October is slowly drawing to a close, but Berlin remains a hive of activity this weekend. Whilst the last fairground rides of the season are doing their rounds at the Herbstrummel, no fewer than four art museums are inviting visitors to enjoy an autumnal stroll with free admission . Culinary delights take you on a journey from Italian pizzerias to Japanese rice culture at KaDeWe, whilst the Atalanta Festival provides a platform for female composers. From film music at the Konzerthaus to electronic sounds at St Nicholas’ Church and an encounter with Genghis Khan , you can discover Berlin from ever-changing perspectives.
Tip 1: Follow in the footsteps of the Mongols with Genghis Khan
How did the Mongols live, whose empire once shaped the history of entire continents? At the James Simon Gallery on Museum Island , you ’ll encounter Genghis Khan and a culture about which little is yet known in this country. The occasion for this major archaeological exhibition is the 800th anniversary of his death, which will be commemorated in 2027.
Jewellery, intricately crafted belt fittings and a replica of a Mongolian travel permit offer insights into everyday life, power and far-reaching connections. Particularly fascinating: the exhibition also sheds light on the so-called Mongol Century between 1250 and 1350, which brought about lasting changes to the world.
When: Friday to Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
Where: James-Simon-Galerie, Bodestraße, Mitte (Museum Island)
Tickets
Tip 2: Try your way through True Italian Pizza Week 2026
A slice of Italy right in the heart of Berlin: True Italian Pizza Week is all about crispy bases, creative toppings and Italian pizza culture. More than 40 pizzerias across the city are taking part in this week-long culinary event, serving pizzas created especially for the occasion.
What makes it special: each participating pizzeria offers you a choice of two pizza varieties, including a vegetarian or vegan creation. These are served with an Italian spritz, available with or without alcohol. You don’t need a ticket: simply pop into a pizzeria and ask for the event menu. A digital and printed map will help you find the participating restaurants.
When: Friday to Sunday, during the respective opening hours
Where: various pizzerias across Berlin
Tip 3: Explore four Berlin art museums with free admission
One Sunday, four museums and no admission fee: on Sunday, the Brücke Museum, the Georg Kolbe Museum, the Haus am Waldsee and the Kunsthaus Dahlem are opening their doors for a joint event day. In south-west Berlin, you can wander through exhibitions, discover art and get involved in activities and workshops.
Make the most of this opportunity to explore several museums at once and discover different perspectives on art. A lovely occasion for an autumnal stroll through south-west Berlin.
When: Sunday from 10 am
Where: Brücke Museum, Georg Kolbe Museum, Haus am Waldsee and Kunsthaus Dahlem, various locations in south-west Berlin
Tip 4: Meet Uma Thurman amongst samurai swords
What’s Uma Thurman doing amongst centuries-old samurai armour? At the Samurai Museum Berlin , Hollywood meets Japanese cultural history. Until the end of October, you can see the actress’s life-size wax figure as the ‘Bride’ from Quentin Tarantino’s cult film Kill Bill. The figure comes from Madame Tussauds Berlin and is on display amongst historical samurai artefacts for the first time.
Make the most of the last weekend in October to pay a visit, before this unusual encounter between Hollywood and samurai history comes to an end on 31 October.
When: Friday to Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
Where: Samurai Museum Berlin, Auguststraße 68, Mitte
Tickets from 12.50 euros
Tickets
Tip 5: Take one last spin at Berlin’s autumn fair
Thrilling rides, colourful lights and a Bavarian festival tent atmosphere: this autumn weekend, Berlin shows its most exuberant side. At the Berlin Autumn Fair at the Zentraler Festplatz, you can take another spin on the Ferris wheel, have a go at the bumper cars or get a fright on the ghost train.
Break Dance, Big Spin and the rollercoaster provide the adrenaline rush, whilst younger visitors can enjoy a spin on the Flying Jumbo. Amidst the rides, the air is filled with the scent of sweet and savoury fairground classics.
When: Friday & Saturday, 2 pm–11 pm; Sunday, 2 pm–10 pm.
Where: Zentraler Festplatz, Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, Reinickendorf
Tip 6: Celebrate the end of the season at the Spandau Oktoberfest
Brass band music, beer mugs and Bavarian delicacies: the capital’s festival tent is set to host one last big celebration to mark the end of the Oktoberfest season. Situated right next to the Spandau Citadel , the Spandau Oktoberfest brings traditional Bavarian festival tent culture to Berlin. On Friday and Saturday, you’ll have your last chance to join in the festivities with live music and a convivial atmosphere.
