The weekend is just round the corner – and Berlin has a jam-packed programme of culture, music, sport and entertainment in store. Wander through the colourful galleries at the Long Night of Museums, cheer on the world’s top athletics stars at the ISTAF in the Olympic Stadium, or stroll through Berlin’ neighbourhoods with a scoop of ice cream at the Long Night of Gelato.
Tip 1: Wander through Berlin during the Long Night of Museums
When the museums stay open well past midnight, Berlin becomes a nocturnal cultural trail: 75 museums are hosting around 750 events under the theme ‘Crime in Berlin’, featuring express tours, concerts, performances, workshops and DJ sets. Shuttle buses will also take you to venues outside the Mitte district.
When: Saturday, from 6 pm
Where: Various venues across Berlin
Tip 2: Experience top-class athletics at the ISTAF in the Olympic Stadium
At the ISTAF, international athletics stars come together at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. The various disciplines feature fast sprints, long jumps and powerful throws. The special atmosphere isn’t confined to the track: this long-standing meeting brings top-class sport right into the heart of Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
When: Sunday, from 11.00 am
Where: Berlin Olympic Stadium, Olympischer Platz 3, Westend
Tip 3: Dance your way through the summer at the Berlin Folk Festival
Things are set to liven up at the Gretchen club in Kreuzberg on Saturday: the Berlin Folk Festival brings traditional music and rousing rhythms from all over the world to the stage. If you don’t just want to listen, grab a ticket for the dance workshops, learn some new steps and simply join in the dancing until late into the night.
When: Saturday, from 3 pm
Where: Gretchen, Obentrautstraße 19–21, Kreuzberg
Tip 4: Explore the Zehlendorf forest settlement at the World Heritage Festival
During the World Heritage Festival, the Zehlendorf Forest Estate opens its doors for guided tours, talks and further insights into its listed architecture. You can learn more about the estate and its history and explore a site that forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Berlin Modernist Settlements’.
When: Friday, from 3 pm; Saturday, from 9 am; and Sunday, from 10 am
Where: Zehlendorf Forest Estate, Argentinische Allee, Zehlendorf
Tip 5: Learn more about Josef Kaiser’s GDR architecture
Starting this weekend, the exhibition ‘Josef Kaiser | Building for the GDR’ offers an insight into the architect’s work and his buildings in the GDR. You can gain an understanding of just how closely architecture and politics were intertwined, and discover Kaiser’s influence on Berlin’s urban landscape.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Berlinische Galerie – State Museum of Modern Art, Photography and Architecture, Alte Jakobstraße 124–128, Kreuzberg
Josef Kaiser – Building for the GDR
Tip 6: Discover new voices at the ELLE & L’s Festival
The ELLE & L’s Festival brings together literature, music and social dialogue. The focus is on authors, artists and thinkers who engage with current issues and diverse realities of life. Readings, discussions and music create space for new perspectives and personal encounters.
When: Saturday and Sunday, from 3 pm
Where: Columbiahalle & Columbia Theatre, Columbiadamm 13–21, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: Experience major orchestras at the Musikfest Berlin
From 28 August, Musikfest Berlin will be bringing top international orchestras and conductors to the city. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra will kick off the festival with Ligeti’s ‘Le Grand Macabre’. Concerts featuring renowned ensembles and soloists will follow until 20 September – a musical start to the season with a wide-ranging programme.
When: Friday to Sunday, from 7 pm
Where: Various venues across Berlin
Tip 8: Listen to Caroline Wahl as she reads from "1999 Metres Above Sea Level"
The author Caroline Wahl will be presentingher new novel , "1999 Metres Above Sea Level". The story centres on a young woman who is searching for a new path following a personal crisis. At the reading, you’ll have the chance to meet the author in person and find out more about her new novel.
When: Friday, from 7 pm
Where: Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1, Mitte
Tip 9: Take a look at Angela Merkel’s first portrait
At the Bode Museum, alongside the collections of sculpture, Byzantine art and the numismatic collection, you can also see the first portrait of former Chancellor Angela Merkel. The painting by Herlinde Koelbl forms part of the exhibition and adds a contemporary perspective on a defining German politician to your visit to the museum.
When: Friday, 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Bode Museum, Am Kupfergraben, Mitte
Tip 10: Discuss the major upheavals in the world
The ‘Reflexes & Reflections’ theme days focus on the geopolitical upheavals of our time and their consequences for open societies. Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel are curating the third edition, featuring prominent voices from politics, academia and culture – and, for the first time, schoolgirls from Berlin will also have their say. The themed days also mark the 75th anniversary of the Berliner Festspiele.
When: Saturday and Sunday, from 2.30 pm
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Charlottenburg
Tip 11: Discover new perspectives on art and society at Pop-Kultur
Pop-Kultur combines music with social issues: alongside concerts, the festival programme includes readings, films, discussions and talks. The focus is on, amongst other things, queer perspectives, post-migrant identities and the breaking with musical expectations. A key feature is the ‘Çaystube’, a performative installation serving as a space for hospitality and shared experiences.
When: Friday to Sunday, at various times
Where: Various venues across Berlin
Here you’ll find even more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
