May Day

On 1 May in Berlin, the cafés and parks are bustling with life and the days are long enough again to spend the first balmy evenings in cosy beer gardens and enjoy the first open-air cinema screenings. Whether relaxing in the countryside or right in the heart of the vibrant city – Berlin shows its liveliest side in spring. Let yourself be swept away by the cheerful atmosphere and enjoy May in all its glory! We’ve put together an overview of events around 1 May for you.

Competition: Win a hotel stay in Berlin

Enjoy spring in Berlin. Enter our competition now and, with a bit of luck, win one of three overnight stays in Berlin for two people at a top hotel.

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Dance into 1 May

Youcan dance into May at the numerous clubs across the city, at open-air cinemas and ballrooms:

• The Early Bird Party: The early bird dances to the beat at Art Stalker on 1 May
• We will update you here as soon as further dates are confirmed.
   

Nightlife in Berlin

Spring festivals, street parties and festivals

• The Berlin Spring Festival, ‘ ’, offers classic fairground fun. At the central festival site on Kurt-Schumacher-Damm, stalls and around 80 colourful rides await visitors.
• Families with children aged between two and 12 can also let off steam on 1 May at the Wuhlheide Leisure and Recreation Centre (FEZ).
• The Düppel Museum Village will also once again be hosting a varied programme for children; detailed information is not yet available.
• The artspring Art Festival 2026 kicks off on 1 May and will transform Pankow into a stage throughout the month.
• This weekend, from 1 to 3 May, galleries will open their doors to you as part of Gallery Weekend Berlin 2026.
• At the Berlin Theatertreffen in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, the German-speaking theatre scene welcomes you from 1 to 17 May 2026.
• At the Magicum, Walpurgis Night awaits you from 30 April to 1 May in an atmospheric setting, featuring tales of myths and fascinating folk beliefs. 
   

More tips for children and families

Concerts

• At Rudow Village Church , the Joyful Voices await you with a pop and gospel concert.
• At the Pierre Boulez Saal, the Hagen Quartet & Julia Hagen will perform for the last time after 45 years of making music together.
• Leonard Bernstein’s ballet ‘Dybbuk’ unfolds at the Philharmonie – a dramatic blend of mysticism and suspense conducted by Kent Nagano.
• At the Uber Arena, ROSALÍA will thrill audiences with her new album ‘Lux’.
• In the Großer Saal of the Konzerthaus Berlin, you can enjoy the grand soundscapes of cinema with ‘Film Music – The Third’.
• At the Theater im Palais, rare songs by Kurt Weill are presented.
   

More concerts on 1 May in Berlin

Start of the swimming season

Swimming season? You read that right. The intrepid have the chance to take a dip in Berlin on 1 May. If in doubt, perhaps just dip your little toe in. Take a look at our swimming map or the long list of lakes and lido beaches:

Lakes and lido beaches

Find out what else is happening in Berlin on 1 May in our events calendar.