On the menu are culinary classics such as pork knuckle or chicken with pretzels. If you’d like to secure a spot, you can book a table in advance. The marquee is wheelchair accessible.
When: Friday & Saturday, doors open from 5 pm, live music from 6 pm (box office opens at 4 pm)
Where: Festzelt der Hauptstadt, Zitadellenweg, Spandau
Spandau Oktoberfest
Tip 7: Explore the history of the Berlin Wall with an insider
Where people now stroll through Berlin, there once ran a border that separated families and friends. On a 60-minute guided tour along the Berlin Wall, you’ll discover the traces of Germany’s division together with a local guide. Between Nordbahnhof and Bernauer Straße, you’ll learn how the construction of the Wall changed people’s everyday lives and discover the stories behind these historic sites.
Along the way, you’ll encounter moving personal stories, hear about courageous escape attempts and unusual encounters. The tour takes you along the former border strip to original sections of the Wall, a watchtower and the Chapel of Reconciliation. The history of the former ‘ghost station’ is also part of the tour. Your guide combines historical context with personal stories, bringing a slice of Berlin’s contemporary history to life.
When: On the date of your choice following booking; duration 60 minutes.
Where: Meeting point in front of Denns BioMarkt, Elisabeth-Schwarzhaupt-Platz 5, at Nordbahnhof S-Bahn station, Mitte
Price: from 15 euros per person
Tickets
Tip 8: Listen to female composers at the Atalanta Festival
Eleven concerts, five world premieres and three days full of musical discoveries: the Atalanta Festival of Women Composers is celebrating its premiere in Berlin this weekend. Named after the courageous huntress from Greek mythology, the festival puts female composers in the spotlight – whose works are still all too rarely heard on the major concert stages.
Look forward to contemporary compositions, experimental sounds and musical encounters with Berlin ensembles such as FrauVonDa, OpusXX and Lux:NM. A highlight is the ‘Music HerStories’ concert-talk featuring British pianist Samantha Ege. To kick things off on Friday, you’ll have the chance to meet female composers and musicians in person before the opening concert.
When: Friday to Sunday; Friday: Meet & Greet at 4 pm, opening concert at 5.30 pm;
Where: Villa Elisabeth and St Elisabeth’s Church, Invalidenstraße 3, Mitte
Tip 9: Immerse yourself in the world of film music with the Neue Philharmonie
As soon as the first notes ring out, entire cinematic worlds spring to mind: on Sunday, the Neue Philharmonie will take you on a musical journey through the history of cinema at the Konzerthaus Berlin. Under the title ‘Heroes of Film Music’, you’ll hear well-known melodies from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, James Bond and The Wizard of Oz.
Whether magical adventures, fantastical worlds or fast-paced spy stories: here you can experience how music shapesthe atmosphere of a film and conjures up images even without a screen. A melodious finale to your weekend in Berlin!
When: Sunday, 4 pm
Where: Konzerthaus Berlin, Großer Saal, Gendarmenmarkt, Mitte
Tip 10: Experience electronic beats with DJ Mehmet Aslan at the Nikolaikirche
Electronic beats within historic church walls: on Friday evening, St Nicholas’ Church is transformed into an unusual meeting place for art and music fans. During the after-work music session, guest DJ Mehmet Aslan will guide you through the exhibition with a mix of electronic and folk sounds. Instead of the usual quiet museum atmosphere , you can look forward to music, drinks and the chance to experience art in a completely different way.
The focus is on the special exhibition ‘Chorus – a sound installation by Annika Kahrs’. Mehmet Aslan draws on the soundscape of the installation to create his own musical soundtrack, inviting you to dance, listen or simply relax and take it all in. You can help yourselves to chilled drinks at the cocktail bar.
When: Friday, 6 pm
Where: Berlin Museum: Nikolaikirche, Nikolaikirchplatz, Mitte
Chorus. The Sound Installation
Tip 11: Discover Japanese rice at KaDeWe
Rice is far more than just a side dish – in Japan, it’s an integral part of the food culture. Find out just how varied the flavours and uses of this seemingly simple food can be at the‘Rice Reimagined’ event on the gourmet floor of KaDeWe. Until Saturday, you can sample various Japanese rice varieties and discover what makes them special.
The event shows you the role rice can play not only in traditional Japanese cuisine but also in Western cooking. KaDeWe invites you to discover, taste and take some home.
When: Friday & Saturday, 10 am–8 pm each day
Where: KaDeWe, Die Sechste, Tauentzienstraße 21–24, Schöneberg
Here you’ll find even more great tips for events in Berlin – whatever the weather.
