Summer, sunshine, open-air events! This summer in Berlin is set to be something truly special. Experience art, culture and music outdoors under the open sky. Festivals, concerts, cinema, exhibitions, theatre and dance. Whatever takes your fancy! You can find our top 11 tips here.
Tip 1: Experience fantastic music at a Waldbühne concert
This season’s programme at the Waldbühne promises some truly special concerts. On 13 August, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim, will perform alongside the world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma .
Nick Cave, Mumford & Sons, Sarah Connor, Gianna Nannini, Herbert Grönemeyer and Die Fantastischen 4 are also on the line-up. With such a star-studded line-up, you’ll want to get your tickets in good time.
Tip: It’s worth arriving early: the gates open two hours before the start – ideal for a relaxed picnic under the open sky. You’re allowed to bring a small picnic bag, and you can also bring a one-litre bottle for non-alcoholic drinks (no glass). You can top up your drinking water for free on site.
When: all summer long
Where: Waldbühne, Glockenturmstraße 1, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Celebrate Berlin sounds at the premiere of the TFELD Festival
In 2026, TFELD – a new festival format – will make its debut at Tempelhofer Feld. Under the motto‘This is Berlin’, the former runway will be transformed into a huge open-air stage for up to 25,000 visitors. Hip-hop, techno and Berlin’s subculture will come together across four stages – featuring acts such as Paul Kalkbrenner, Pashanim, Marlon Hoffstadt and Ellen Allien. You can also look forward to art installations, street food, a basketball court, a flea market and plenty of urban culture under the open sky. Anyone wanting to round off the festival day can carry on partying at the official Watergate after-show in the Hangar until the early hours of the morning.
When: 22 August 2026, 1 pm until the early hours
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, Tempelhofer Damm, Tempelhof
Tip 3: Party at Rave The Planet with Dr Motte
When Straße des 17. Juni transforms into a huge dance floor, Rave The Planet is back. Under the motto‘Imagine Love’, techno pioneer Dr Motte leads the colourful parade and, together with thousands of revellers, sends a message of peace, solidarity and the preservation of electronic music culture.
Hundreds of artists will be playing pulsating beats from their floats and music trucks to create a festival atmosphere. Pack some sun cream, water and comfortable shoes, and dance your way through the heart of Berlin.
If you fancy dancing on after the parade ends, the party continues from 11 pm at the official after-party in the Columbiahalle.
Tip: Our podcast episode featuring Dr Motte and Ellen is out on 29 June. Have a listen!
When: 15 August, 2 pm
Where: Straße des 17. Juni, Tiergarten
Tip 4: See big-name stars at the Citadel Music Festival
The Pixies, Mark Forster, Morrissey, Seal: the open-air concert series at Spandau Citadel offers a top-class line-up this summer. Hear your favourite stars against the backdrop of this historic fortress. If you’re heading to Spandau, why not take a stroll through the old town before the concert? On selected evenings, the Zita Club in the citadel’s vaulted cellar hosts an after-show party from 10 pm.
Tip: There’s also a fantastic open-air programme on offer at the Parkbühne Wuhlheide.
When: until the end of August
Where: Am Juliusturm 64, Spandau
More concerts
Tip 5: Dance the night away at “Berlin Beats”
The “Berlin Beats” DJ series at the Hamburger Bahnhof has now become something of a classic and is an integral part of the Berlin summer. On twelve summer evenings, the garden of the Hamburger Bahnhof is transformed into an open-air club with a rotating line-up of DJ sets. There’s also street food and drinks from the museum restaurant.
This year’s line-up includes Oda Haliti, Bashka, Nene H., Ben Klock, Gigi FM and Dis Fig behind the decks. Entry to the events is free. Combine your visit to the exhibition with a night out at an open-air club.
