March brings not only the first warm rays of sunshine, but fresh energy to Berlin. While ITB draws the international travel industry to the city, Berliners head back outdoors. Look forward to sporting highlights like the half marathon, the first major folk festival of the year, and a wide range of cultural and musical events. From avant-garde sounds at the MaerzMusik Festival to spoken-word performances on the slam stage and sweet delights at the Chocolate Festival, this month invites you to rediscover Berlin, indoors and out.
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Tip 1: ITB Berlin attracts trade visitors to the exhibition grounds
Every year in March, ITB Berlin is the international meeting place for the global travel industry – and at the same time a fascinating showcase to the world. From 3 to 5 March 2026, trade visitors from all over the world will gather at the exhibition grounds: destinations from every continent will present trends, cultures and new ideas for travel offers. Tourism professionals, journalists and visionaries will exchange ideas on future topics and present their offers.
When: 3 to 5 March 2026 (for trade visitors only)
Where: Messe Berlin (East Entrance), Messedamm 22, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Listen to the future – MaerzMusik 2026
During the Maerzmusik Festival, the Haus der Berliner Festspiele becomes a centre for contemporary music, performances and discourse. Concerts, installations and discussions combine music with issues of our time – from social upheavals to philosophical perspectives. The dense festival atmosphere is particularly appealing: you can attend several events in one evening and always discover something new.
One highlight is Meredith Monk's performance on 21 March at 7 p.m. at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. The exceptional artist will be awarded this year's Großer Kunstpreis Berlin (Grand Art Prize Berlin) on 18 March 2026 at the Akademie der Künste.
When: 20 to 29 March 2026
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Wilmersdorf
Mit Georg Friedrich Haas’ monumentalem Werk „11.000 Saiten“, einer immersiven 50‑Klavier‑Installation, gespielt vom Klangforum Wien und 50 Berliner Pianist*innen eröffnet das Festival MaerzMusik seine diesjährige Ausgabe im MaHalla.
Tip 3: Cheer on the athletes at ISTAF Indoor
Feel the pure energy when the world's top athletes meet at ISTAF Indoor. Top international athletes compete here in sprinting, long jump and other disciplines, bringing top sporting performances to the Uber Arena. The compact indoor atmosphere ensures that you can experience every movement, every jump and every hundredth of a second intensely and cheer on the world-class athletes up close. The sporting events are accompanied by spectacular light shows and rousing music. Look forward to an adrenaline-charged atmosphere and let yourself be infected by the enthusiasm of the other sports fans.
When: 6 March, from 4.30 p.m.
Where: Uber Arena, Uber-Platz 1, Mitte
Istaf Indoor
Tip 4: Cheer on the runners at the Generali Berlin Half Marathon at the Brandenburg Gate
The Generali Berlin Half Marathon is the first major running event of spring. The whole city is transformed into one big cheering zone as tens of thousands of runners dash through the streets of Berlin. The route takes in the city's most iconic sights and ends right at the Brandenburg Gate. Whether you're running yourself or enjoying the atmosphere as a fan, the positive energy and fighting spirit of the participants is simply infectious.
By the way: inclusion is a top priority at the Generali Berlin Half Marathon: hand cyclists and wheelchair users are included and start at 9:55 a.m., following the inline skaters, for whom the starting signal is given at 9:15 a.m. For all other runners, the race starts in several waves from 10:05 a.m.
When: 29 March 2026, staggered start times
Where: Start & finish at the Brandenburg Gate, Mitte
On International Women’s Day, Teufelsberg becomes a place of movement, connection, and inspiration. Surrounded by urban nature, panoramic views, and a historic backdrop, we celebrate women in all their diversity – athletic, creative, courageous, and united.
Tip 5: Enjoy the first spring festival of the year
Spring is here, and with it the first big fair of the year! For this year's spring festival on Kurt-Schumacher-Damm, more than 50 showmen are setting up around 80 rides, from breakdancing and bumper cars to a ghost train and a mirror maze. A special highlight is the Ferris wheel, which offers spectacular views of the colourful hustle and bustle from above. Add to that the smell of candyfloss and other sweet treats – the perfect start to spring!
