On the second weekend in May in Berlin, there’s a special reason to celebrate: Mother’s Day is just around the corner. There are plenty of wonderful ways to mark the occasion, fromthe city´s many brunch cafés, restaurants and bars to a range of events. Top of the list are ‘Blumenrausch’ at Späth’sche Baumschule, ‘Opernglanz’ in Charlottenburg, or a culinary stroll down Akazienstraße.
Tip 1: Experience Giulio Cesare in Egitto at the Deutsche Oper
On Sunday afternoon, the weekend draws to a close with a grand finale: at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, one of Georg Friderich Händel’s most famous operas, Giulio Cesare in Egitto, is on the programme. Since 1724, the work has been delighting audiences with the love story between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. In three acts, outstanding soloists await you, with Christophe Dumaux and Elena Tsallagova in the leading roles, accompanied by the choir of the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Virtuoso arias and an opulent stage design bring the ancient world to life in Charlottenburg – complete with power struggles, intrigue and a tragic love story.
When: Sunday at 4 pm
Where: Deutsche Oper Berlin, Bismarckstraße 35, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Discover new perspectives on urban space at the mowe Festival
The mowe Festival for Art and Urban Culture invites you on a three-day journey of discovery through Moabit and Wedding under the annual theme of ICONS. Amidst courtyards, studios, corner shops and parks, more than 100 artistic contributions transform the neighbourhoods into an open stage. Performances on rooftops, concerts under the trees and interactive walks invite you to become part of the action. You’ll experience a vibrant celebration of Berlin’s neighbourhood culture and meet people from the local area as well as international artists.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am
Where: Various venues in Moabit and Wedding
Tip 3: Celebrate spring at the Primavera Asparagus Festival
The name ‘Primavera Asparagus Festival’ alone combines the best season with what is arguably spring’s most popular dish. Over the Mother’s Day weekend, Akazienstraße – known for its charming old buildings, small boutiques and cosy cafés – transforms into a lively promenade for lovers of this seasonal classic. Amidst market stalls, arts and crafts, and live music, you can enjoy a wonderful stroll and feast. Whether served classically with hollandaise sauce or in a creative twist: here, the Schöneberg neighbourhood celebrates spring with all the senses – and asparagus in all its variations.
When: Saturday from 11am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 8pm
Where: Akazienstraße, Schöneberg
A glamorous evening of live music, Sinatra’s greatest classics and a signature 3-course dinner at Hotel Palace Berlin. Perfect for everyone who loves swing, style and unforgettable experiences.
Tip 4: Marvel at young talent at the Berlin Children’s Circus Festival
Since 1987 , the ufaFabrik Circus School has organised the Berlin Children’s Circus Festival once a year , where Berlin kids from the school’s own talent pool showcase their skills . This weekend it’s that time again: children aged between 4 and 16 take to the ring and show off everything they’ve learnt over the past year. With plenty of courage and enthusiasm, they bring acrobatics, juggling and dance to the stage – from backflips to pyramids, daring feats are on display. The afternoon offers the perfect taster programme for children who want to try their hand at the unicycle or juggling clubs!
When: Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm
Where: ufaFabrik, Theatre Hall, Viktoriastraße 10-18, Tempelhof
Tip 5: Make yourselves comfortable right in the middle of the Spree
Unlike Venice, Bruges or Amsterdam, Berlin isn’t exactly known for its waterways – but they do have a charm all of their own: the Spree is a real treat, especially in spring! If you want to experience Berlin’s largest waterway from more than just the riverbank: make yourselves comfortable on the sun deck for two and a half hours and enjoy the city’s highlights in a relaxed manner from the Spree – as the boat passes most of them. On board, the experienced crew will provide you with cocktails, snacks and fascinating anecdotes. Here you can immerse yourselves in the city’s culture without having to walk a single step!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10am, 12.45pm and 2.45pm
Where: Friedrichstraße station landing stage, Reichstagufer 18, Mitte
Still looking for something to do on Ascension Day? Experience the Berliner Philharmoniker live: On 14/15/16 May 2026, Klaus Mäkelä conducts Stravinsky’s »The Firebird« – full of color, suspense, and rhythmic fire. Get your tickets here!
