October in Berlin enchants us anew every year: As the days slowly get shorter, the Festival of Lights bathes the city and many sights in colourful illuminations. The leaves are also slowly turning colourful and create a particularly beautiful atmosphere in autumn in Berlin. You can also look forward to numerous other event highlights this month.
Don't forget: 3 October is the Day of German Unity, the public holiday offers you the perfect opportunity for a bridge day and a long weekend in Berlin. In Hoppegarten, you can visit the annual Horse racing on the Day of German Unity on 3 October.
Tip 1: Festival of Lights - see the most beautiful lights in the city
Under the motto "Celebrating Freedom", the Festival of Lights invites you to celebrate the many facets of life in a diverse society with its 20th edition this year to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The façades of the participating buildings will become projection screens for stories. On a Lightseeing Tour by boat or bus, you can see the most beautiful light installations in comfort.
When: 4 to 13 October, 7 - 11 pm
Where: various locations throughout Berlin
Tickets for tours to the Festival of Lights
Tip 2: Celebrate 60 years of Jazzfest in Berlin
Experience the 60th edition of a legendary music festival that is a cornerstone of the international jazz scene. In addition to the live performances, there will also be a series of workshops and discussion panels offering insights into current developments and trends in jazz. Over the course of the festival, 24 sensational acts will perform at the Haus der Berline Festspiele and other venues, including Marilyn Crispell, Joe McPhee and Otomo Yoshihide.
When: from 31 October
Where: various venues
Tip 3: Try something new at Berlin Food Week
Exciting events and menu creations await you at the 10th Berlin Food Week. This year, the focus is particularly on sustainability. At Bikini Berlin, House of Food will be showcasing committed start-ups, manufacturers and producers. And at the French Affair , wine shops and wine bars in Berlin's neighbourhoods will treat you to a mix of French food culture and Berlin lifestyle.
When: 7 to 13 October
Where: various locations in Berlin
More tips for foodies:
- Gourmets can look forward to the 13th of October for the Beachfood Festival
- Coffee fans can enjoy Coffee Week from 30 September to 6 October to try different roasts
Tip 4: Anniversary menu for the 55th birthday of the TV tower
Secure one of the few remaining places at the anniversary menu for the 55th birthday of the TV tower. Enjoy the impressive view from the TV tower while you savour an exclusive menu from Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue. This is the first and only opportunity to savour the masterful culinary art before the new restaurant "Sphere by Tim Raue" officially opens its doors in the TV tower in 2025.
When: 3 October
Where: Berlin Television Tower
Tip 5: Autumn markets and festivals in Berlin
Autumn is harvest time. The last days of sunshine also invite you to celebrate outside once again. These festivals and markets offer some great opportunities to do just that.
- At Schöneberger Pumpkin festival in Akazienstraße On 5 and 6 October there are of course the most beautiful pumpkins. Perfect for autumnal soups and pumpkin ghost carving.
- You can let the autumn wind blow around your nose until 13 October at the Berliner Herbstrummel.
- Like in the old days, celebrate at the Jugglers' Festival at Spandau Citadel. Let yourself be enchanted by acrobatics, music and stories from 3 to 6 October. Discover medieval crafts and handmade delicacies.
- You can raise a glass in the Festzelt der Hauptstadt until 26 October at the Berlin Octoberfest.
Tip 6: Take part in the Family Night Berlin
Nothing like getting out. At the Family Night, you can discover lots of exciting places in Berlin together, mostly free of charge. The event takes place at various venues in Berlin and offers a varied programme.
Highlights include interactive workshops, exciting hands-on activities and entertaining live shows. Dance in the moonlight, experience adventures in the forest, take a look behind the scenes and be surprised by the extensive participation programme for all ages.
When: 12 October 5 pm - midnight
Where: various locations in Berlin
Tip 7: Go to the Ukrainian Film Festival
The Ukrainian Film Festival highlights the theme of decolonisation, which is currently not only highly relevant in general, but is also applicable to Ukraine and its culture. Ukrainian documentaries and feature films will be presented during the festival. In addition, there will be a short film competition this time.
Don't miss out on the insights into Ukrainian film art that this event offers you. Among other things, a retrospective of Ukrainian cinema is also planned.
When: 23 to 27 October
Where: Colosseum Kino
Tip 8: Experience the Opus Klassik Gala at the Konzerthaus Berlin
The gala honours the winners of the Opus Klassik Awards in various categories, including "Best Orchestral Recording", "Best Singer" and "Best Conductor". The awards are presented by a high-calibre jury, which honours the best achievements in classical music over the past year. At the gala concert, you can experience a selection of the award winners live. The event will be hosted by Désirée Nosbusch.
When: 13 October
Where: Konzerthaus Berlin, Großer Saal, Gendarmenmarkt Mitte
Tip 9: See the Threepenny Opera at the Berliner Ensemble
The Threepenny Opera is a historically significant piece of theatre by Bertolt Brecht. In October, see the production by Barrie Kosky in the theatre of the Berliner Ensemble, where Bertolt Brecht himself worked for a long time as head director. The play was also premiered here in 1928. The new production comes in a modern guise and impresses with its visual strength and outstanding acting.
When: 22 to 24 October, 19.30 pm
Where: Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Platz, Mitte
"Dreigroschenoper" at Berliner Ensemble
Tip 10: Visit the carnival of the future
Pay a visit to this innovative and forward-looking festival in October. The Carnival of the Future is all about workshops and forums where visitors can learn more about the future of carnival and festival culture. Topics such as sustainable event organisation, digital art and the use of new media in carnival will be discussed. However, a carnival wouldn't be a carnival if there wasn't also a colourful street parade.
When: 5 October
Where: Artistania, Neckarstraße 19, Neukölln
Tip 11: Immerse yourself in Berlin's club scene on Club Culture Day
This city-wide festival organised by the Berlin Club Commission is now a permanent fixture in Berlin's cultural calendar. The aim is to honour the commitment of Berlin's clubs and collectives. Because Berlin's clubs are more than just party venues. They offer freedom for creative ideas and, in addition to DJs, parties and music, you can regularly find exciting cultural events. Be there when selected clubs present their own individual programme on Club Culture Day.
When: 3 to 10 October
Where: all over the city
For even more event tips in October, you can browse through our Event calendar.
