Listen up, February will be one thing above all: colourful! While Carnival is being celebrated elsewhere in Germany, in Berlin we will be welcoming the biggest film stars for the Berlinale and seeking out romantic corners for Valentine's Day. Here we reveal to you what you should absolutely not miss this February.
Overview on February
Tip 1: Berlinale
This year the Berlin International Film Festival celebrates its 70th birthday. Red carpets, the frenzy of camera flashes and a glamorous atmosphere dictate life in Berlin for ten days. This year the Berlinale will once again be showing numerous films – from small independent films to major international productions, everything will be there. In the visitBerlin blog we report daily on the festival and provide a wealth of interesting information about the films, the stars and the events.
When: 20 February – 1 March
Where: Berlinale Palast, Potsdamer Platz and various cinemas in Berlin
Tip 2: eat! berlin - The gourmet festival
This special festival does not take place in just one place. Over the course of ten days, top chefs will be scattered throughout the city, cooking in the most unusual places. This event is a must for all gourmets. And fitting in with this theme, the WEINmesse (WINE fair) Berlin takes place the weekend before. Stop by and discover the food trends for the coming year.
When: 20 February – 1 March
Where: various places
Tip 3: Valentine's Day
In February, romance is in the air. February 14th is the day of lovers and therefore a great opportunity to show your loved one exactly that. For this special day Berlin has something for everyone: in our tips for excursions in Berlin we show you beautiful places for a romantic day for two.
When: 14 February
Where: All over Berlin
Tip 4: ISTAF INDOOR 2020
We also have top-level sport to look forward to in February. For the ISTAF INDOOR the Mercedes-Benz Arena will be transformed into a temple of athletics. International top athletes will compete in five different disciplines. Let yourself be carried away by the energetic atmosphere and cheer on your favourites.
When: 14 February
Where: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Mercedes-Benz-Platz, Friedrichshain
Tip 5: Birthday party for Christoph Eschenbach
The eventful past of successful conductor and pianist Christoph Eschenbach has shaped his career. The Konzerthaus on Gendarmenmarkt square will acknowledge the chief conductor's day of honour with a chamber concert featuring many of his musical companions. Under the baton of conductor Samy Moussa, baritone Mathias Goerne and soprano Hanna-Elisabeth Müller will perform, among others.
Celebrate this special day together with many other music fans!
When: 25 February
Where: Konzerthaus Berlin – Kleiner Saal, Gendarmenmarkt, Mitte
Tip 6: Fruit Logistica 2020
In February there is a lot going on at the Messe exhibition grounds once again. The first week of February is all about freshness and sustainability. At Fruit Logistica, experts and partners from the industry will come together and discuss the future of fresh produce. The days will not only appeal to trade visitors! There will be something to offer for both young and old.
When: 5 – 7 February
Where: Messegelände Berlin, Messedamm, Charlottenburg
Tip 7: 20 20 - Die 20s Jahre Variety Revue
Wild and glamorous – this is exactly how we imagine the 20s to be. The Wintergarten Varieté revives the exciting times of 100 years ago one more time. With flamboyant costumes, catchy melodies and extravagant choreographies the show takes us back to the golden decade. Read our blog article "The 20s" for more tips on how you can dive into the world of the wild twenties.
When: from 14 February
Where: Wintergarten Varieté, Potsdamer Straße 96, Tiergarten
Tip 8: Last chance - Norbert Bisky POMPA & RANT
Both exhibitions of the artist Norbert Bisky close their doors in February – the best opportunity therefore to pay another visit. Admire the colourful works of the painter in his two current exhibitions "RANT" and "POMPA". While the exhibition RANT revolves around the time of the fall of the Wall, POMPA is dedicated to the time after the fall of the Wall.
When: until 23 February
Where: St. Matthäus-Kirche, Matthäikirchplatz, Tiergarten
Villa Schöningen, Berliner Straße 86, Potsdam
Tip 9: BMT - Berliner Motorrad Tage (Berlin Motorcycle Days)
At the sight of these machines the hearts of all motor sport enthusiasts beat twice as fast. On the second weekend of February the Berlin Motorcycle Days are in town. Find out from the exhibitors about the latest models for the coming season or discover the perfect motorcycle holiday offers. The highlight of the fair: the spectacular stunt shows in the outdoor grounds of STATION Berlin.
When: 7 – 9 February
Where: Station Berlin, Luckenwalder Straße 4-6, Tiergarten
More information about Berlin Motorcycles Days
Tip 10: Monet. Places
This February sees the opening of the large exhibition Monet. Places, dedicated to the great French impressionist. The Museum Barberini is putting on display around 110 works by the artist. The paintings span all his creative phases and representations of places and landscapes. Claude Monet is equally known for his landscape and city paintings. He often visited the same places several times and produced extensive series.
When: from 22 February
Where: Museum Barberini, Humboldtstraße 5, Potsdam
Tip 11: Classical concerts to celebrate Beethoven's 250th birthday
On the occasion of Beethoven's 250th birthday this year, numerous events will also be held in February to honour him. For the third time, conductor Andrew Manze and pianist Martin Helmchen will bring the composer's piano concertos to the stage. Together with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester they will also perform works by Vaughan Williams and Widmann.
When: 2 February
Where: Philharmonie, Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Mitte
You can find even more tips for February in the calender of events.