Tip 6: Drift through the sea of blossoms in late spring
Just in time for Mother’s Day: Späth’s nurseries invite you to their colourful spring festival . Tulips from all over the world, lush peonies and blooming rhododendrons line the paths and lead you to the stands of around 100 exhibitors. This year, the classic garden market is also getting a fresh boost: three young female managing directors are taking over the long-established company and introducing exciting new formats, including the Garden Pro Talks, a hands-on forum, the Art Meadow in the Scheunenviertel and a reading wagon in the countryside. A storyteller, the Monbijou Theatre and live music will also provide a varied programme of entertainment.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Späth'sche Baumschulen, Späthstr. 80-81, Treptow
Tip 7: Listen to Hans Zimmer’s masterpieces by candlelight
At Candlelight: Tribute to Hans Zimmer, you can experience the Oscar-winning composer’s greatest film music hits in a very special atmosphere. From ‘Time’ from Inception to ‘Cornfield Chase’ from Interstellar and ‘He’s a Pirate’ , the best-known pieces from Hans Zimmer’s repertoire will be performed by the light of tens of thousands of candles. Fortunately, there’s absolutely no risk of fire in the Meistersaal at Potsdamer Platz: all the candles used are fitted with LED lights. If you work up a sweat here, it’ll be solely because of the rousing orchestral music. Experience the power of unforgettable film music.
When: Saturday at 4 pm
Where: Meistersaal am Potsdamer Platz, Köthener Straße 38, Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Venture high up – and deep down – in Berlin Cathedral
Following the extensive renovation of the Hohenzollern Crypt, Berlin Cathedral has recently reopened to the public in its entirety and invites you on an impressive journey through centuries of Prussian history. In the Hohenzollern Crypt, one of Europe’s largest dynastic burial sites, 91 richly decorated sarcophagi spanning five centuries await you. Among them are the resting places of Elector Joachim Friedrich and Queen Sophie Dorothea. And as is easy to see from the outside, the Cathedral doesn’t just extend downwards: after your excursion into the royal underworld, 270 steps and a climb of around 50 metres take you up to the Cathedral dome – and to a view over central Berlin that is hard to beat.
When: Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm
Where: Berlin Cathedral, Am Lustgarten, Mitte
Tip 9: Laugh and be amazed at a spontaneous improv theatre performance by the Improvisionäre
The Improvisionäre are a regular feature of the Schlossplatztheater’s programme. Without a script, lengthy rehearsals or any other preparation, the ensemble takes to the stage and presents a play that exists in this form only once: in the moment of its creation – live, right in front of you and inspired by the audience’s calls. Over the course of around 90 minutes, the actors improvise a story full of surprising twists, quirky ideas and powerful emotions. Here, every single scene is unique. Witness the unique art of spontaneous storytelling.
When: Friday at 7.30 pm
Where: Schlossplatztheater, Alt-Köpenick 31, Köpenick
Tip 10: Listen to Vladimir Kornéev’s interpretation of Dalida
At the Tipi am Kanzleramt, Dalida’s music becomes a personal narrative: in ’Um nicht allein zu sein‘, Vladimir Kornéev combines the greatest chansons of the Franco-Italian icon with his own life story. Born in 1987 – the year of Dalida’s death – Kornéev juxtaposes his own life with that of the singer. Kornéev recounts his flight from his homeland of Georgia, of loss and of rediscovering his voice. Experience songs such as Je suis malade or Pour ne pas vivre seul, accompanied by a top-class ensemble. Embark on a musical journey between Paris, the Mediterranean and Berlin.
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 7 pm
Where: TIPI am Kanzleramt, Große Querallee, Mitte
Tip 11: Experience ‘Above the Clouds’ with Niels Peter Jensen
And there’s no shortage of (extreme) sport this May weekend either. On Friday evening at BMW Motorrad Welt, extreme biker and presenter Niels Peter Jensen invites you into his world. His film project Above a Cloud will be presented to an audience here for the first time. In it, Jensen documents his journey across the Himalayan passes, which are over 6,000 metres high, combining his thirst for adventure with a charity project. Striking images depict the realities of life in these remote mountain regions – and the daring motorbike journey to reach them. In the Q&A session afterwards, you can ask this trailblazer your own questions.
When: Friday at 5 pm
Where: BMW Motorrad Welt, Am Juliusturm 32, Spandau
Here you’ll find even more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
