Summer has arrived in Berlin – and with it comes the season for open-air events, concerts, summer festivals and balmy summer evenings under the open sky. Discover the history of the Scheunenviertel on a guided tour, take an evening art tour through Neukölln, experience an exclusive Fashion Week after-party or take a boat trip on the Spree with a glass of Crémant ...
Tip 1: Spend 48 hours exploring Neukölln’s art scene
From the Reuterkiez to Hermannplatz, from the Hasenheide to Rixdorf: for 48 hours this weekend, the whole of Neukölln will become an exhibition space for modern art. Established galleries are inviting experimental voices, and where there are usually no galleries, new ones are springing up: in underground stations, in parks, along the canal banks or in cafés. Under this year’s theme, OUT/SIDE/IN, artists from various disciplines and generations are exploring the theme of boundaries. With free admission, you can spend three balmy summer evenings exploring artistic reflections on the political significance of maps and the fluidity of identity.
When: Friday from 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am
Where: At various venues throughout Neukölln
Tip 2: Spot the latest fashion trends at Berlin Fashion Week
This weekend, labels and creative talents are presenting their latest collections at Berlin Fashion Week. However, the events aren’t just taking place in showrooms or on catwalks. For example, the Berliner Salon awaits you on Friday from 3 pm in the Große Orangerie at Charlottenburg Palace. Instead of a traditional catwalk show, curator Christiane Arp has organised an international group exhibition bringing together the creative voices of around 50 designers. And, of course, fashion this weekend isn’t just for looking at: at various pop-ups, such as the Salon Kleine Hitze in Neukölln, you can snap up pieces from past collections at bargain prices.
You can find more tips on Fashion Week in our blog post ‘11 Fashion Labels from Berlin’
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: At various venues across Berlin
Tip 3: Listen to the Nigun Quartet at Jazz in the Garden
As part of the ‘Zukunftsmusik’ concert series, the Jewish Museum is hosting a free concert in the museum garden to mark its 25th anniversary. This time, the guest performers are the Nigun Quartet from Israel. The traditional nigun consists of a wordless, repetitive melody intended to open the soul to spiritual reflection. There are melodies for a wide variety of purposes: some bring good luck, some offer encouragement, and others are meant to strengthen the connection to the divine. Comprising a saxophone, piano, double bass and drums, the quartet reinterprets the eponymous nigun in the Hasidic tradition. The four musicians draw on these ancient melodies and blend them with the complex rhythms and improvisational freedom of jazz. Come along and join in the singing – and enjoy a truly uplifting Sunday morning.
When: Sunday at 11 am
Where: Jewish Museum – Museum Garden, Lindenstraße 9–14, Kreuzberg
Tip 4: Visit the Sonic Pluriverse Festival at the HKW
Since the end of June, the Sonic Pluriverse Festival has been showcasing the ‘Global Echoes of Gnawa’ through panels, talks, film screenings, workshops and concerts. The events at the HKW paint a multifaceted picture of West African musical traditions, whilst also shedding light on the spiritual practices of the Gnawa. These traditions blend sub-Saharan customs with Islamic religious practices and numerous influences from the global diaspora. Curator Alaa Zouiten invites a diverse range of voices to translate shared historical experiences into musical dialogues. On Saturday, you can attend the panel discussion ‘Faiths Intertwined’, the concert ‘Aficionado – Flamenco Moro’ and a DJ set by the Algerian-Lebanese duo Kabylie Minogue.
When: Various events on Saturday from 5 pm to midnight
Where: Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Tiergarten
Tip 5: Go on a Roaring 20s aperitif tour
The Fitzgerald really does look as though it’s from another era: with its mahogany woodwork, whitewashed hull and comfortable leather seats, this excursion boat transports you straight back to the Golden Twenties. The only difference from the original commuter yachts of yesteryear is that the Fitzgerald glides fully electrically and whisper-quietly along the Spree. You can also expect stylish relaxation here: a glass of Crémant, no announcements, subtle music and the Berlin sunset. On board, you’ll be in the company of no more than 30 other guests – the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation or quietly watch the hustle and bustle on the riverbank.
When: Last tickets for the weekend on Sunday at 6.30 pm
Where: Paul-Löbe-Haus / Reichstag jetty, Otto-von-Bismarck-Allee 2, Mitte (Walk from the Reichstag to the banks of the Spree and then 150m along the riverbank)
Tip 6: Celebrate the Hellersdorf summer with the Liberty 2 Jam
Following the partial opening of Liberty Park last November, Marzahn-Hellersdorf is now celebrating the new BMX and skate park on the leisure site with the Liberty 2 Jam. With this project, the borough aims to send a clear message to its younger residents whilst promoting sport, culture and community spirit. And the plan has paid off: on Saturday, people of all ages will gather here to enjoy an entertaining programme accompanied by live music. At the heart of the event are the BMX contest in the Street and Bowl categories, as well as a creative graffiti competition. Food trucks and a barbecue stand will round off the summer atmosphere perfectly.
