September is just around the corner and that means the final spurt for the summer. Before autumn officially begins on 22 September, we're enjoying the last days of summer in the capital. Look forward to weeks full of art, photography and music, top sporting performances, new literary releases and refreshing perspectives on Berlin's monuments. Find out what else September has in store for you here.
Tip 1: Cheer on the Berlin Marathon or run it yourself
Running a marathon is a lifelong goal for some people. Maybe you can do it this year if you start training in time. For everyone else, it's time to watch and cheer on! Because over the 40 kilometres of a marathon course, amateur runners in particular are happy to receive a good dose of motivation. On your way to the finish line, you will pass several famous sights such as the Victory Column, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
When: 21 September
Where: anywhere in the city
Berlin Marathon
Tip 2: Discover innovations from the world of technology
At the Internationale Funkausstellung, or IFA for short, you can find out about the latest trends and innovations in the technology scene. In the halls of Messe Berlin, you will find areas dedicated to audio, computers, photography, video, content creation, fitness, mobility, consumer electronics, smart homes and much more.
This year marks the 101st edition of the trade fair, which was founded in 1924. In keeping with this, there will be a small festival, the IFA Summer Garden, with musical acts in the summer garden of Messe Berlin.
When: 5 to 9 September
Where: Messe Berlin
To the IFA
Tip 3: Art, art, art - Berlin Art Week, Positions Art Fair and Gallery Night
During Berlin Art Week, there will once again be countless exhibition openings, performances, private collections and much more to see at over 100 participating cultural venues in Berlin.
- POSITIONS Art Fair
The art fair POSITIONS takes place in the spacious hangars six and seven of Tempelhof Airport. In addition to the stands of 100 international galleries presenting their artists, there will also be a supporting programme with award ceremonies and an opening party.
- Gallery Night
For Gallery Night all Art Week galleries will extend their opening hours once again so that you can enjoy art until 10 pm and experience special programme items.
- LOST Art Festival
The LOST Art Festival takes place parallel to Art Week. Between raw concrete and crackling history, you can immerse yourself in a labyrinth of 14 halls from 12 to 14 September - with monumental light and sound installations, electronic live acts, intimate performances and whispering bars.
When: 10 to 14 September
Where: all over the city
Musikfest Berlin 2025
The Musikfest Berlin 2025 will inspire with over 40 concerts. Highlights: Opening with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, five guest performances from France, the Berliner Philharmoniker honour Pierre Boulez and more! Tickets available now.
Tip 4: Listen and browse at the International Literature Festival
For 25 years now, the world of books has been a guest in Berlin in September. Listen to readings, discover new reading material, get to know authors, have something read to you and join in the discussion yourself. No matter whether you are interested in specialised literature, children's books, novels or niche topics.
The programme is as diverse as our times and addresses current political discussions. It is no coincidence that the Berlin International Literature Festival is one of the most important literary events in the world.
When: 11 to 24 September
Where: various locations in Berlin
International Literature Festival
Tip 5: Be amazed at the festival of giant kites
When the Festival of Giant Kites takes place on Tempelhofer Feld in September, it is transformed into a magical place. The artistic, flying creatures, up to 50 metres long, provide comfort as autumn approaches.
The festival is great fun for kite fans of all ages. Bring your own kite and fly it. There will also be a stage show and a varied entertainment programme for children. Admission to the festival is free.
When: 27 September, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, entrance Tempelhofer Damm 104
Tip 6: Visit the ICC on Open Monument Day
Berlin opens its treasure troves! Under the motto "Valuable" , this year's Open Monument Day is all about the importance of our architectural, garden and ground monuments. Over 300 sites in all districts of Berlin await you - many of them normally inaccessible.
You will stroll through enchanted gardens, discover hidden attics and listen to exciting stories about forgotten times. The whole experience is accompanied by music, art events and small festivals. Best of all, admission is free almost everywhere. Guided tours are popular, so book early.
A highlight of the Open Monument Day is the 49h ICC Berlin event, where visitBerlin opens up the legendary congress centre to you. You can only gain access with pre-booked free timeslots or with paid tickets for the supporting programme.
When: 13 to 14 September
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 7: Celebrate the start of the classical music season with the music festival
Music lovers' dreams come true at the Musikfest in late summer. For three weeks, you can look forward to around 40 concerts with top-class orchestras, outstanding ensembles and exciting programmes that combine classical music with new worlds of sound.
The focus is on works from the past and present, often beyond the familiar. Whether Philharmonie, Konzerthaus or St. Matthew's Church - the venues are just as impressive as the programme. Get your tickets in good time and be enchanted by familiar and surprising sounds.
When: 30 August to 23 September
Where: various venues in Berlin
Tip 8: Experience sparkling moments at the Friedrichstadt-Palast
The Friedrichstadtpalast is getting a new Grand Show, which starts with the first previews in September before the big world premiere on 8 October.
"BLINDED by DELIGHT" takes you into a world full of dreams, glamour and emotional explosions. Together with star designer Jeremy Scott, the creative team has created a visual fantasy that will stay with you forever. Luci takes centre stage, lost between longing and reality. Over 100 artists from all over the world fill the largest show stage with colour, emotion and breathtaking choreography.
When: Previews from 24 September
Where: Friedrichstadt-Palast, Friedrichstraße 107, Mitte
Tip 9: Get up close to special moments
25 years ago, C/O Berlin opened its doors in the Amerikahaus for the first time with the "Magnum°" exhibition. Now the legendary agency of the same name is once again showing a group exhibition at the same venue. "Close Enough" brings together works by thirteen renowned female photographers who have shaped Magnum's visual legacy with their individual perspectives.
The exhibition focuses on closeness, vulnerability and social issues such as identity, femininity and social justice. The works are not only documentary, but also deeply personal. They challenge you to take a closer look and open up new perspectives on global realities of life.
When: From 27 September
Where: C/O Berlin (in the Amerika-Haus), Hardenbergstraße 22, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 10: Enjoy a weekend full of Italian Dolce Vita
If you love Italy, then keep the first weekend in September free: tipBerlin and Viani are transforming the historic St Elisabeth Church in Berlin-Mitte into a feast for all the senses. "Dolce Vita a Berlino" promises three sparkling days full of flavour, encounters and enjoyment.
Over 50 producers from all over Italy will be bringing their handmade specialities with them - from Sicilian wine to Piedmontese chocolate and Tuscan olive oil. Taste, chat and enjoy: At the Mercato in the church hall or outside in the garden, where Berlin's best Italian restaurants serve their delicacies. There will be pasta, porchetta, pizza and plenty of frizzante.
When: 5 to 7 September
Where: Villa Elisabeth, Invalidenstraße 3, Mitte
Tip 11: Bring out the film nerd in you
Germany's biggest film collectors' fair opens its doors again. From silent film classics to modern blockbusters: There's everything your cinematic heart desires here on 1,900 square metres of exhibition space.
Browse the stands for film posters, DVDs, VHS tapes, autograph cards or rare soundtracks on vinyl. Fans of anime, manga, comics and retro games will also get their money's worth.
When: From 14 September
Where: Palais am See, Wilkestraße 1, Reinickendorf
For even more event tips, you can click through our events calendar at any time.