Tips: More free open-air events
When: until 27 August, 7pm–10pm
Where: Hamburger Bahnhof – National Gallery of Contemporary Art, Invalidenstraße 50/51, Mitte
Tip 6: Meet up for a sundowner at the Kolonnaden Bar
It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Berlin. The historic Kolonnadenhof in front of the Alte Nationalgalerie on the southern bank of the Spree is once again providing the backdrop for the Kolonnaden-Bar this year. On Wednesday and Thursday, there’ll be an exciting cultural programme and music featuring a rotating line-up of local bands, DJs and collectives. Entry is free.
The bar itself is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Grab a cool drink, stroll amongst the columns and enjoy the wonderful view of the River Spree
When: until 31 August, Wednesday & Thursday 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday to Sunday 12 noon to 10 pm
Where: Kolonnaden-Bar, Am Kupfergraben, Museum Island, Mitte
Tip 7: Enjoy a varied programme under the open sky at the Luftschloss
Right by the entrance, opposite the Tempelhof S-Bahn station, the wooden amphitheatre attracts young and old alike with a varied programme of stage performances. From cultural favourites for the little ones, to stand-up comedy for the whole family, right through to a flamenco night for lovers: there’s something for everyone at the Luftschloss on Tempelhofer Feld.
The open-air stage was built by around 100 young people from Berlin schools and sixth-form colleges and can accommodate around 400 visitors. Right next to the Luftschloss, a lovely beer garden invites you to really celebrate the warmer months!
When: May to September
Where: Tempelhof Field, South-West Entrance (right next to Tempelhof S-Bahn station), Tempelhof
Tip 8: Join the ‘Zug der Liebe’
Join in the dancing when the ‘Zug der Liebe’ turns the whole of Berlin into an urban dance floor – and uses beats and bass to send a message calling for greater social engagement, compassion and charity. Follow your favourite music truck and soak up the exuberant atmosphere. Under the motto ‘Bass Unites’, this time many social organisations and initiatives are making their causes heard – loud, danceable and accompanied by a shared desire for greater solidarity, diversity and social cohesion.
When: 29 August, from 1 pm; the official after-party starts at 9 pm
Where: to be announced
Tip 9: Look forward to cabaret and variety shows at the NikolaiZauber
During the NikolaiZauber festival, the whole neighbourhood is transformed into a stage for jugglers, magicians, clowns, street performers and live music. Look forward to a free spectacle for the whole family, featuring historical games, face painting, airbrush tattoos and hands-on activities such as walking on stilts or throwing rings onto a pole – particularly around the Knoblauchhaus and St Nicholas’ Church, both of which offer free entry and special programmes.
Tip: A great opportunity to explore the historic Nikolaiviertel.
When: 15 & 16 August 2026, from 11 am
Where: Nikolaiviertel, Rathausstraße 21, Mitte
Tip 10: Join in these sporting events in Berlin
The Berlin Marathon attracts thousands of visitors to the city every year. Be there on 27 September as the runners race through the city – thanks to its gentle gradient, the Berlin Marathon is one of the fastest races in the world. Every year, the crowds lining the route create a festival atmosphere and cheer on the runners alongside samba bands and the many volunteers.
For children, there are Bambini runs, including ones at Tempelhofer Feld and between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate.
Tip: It’s best to leave your car at home on the day!
When: 27 September
Where: Straße des 17. Juni, through the whole city
Tip 11: Pyronale – watch the sky above Berlin light up
A true spectacle of light and fire awaits you at the Pyro Games. Three teams will literally light up the sky over Berlin at this fireworks championship . And it’s you – the audience – who decide which team creates the best effects and the most creative show. As well as breathtaking fireworks displays on the Maifeld against the backdrop of Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, you can also look forward to a colourful evening programme featuring live music, performances, acrobatics, stilt walkers, laser shows and much more.
When: 25 & 26 September 2026, from 8.30 pm
Where: Olympic Stadium & Maifeld, Charlottenburg
You can find more tips and event information in our events calendar.