When: 28 March to 3 May 2026
Where: Zentraler Festplatz Berlin, Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, Wedding
Tip 6: Take advantage of your last chance at the eat! Berlin gourmet festival
Experience the last days of the eat! Berlin Festival. Top chefs from all over the city come together to celebrate Berlin's culinary diversity at the highest level. Until 1 March 2026, you have the opportunity to discover new flavour combinations, aromas and food concepts at various locations throughout the city, including the Sphere in the Berlin TV Tower, the Hotel Adlon Kempinski and the Rutz Zollhaus. A must for anyone who sees cuisine as part of the city's culture.
New in 2026 is Berlin's first major sparkling wine fair , "SparklingB!", at the AXICA Congress and Conference Centre at the Brandenburg Gate, which will be open to the public on 1 March.
When: until 1 March 2026
Where: various locations in Berlin
eat! Berlin
Tip 7: Experience Giora Feidman live in the Chamber Music Hall of the Philharmonie
Be enchanted by the soulful sounds of the clarinet when Giora Feidman, the "King of Klezmer", performs at the Philharmonie. The world-renowned clarinettist wants to use his music to build musical bridges between cultures and promote greater humanity. With his new programme "For a Better World", with which he is touring to mark his 90th birthday, Feidman is also sending a message of peace and hope to the world. Experience an evening of wonderful music that will linger in your mind long after the last note has faded away.
When: 25 March 2026, 8 p.m.
Where: Chamber Music Hall of the Philharmonic, Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten
Giora Feidman
Tip 8: Melt away at the Berlin Chocolate Festival
A paradise for those with a sweet tooth and chocoholics awaits you at the Berlin Chocolate Festival. Here, the cocoa bean is celebrated and processed in all its variations. Savour hand-made pralines, vegan creations or exotic drinking chocolates. Discover street food stalls themed around chocolate and sample the offerings of selected producers and manufacturers. There are even savoury chocolate dishes here. Stroll from stall to stall, enjoy the sweet aroma and try your hand at being a chocolatier in workshops .
If you can't wait, we've got the 11 best tips for chocolate in Berlinright here .
When: 21 & 22 March 2026
Where: Napoleon Komplex, Modersohnstraße 35–45, Friedrichshain
Tip 9: Celebrate International Women's Day in Berlin
The eighth of March is International Women's Day, which is even a public holiday in Berlin. In keeping with this year's theme, "Balance the Scale," there are numerous events taking place in the capital.
Here is a small selection:
- International Women's Day in Berlin mosques - Berlin-wide women's iftar under the motto "Strong women, strong society"
- International Women's Day at the Belvedere - free admission for girls* and women*
- Women who look to space - Presentation at the Zeiss Großplanetarium
- Women's Day at Stille Straße 10 - joint brunch and discussion with women from politics, society, art and culture
- The history of women* at BERLIN GLOBAL - Guided tours on International Women's* Day
- Purple Ride – Feminist women* bicycle demonstration: On 8 March 2026, a feminist bicycle demonstration will take place, starting at Mariannenplatz at 12 noon
Tip 10: Pause for a moment when the lights go out for Earth Hour
One hour of darkness for a bright future: on the last Saturday in March, Berlin, along with millions of people worldwide, will be plunged into symbolic darkness for 60 minutes. At 8:30 p.m. for Earth Hour, the lights of famous landmarks will go out – from the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin Cathedral. The campaign, which is taking place for the 20th time this year, is more than just a symbolic switch-off: it reminds us that collective action can bring about real change.
When: 28 March, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Throughout Berlin
Tip 11: Get excited at the poetry slam championship
Eloquent, emotional and incredibly quick-witted: at the Berlin-Brandenburg Poetry Slam Championship, the region's best wordsmiths compete for the title. At legendary venues such as SO36 or the rbb's Großer Sendesaal, rhymes and punchlines fly through the air. By the way, you are the jury, because your applause decides victory or defeat. Experience the energy of Berlin's slam scene up close and let yourself be carried away by the diversity of themes and styles.
When: 4 to 7 March 2026
Where: Various venues in Berlin
