming scenery. Explore exhibitions and art fairs, visit record shops and street festivals, or take a cruise on the Spree
Tip 1: Discover affordable art at the Affordable Art Fair in the Arena
Contemporary art need not be intimidating or unaffordable: theAffordable Art Fair at the Arena Berlin proves just that. Around 65 galleries from 18 countries are showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography and prints here, with prices ranging from 100 to 10,000 euros. And it’s not just about looking – conversation is encouraged too. Free guided tours take place daily. The first highlight awaits you right at the entrance to the fair: Christian KERA Hinz will be setting up his interactive pool installation there. It unfolds a fascinating interplay of light, colour and movement. On Friday evening from 5 pm, the Late View with music and drinks is also well worth a visit.
When: Friday 12 noon to 10 pm, Saturday 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow
Tip 2: Let Marina Abramović sweep you away at the Gropius Bau
With ‘Balkan Erotic Epic. The Exhibition’, the Gropius Bau is dedicating a major exhibition to performance icon Marina Abramović , exploring ritual, the body, eroticism and death. For Abramović, sexuality is the source of our energy. It can be expressed artistically and creatively, but can also trigger aggression and violence. Cinematic and sculptural installations meet live performances in the exhibition, linking spiritual, political and ecological questions. Those who have previously known Abramović primarily as a pioneer of performance art will discover here how she creates her work from images, myths and physical symbols.
When: Friday from 12 noon to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am
Where: Gropius Bau, Niederkirchnerstraße 7, Mitte
Tip 3: Visit Constantin Brancusi at the Neue Nationalgalerie
With ‘Brancusi’, the Neue Nationalgalerie is presenting the artist’s first major retrospective in Germany in over five decades. Over 150 sculptures, photographs, drawings, films and archive materials offer an insight into the work of a sculptor who had a decisive influence on 20th-century abstract art. Marvel at how Brancusi manages to marry the fleeting nature of movement with the eternity of a metal sculpture. The building’s clean architecture is a perfect match for Brancusi’s minimalist forms – a must-see for anyone who likes to experience art in a focused way, without excessive staging.
When: Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Neue Nationalgalerie, Potsdamer Straße 50, Tiergarten
Enjoy concerts of the highest level with a top international orchestra. The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin presents excellent classical programmes with world-class artists in Berlin's unique concert halls.
Tip 4: Discover new cinema at the achtung berlin film festival
After the Berlinale, the achtung berlin Film Festival is the city’s biggest film festival – yet it remains pleasantly accessible. The focus is on productions with a Berlin or Brandenburg connection: from feature films to documentaries and short films. That’s precisely what makes it so appealing. Because here you won’t find slick, polished industry fare, but often surprising perspectives, bold debuts and strong local styles. If you’re in the mood for cinema with a contemporary edge, just dive right in!
When: Friday to Sunday at various screening times
Where: Various cinemas and festival venues in Berlin
Tip 5: Enjoy an oriental brunch and let your imagination run wild at MADI – Tent of the Senses
If you’d rather start your Sunday with stories than hustle and bustle, MADI – Zelt der Sinne offers a fairytale alternative to the usual capital city breakfast. The Oriental Fairytale Brunch features tales from One Thousand and One Nights, belly dancing and a large buffet with sweet and savoury dishes. The event is specifically designed for families and combines brunch with a show, without becoming merely a backdrop. Experience a fairytale-delicious Sunday!
When: Sunday at 11 am
Where: MADI – Zelt der Sinne, Bernhard-Lichtenberg-Platz 1, Reinickendorf
Tip 6: Spin those records at Record Store Day in Schöneberg
On Record Store Day, the independent record shop Dodo Beach will once again become a meeting place for vinyl fans. Sales of limited-edition special pressings and the hunt for rarities kick off here first thing in the morning. In the afternoon, the colourful musical festivities continue on the street: with live acts, food, drinks and a neighbourhood festival atmosphere at the street party on Gleditschstraße. A great tip for anyone who likes to combine music with a bit of browsing, talking shop and – fingers crossed – some spring sunshine.
By the way: DJ Tomasz Guiddo will be spinning records at Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, 90 Friedrichstraße, Mitte, from 1 pm to 4 pm.
When: Saturday from 9am, street party from 2pm
Where: Dodo Beach Record Store, Vorbergstraße 8, street party at Gleditschstraße 80–81, Schöneberg
Tip 7: Take a look at “A Country in a Container” at the DDR Museum
The new special exhibition at the DDR Museum tackles a surprising question: what happens to the symbols of a state when it no longer exists? A Country in a Container tells the story of flags, emblems, statues and other relics of the GDR. After 1990, these disappeared from public spaces, were disposed of, sold or collected. The exhibition combines the history of objects with the culture of remembrance. It is a highlight for anyone who would like to understand Berlin through its historical traces.
When: Friday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: DDR Museum, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 1, Mitte
Tip 8: Head into the sunset at the Old Berlin Beer Evening
If you enjoy viewing Berlin from the water and fancy a refreshing drink whilst you’re at it, the Old Berlin Beer Evening this weekend is perhaps the best choice. The 2.5-hour evening cruise sets off from the Alte Börse on the historic electric passenger ship Kaiser Friedrich, Berlin’s oldest passenger vessel. From the water, you’ll pass the Holzmarkt, Oberbaumbrücke, Insel der Jugend and the city centre at dusk. Enjoy Kaiserbier, snacks and the rare chance to take in city views away from the noise of the streets.
When: Friday and Saturday at 7 pm
Where: Alte Börse jetty, Burgstraße 27, Mitte
Tip 9: Check out Okujou Beat in Neukölln
Want to kick off your Friday evening on a small, local scale, yet with an international and interesting vibe? Then you should check out Okujou Beat at Peppi Guggenheim. The collective moves between trip-hop, house, ambient, dancefloor jazz and improvised live electronics. Although Okujou Beat started out as a neighbourhood project in Neukölln, it sounds like a cosmopolitan city, a rooftop (Japanese: Okujou) and a night-time drive all rolled into one. Entry is free, a cultural donation is welcome – typical Berlin, but in a good way.
When: Friday at 8 pm
Where: Peppi Guggenheim, Weichselstraße 7, Neukölln
Tip 10: Sample your way through the Veggienale at the FEZ
And here’s a tip for anyone who’s skipping the Sunday roast: this weekend, the Veggienale brings a plant-based lifestyle, sustainability and a festival atmosphere to the FEZ. Amidst street food, cooking shows, talks, workshops and market stalls, you can sample vegan products, discover new brands or simply take away some inspiration for a more sustainable everyday life. And even if you just want to have a browse, you’re in good hands here – the programme is open, accessible and varied.
When: Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: FEZ-Berlin, Straße zum FEZ 2, Oberschöneweide
Tip 11: Experience the Berlin Swim Open at the Europasportpark
The lakes are still too cold and the outdoor pools are closed, but there’s still spectacular swimming to marvel at: the Berlin Swim Open awaits your visit with a top-class field of national and international athletes. Watch these exceptional talents swim their laps with speed and elegance, perhaps even breaking records in the process. Not least, the German competitors are also vying for qualification for the upcoming European Championships. The competitions start at 9.30 am every day. The finals begin in the afternoon from 4 pm. Head to the poolside!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9.30 am
Where: Swimming and Diving Hall at the Europasportpark (SSE), Paul-Heyse-Straße 26e, Pankow
Here you’ll find even more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
