The crocuses are blooming, the sun is gaining strength, and in the Düppel museum village, the last frost of March is giving way to fire and noise. But it's not just pagan rituals that promise an energetic weekend: Berlin's stages offer contemporary dance, circus and opera, and a friendly castle ghost invites you to take a stroll. Get out of the house and into spring!
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Tip 1: Enjoy an evening of opera with Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee
On Sunday evening, two exceptional vocal talents will be guests at the Konzerthaus: Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee are travelling from the USA to present rousing arias and duets under the baton of Renato Balsadonna. Both have already performed on the stages of the world's most important opera houses and, with their countless awards, are among the outstanding voices of their generation. From Verdi to Bizet, Bellini, Rossini and Delibes, the singers, together with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, will guide you through the highlights of operatic art.
When: Sunday at 8 p.m.
Where: Konzerthaus – Großer Saal, Gendarmenmarkt 2, Mitte
Erin Morley & Lawrence Brownlee
Tip 2: Experience theatrical circus art with BELLO! At Chamäleon Berlin
Bello – a word that makes us think of a dog in our language, but means something completely different in Italian. Literally translated, bello means "beautiful" – and it is around this little word that the Italian circus collective Fabbrica C has developed its own story. In BELLO!, seven circus artists and one actress explore the question of where beauty originates : not in the face, gait or stature, but in the depths of the heart. You can expect an exploration of human existence with physical poetry and breathtaking acrobatics.
When: Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m.
Where: Chamäleon Berlin (in the Hackesche Höfe), Rosenthaler Straße 40-41, Mitte
Tip 3: Dance to the music of The Klezmatics at the Kesselhaus
Since their formation in New York's East Village in the 1980s, The Klezmatics have not only won a Grammy, but revolutionised an entire genre. Their style combines Yiddish songs and Eastern European klezmer roots with elements of jazz and Latin. Added to this are musical influences from the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. The Klezmatics make world music in the best sense of the word. The result is energetic dance music that can also be heard in numerous film and television productions. This weekend, you can experience The Klezmatics live at the Kesselhaus in the Kulturbrauerei – and travel around the world musically in a single concert.
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
Where: Kulturbrauerei – Kesselhaus, Knaackstraße 97, Prenzlauer Berg
The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin performs classical concerts of the highest standard at the Konzerthaus and Philharmonie.
Use code RSB10 to save around 10% on symphony concerts in price categories 1–3. Get your tickets now!
Tip 4: Listen to L'Italiana in Algeri at the Deutsche Oper
The Deutsche Oper Berlin has another opera highlight in store for you this weekend with L'Italiana in Algeri. This comic opera remains one of the outstanding works of bel canto. With its skilful combination of satirical plot, exotic aesthetics and musical sophistication, it made its then 21-year-old creator Gioachino Rossini a star overnight. On Saturday evening, more than 200 years after its premiere, Rolando Villazón will perform his production of this classic.
When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Deutsche Oper Berlin, Bismarckstraße 35, Charlottenburg
Tip 5: Follow Waldemar, the castle ghost, through the hunting lodge
Every proper castle is haunted – and the Grunewald hunting lodge is no exception. Fortunately, the ghost who resides here is one of the good ones. Castle ghost Waldemar isn't so keen on scaring people, preferring instead to tell stories. For children aged five and up, there is a special guided tour at the weekend during which Waldemar reveals the secrets of the castle. Who used to live here? What clothes did the Electress like to wear? And how did people behave at court? A lovingly curated family event awaits you as part of the Art and Politics theme year.
When: Sunday at 2 p.m.
Where: Grunewald Hunting Lodge, Hüttenweg 100, Grunewald
Tip 6: Take in the whole city from the TV tower
Berlin is a special sight from every perspective – but the view of the city from above is particularly impressive. And nowhere is the bird's-eye view of Berlin more sublime than from Germany's tallest building. At an impressive 368 metres, the Berlin TV Tower still holds this title. An elevator takes you to the viewing platform at a height of over 200 metres in just 40 seconds. There you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city. And once you're at the top, the Sphere Bar invites you to linger and enjoy Tim Raue's delicacies.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.
Where: Berlin TV Tower, Panoramastraße 1A, Mitte
Tip 7: Experience the unique body language of SHADE 22
On Saturday evening, the stage at Pfefferberg Theatre will be entirely devoted to contemporary dance. With SHADE 22 , Berlin's DART Dance Company will present its latest programme, consisting of three outstanding individual pieces. The Berlin-based company led by Kinga Varga combines ballet, contemporary and acrobatic elements to create its own unique language of movement. Smash Me Softly by Iacopo Loliva deals with digital isolation, Kompot by Kinga Varga tells of life and transience, and Laura Guy's Are you coming to my pyjama party brings intimacy and vulnerability to the stage.
When: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
Where: Pfefferberg Theatre, Schönhauser Allee 176, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 8: Bid farewell to snow and frost at the Märkischer Winteraustreiben
The Düppel Museum Village keeps the past alive as a faithful reconstruction of a medieval Brandenburg settlement. This also includes customs and rituals from ancient times. For the agricultural community, the beginning of spring was one of the most important events of the year. This weekend, you will have the opportunity to experience first-hand how this occasion was celebrated in the past at the Märkisches Winteraustreiben festival (driving out winter tradition). In keeping with old traditions, a festive procession through the woods and meadows awaits you. The highlight of the festival is the burning of homemade straw dolls, which symbolise winter. Fresh flatbread from the wood-fired oven will be served to keep your strength up!
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.
Where: Düppel Museum Village, Clauertstraße 11, Zehlendorf
Tip 9: Head to the Vagabund Brewery for arts and crafts
Behind the name Be Market is a small Berlin collective dedicated to promoting local arts and crafts. The event formats are as diverse as the venues. On weekends, Be Market curates the art market with craft beer culture at the Vagabund Brewery in Wedding. In the boiler house, over 30 local artists display their treasures – between the brewery, bar and beer garden. The perfect opportunity for a leisurely Sunday stroll or simply a delicious craft beer in a creative atmosphere.
When: Sunday from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Vagabund Brewery – Kesselhaus (Osram-Höfe), Oudenarder Str. 16-20, Wedding
Tip 10: Explore three Berlin museums with one ticket
Three in one go – and with just one ticket. At the weekend, you can visit three Berlin cultural sites: the Ephraim-Palais Museum, St. Nicholas' Church and the Knoblauchhaus. All are located in the Nikolaiviertel, which was historically reconstructed in the 1980s, and they tell the story of Berlin in centuries past. Between Baroque architecture and original preserved living spaces, you can immerse yourself in the city's beginnings. The Nikolaiviertel is considered the birthplace of today's metropolis and, with its museums, invites you to take a cultural weekend stroll through 800 years of city history.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various opening times
Where: Nikolaiviertel, Mitte
Tip 11: Experience Bishop Black's directorial debut at Ballhaus Naunynstraße
In his artistic work, Bishop Black has been exploring the everyday experiences of resistant existences for many years. Black's fourth work and directorial debut at Ballhaus Naunynstraße, Flight of the Canaries, continues this tradition. Black's main character lives a life between visibility and invisibility, aspiration and self-determination – as a black person in a white world. Between drag, burlesque and poetic images, a powerful evening about resistance and transformation emerges.
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m.
Where: Ballhaus Naunynstraße, Naunynstraße 27, Kreuzberg
Here you can find more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
