On 29 May, it's Ascension Day and Father's Day - and Berlin is celebrating with you! The city will be showing its festive, musical and enjoyable side: stroll through historic villages, raise a glass at the huge beer festival or take a relaxing boat cruise through the city. Look forward to the queer festival "Herrentag LOL" at Plötzensee, the atmospheric Spandauer Havelfest with a colourful programme for the whole family and places to barbecue.
Here are 11 tips on how to make the most of Father's Day - and if you're looking for more tips for the long Ascension weekend, we have also put together something for you.
Tip 1: Chilling out at Strandbad Wendenschloss
Gentleman's day with a view: At Strandbad Wendenschloss am Müggelsee, you can enjoy ice-cold tank beer, tasty food from the barbecue and a fantastic spot right by the water. Whether on the beach or in the beer garden - the atmosphere here is relaxed. Perfect for anyone who just wants to switch off and spend a cosy holiday with friends.
Where: Möllhausenufer 30, Köpenick
Tip 2: Join in the celebrations at the Spandauer Havelfest
The Spandauer Havelfest attracts visitors with three stages, funfair, live acts and a big firework display at the end. There's partying, dancing, feasting and shopping along the riverbank - everything from a family programme to a rock concert. Particularly beautiful: the combination of maritime atmosphere and folk festival flair.
Where: Lindenufer, Spandau
Tip 3: Get nostalgic at the anniversary festival in the Düppel museum village
How did people live 800 years ago? At the Jubilee Festival - 50 Years of the Düppel Museum Village, you can discover medieval craftsmanship, experience historical music live and the children can take part in many activities themselves. Whether it's spear throwing, herbology or baking bread in a clay oven - history comes to life here. An exciting excursion for the whole family.
Where: Clauertstraße 11, Zehlendorf
Anniversary celebration: 50 years of Museumsdorf Düppel
Tip 4: End the day on a relaxing evening boat tour
When the hustle and bustle of the day slowly dies down, perhaps the most beautiful time of the day begins: perfect for an evening boat tour through Berlin. From the water, you can experience the city in the golden evening light - past Museum Island, the Reichstag and the cathedral, while the last rays of sunlight make the facades glow. On board, you can sit back, treat yourself to a drink and enjoy Berlin from a whole new perspective. The perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxation and holiday feeling!
Where: Departure e.g. Friedrichstraße or Nikolaiviertel
Tip 5: Raise a glass at the Berlin Beer Festival
More than 100 types of beer, live music on three stages and street food from all over the world - the Bier Festival Berlin at the Trabrennbahn Karlshorst is a real paradise for beer fans. Here you can discover new craft beers, rediscover classics or simply sample the variety on offer. Even non-beer drinkers will get their money's worth thanks to the food trucks, chill zones and musical programme.
Where: Trabrennbahn Karlshorst, Treskowallee 159, Lichtenberg
Tip 6: Celebrate queer and loud at Herrentag LOL at Strandbad Plötzensee
Do you fancy a party with attitude? At "Herrentag LOL" you can expect drag performances, DJs, LGBTQIA+ art and queer community vibes at Strandbad Plötzensee - right by the water. The location at Plötzensee creates the perfect backdrop for a queer summer opening with a political statement and an exuberant atmosphere. Your participation will support the humanitarian aid organisation Women for Women in collaboration with the local organisation Wefaq for the benefit of women in Gaza.
Where: Strandbad Plötzensee, Wedding
Tip 7: Immerse yourself in light and sound at "Skalar Reflections" in DARK MATTER
If you're in the mood for an intense visual experience, you shouldn't miss the "Scalar Reflections" exhibition in DARK MATTER. In this spectacular light and sound installation, pulsating lasers, hypnotic beats and architectural spatial art merge to create an experience that is guaranteed to take your breath away. An ideal tip for anyone looking for a slightly different experience.
Where: Köpenicker Chaussee 46, Lichtenberg
Tip 8: Enjoy Berlin relaxed and outdoors
Or are you drawn to the outdoors? If you're travelling with friends that day or want to spend the day with your family - a picnic is the perfect opportunity to relax together. Berlin offers plenty of great places for this: from wide meadows and shady parks to idyllic riverside spots. Here you can enjoy the holiday in the open air - with good food, cold drinks and plenty of time for the finer things in life.
Tip 9: Classical music highlight for Father's Day
Celebrate Father's Day in style with a special concert evening at the Philharmonie: The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin performs under the baton of celebrated young star Tarmo Peltokoski - passionate, powerful and full of emotion. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the music and enjoy the evening in Berlin's most famous concert hall. A sonorous conclusion to a special day!
Where: Philharmonie Berlin, Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten
Tip 10: Enjoy with BBQ & beats
Two BBQ events, two moods, one holiday: In the baroque Schlüterhof of the Humboldt Forum, Bistro Lebenswelten will be serving up the best barbecue food, cool drinks and relaxed music from 1 pm - the perfect place to clink glasses and enjoy yourself in the centre of Berlin. At the same time, the cool Kreuzberger ROOT with its iconic glass roof invites you to enjoy a barbecue on Father's Day. Whether classy in the city centre or edgy in Kreuzberg - you decide where your BBQ heart beats faster.
Where: Bistro Lebenswelten BBQ: Schloßplatz, Mitte and ROOT: Skalitzer Straße 64, Kreuzberg
Tip 11: Do a few laps at the Steglitzer Woche
Fair, music and a good mood: The Steglitz Week transforms the south of Berlin into a festival mile with fairground rides, a family programme and lots of live music. On Father's Day, you can expect a colourful mix of stage programme, treats and lots of neighbourhood charm - perfect for all generations. In the evening, the atmosphere on the festival stage will be on fire - ideal for an exuberant evening with friends and family.
Where: Bäkestraße / Teltowkanal, Steglitz
