BERLIN TATTOO 2026

The technical term “Tattoo” refers to a musical event featuring civilian and military brass bands with theatrical elements. This year, the BERLIN TATTOO returns to Berlin’s Max Schmeling Hall with a total of three shows over two days.

BERLIN TATTOO 2026: Music in Perfection and Perfect Synchronization

Traditional brass music, marching bands, and military and ceremonial formations are the hallmarks of the BERLIN TATTOO.

Marching bands and modern interpretations of world-famous melodies are also part of the program.

Thrilling choreography, surprising show elements, flag bearers, and dancers in traditional costumes and uniforms define the unique show character of the BERLIN TATTOO.

Celtic sounds are a traditional part of the BERLIN TATTOO. This year, approximately 120 pipers and drummers, accompanied by dancers, will transport visitors to the Highlands with the distinctive sound of their bagpipes.

2026 Participants: From Jordan to the Vatican

The orchestras and formations are selected anew for each BERLIN TATTOO.

Musicians from Germany, Ireland, Jordan, the Netherlands, Austria,

Scotland, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary, and—for the first time at the Berlin Tattoo—Vatican City.

The highlight of every BERLIN TATTOO is the finale, during which all 700 artists come together to form the grand “Orchestra of Nations” and perform together.

2026 Participants: Nations | Ensembles (as of August 2026)

• Germany: Original Navy Choir “Blaue Jungs aus Bremerhaven”
• Jordan: Jordanian Armed Forces Band + Guards
• Lithuania Naval Orchestra of the Lithuanian Armed Forces
• Netherlands: DVS Katwijk
• Austria Styrian Police Band
• Scotland & Ireland: Massed Pipes & Drums
• Switzerland Lucerne Marching Band
• Turkey: Turkish Naval Forces Command Band
• Hungary Hungarian Military Band
• Vatican City: Banda Musicale del Corpo della Gendarmeria Vaticana

BERLIN TATTOO: A Berlin Tradition Since 1947

The BERLIN TATTOO has been thrilling audiences since 2011. It is the successor to the Berlin Military Music Festival, which took place under various names from 1947 to 2010. With 15,000 visitors and over 700 performers each year, the BERLIN TATTOO is the largest music event of its kind in Europe alongside the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

BERLIN TATTOO:

The term “tattoo” has its origins in the 17th-century Dutch military. Upon the commander’s order, “Doe den tap toe!” [Eng: “Close the tap!”], the serving of drinks was halted and the night watch was ordered in the barracks. The German term “Zapfenstreich” has the same origin.

Today, a “tattoo” refers to a show featuring international civilian and military brass and marching bands.

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