When: Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Liberty-Park 2, Alt-Hellersdorf 29, Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Tip 7: Stroll through the Gardens of the World at Culture Meets Garden
Our next tip also takes you to a park in Marzahn, but for this event, you’d be better off leaving your BMX at home. The multicultural floral paradise in the Gardens of the World is best explored slowly and leisurely on foot. At Culture Meets Garden on Sunday, you’ll also learn about the cultures from which the plants native to this area originate. You can look forward to concerts, performances, culinary delights from around the world and workshops that bring nature and culture together in an artistic way. Ecuadorian dances will be performed in the Flower Theatre; at the Tropical Hall, you’ll get to know the Balinese community; the Oriental-Islamic Garden will become a stage for belly dancing; and in the Italian Renaissance Garden, live music will create a holiday atmosphere.
When: Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Gardens of the World, Eisenacher Straße 99, Marzahn
Tip 8: Enjoy free outdoor entertainment with the Berlin Women’s Brass Band
The Frauenblasorchester Berlin e. V. is dedicated to encouraging women to venture into areas of life where their presence is still not taken for granted. Since 2003, the Frauenblasorchester has therefore been offering its members the opportunity to make music together and support one another. Their concerts also reflect this aim: to break down barriers and promote diversity, this year’s ‘Umsonst & Draußen’ concert is taking place. On the open-air stage at the Citadel, the orchestra will first perform pieces from the 1920s and then explore the theme of emancipation with music by Florence Price and Carol Britten Chambers.
When: Sunday at 11 am
Where: Kulturhaus Spandau – Open-air stage at the Citadel, Am Juliusturm 62, Spandau
Tip 9: Become an opera singer at *Der Freischütz* for children
As an outreach programme of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the Junge Staatsoper introduces children and young people to musical theatre through hands-on activities, choirs, orchestras and a wide range of educational opportunities. Regularnew interpretations of classic operas are a firm fixture of the programme. This weekend, *Der Freischütz* for children will be performed as part of the ‘Opera to Join In’ series. The story of the eager Max, who seeks magical help to pass a difficult test, is set not against a wild mountain backdrop but in a school playground. The plot still manages to captivate the younger generation today. Once again, the most important part of the production is the audience: visitors are invited to actively sing along to Carl Maria von Weber’s music. Anyone who wishes to can even get into the spirit of things at a workshop before the performance. You could hardly ask for better preparation.
When: Sunday at 11 am
Where: Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Unter den Linden 7, Mitte
Tip 10: Stroll through the Scheunenviertel and the Hackesche Höfe
The Scheunenviertel stretches north-west of Alexanderplatz and boasts many interesting spots even away from the Volksbühne and the Hackesche Höfe. One thing is certain: these walls have seen a thing or two: The neighbourhood got its name in the 17th century, when it was still used as a storage area for straw and livestock. Later, it developed into athriving centre of Jewish culture and, in the 1920s, became a notorious nightlife district. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you can listen to a story or two at the weekend and get to know Berlin a little better on a guided tour through the Scheunenviertel and the Hackesche Höfe.
When: Saturday at 11 am
Where: First inner courtyard of the Hackesche Höfe in front of the Chamäleon Theatre, Rosenthaler Straße 40/41, Mitte
Tip 11: Celebrate courtyard and summer festivals across Berlin
Many of Berlin’s cultural institutions are using this July weekend to celebrate their summer and courtyard festivals. We’ve picked out three for you from this wide selection.
A particularly colourful programme awaits you, for example, at the courtyard festival at Haus Schwarzenberg. The cultural centre shares a courtyard with the Eschschloraque art bar and the Kino Central cinema – and all three contribute to the summer programme: with exhibitions, a summer bar, DIY workshops and an animation workshop.
At the Kaisersteg too – which spans the Spree elegantly in the east of the city – the 5th Schöneweider Bridge Festival, organised by the SchöneVibes collective, creates a wonderful summer atmosphere.
And last but not least, Britz Castle and Manor welcome you to their big summer festival, featuring a music programme by local music schools, craft activities and culinary delights.
When:
Saturday: Courtyard festival at Haus Schwarzenberg and Bridge Festival in Schöneweide
Sunday: Summer festival at Britz Manor
Where:
Courtyard Festival at Haus Schwarzenberg, Rosenthaler Straße 39, Mitte
Summer Festival at Britz Manor, Altbritz 81–89, Neukölln
Bridge Festival in Schöneweide, Kaisersteg, Hasselwerderstraße 22, Niederschöneweide
Here you’ll find even more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
