Long days and warm nights—summer in Berlin means open-air season. It's the perfect time to wander the city, soak up the atmosphere, and savor the moment.
But of course, Berlin wouldn’t be Berlin without a few surprises—unexpected encounters with art, culture, and music around every corner. To help you catch the best of it all, we’ve rounded up our top insider tips for the open-air season.
Tip 1: Dive into a Creative Playground at 48 Stunden Neukölln
For one weekend, Neukölln transforms into an open-air laboratory of ideas and artistic expression. During 48 Stunden Neukölln (48 Hours Neukölln), the neighborhood becomes a vibrant stage for Berlin’s creative scene—with art popping up in streets, courtyards, parks, and an array of unconventional indoor spaces. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Founded in 1999, this grassroots arts festival has grown into one of the city’s largest of its kind. Expect an eclectic mix of concerts, performances, exhibitions, and plenty of unexpected moments as you explore Neukölln’s cultural hotspots and hidden gems.
When: 27 June 2025 from 7 pm to 29 June until 7 pm
Where: various locations in Neukölln
Tip 2: Join the Global Beat at Rave the Planet in Berlin
“Our Future is Now” is the powerful motto of this year’s Rave the Planet parade—Berlin’s modern homage to the iconic Love Parade. On 12 July 2025, the city will once again pulse to the rhythm of over 200 music trucks and floats, filling Straße des 17. Juni with an electrifying celebration of electronic dance music (EDM).
From techno and house to trance and drum & bass, a wide range of genres will be represented, including performances by scene legends like DJ Motte. But Rave the Planet is more than just a massive dance event—it’s a cultural statement.
The goal is to unite people from all walks of life—regardless of nationality, religion, skin color, or background—and to stand together for peace, diversity, and a sustainable future. As the organizers put it, “Music sends a powerful message of unity and environmental awareness—for our culture and our planet.”
Bonus Tip: Love open-air raving? Don’t miss the legendary Else Open-Air near Treptower Hafen, where top local and international DJs perform every weekend throughout the summer.
When: 12 July 2025, 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: Straße des 17. Juni
Tip 3: Celebrate the Fête de la Musique and 30 Years of the Nikolaiviertel Festival
On 21 June 2025, the Fête de la Musique transforms Berlin into a city-wide stage, filling the streets with the sounds of live music in celebration of the summer solstice. This year is extra special in the Nikolaiviertel, Berlin’s oldest historic quarter, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary as a revitalized cultural hub.
At the heart of the festivities, you’ll find free concerts, museum tours, walking tours, and interactive experiences that bring the area’s rich history to life. Learn about the legends and myths of the Nikolaiviertel, explore local museums, and dive into the African roots of tango.
A symbolic dance floor in front of St. Nicholas' Church will highlight historical connections to the transatlantic slave trade, corresponding to the layout of a shipping room once used to deport enslaved people. This powerful installation is part of the thought-provoking exhibition "Decolonial - what remains?!" inside the church. Yet the atmosphere remains celebratory—with live music, dancing, and festivities continuing against the beautiful historic backdrop.
When: 21. June 2025, 2pm-10pm
Where: Am Köllnischen Park 5, Mitte
Tip 4: Soak Up Global Sounds at the Free Durchlüften Festival at the Humboldt Forum
Looking for the perfect blend of culture, music, and summer vibes in Berlin? The Durchlüften Festival at the Schlüterhof of the Humboldt Forum is your go-to destination. This free open-air festival spans four summer weekends, transforming the stunning courtyard into a dynamic stage for an exciting mix of live music, dance performances, DJ sets, and interactive experiences.
Across 12 magical evenings, you'll be treated to 24 live acts and 12 DJs from around the globe. Journey from the bustling beats of Mexico City to the rhythms of the Niger desert, sway to Nairobi grooves, get carried away by the sounds of Tokyo, and end your night immersed in the iconic Berlin club culture. All of this in a relaxed, palm-fringed courtyard where you can unwind in deckchairs with a cool drink in hand.
When: 17 July to 9 August 2025
Where: Humboldt Forum, Schlüterhof, Schloßplatz, Mitte
5: Shakespeare Under the Stars – Open-Air Theatre at the Berlin Globe
Calling all theatre lovers and Shakespeare fans! This summer, the Berlin Globe Theatre and the Shakespeare Company Berlinbring timeless classics to life in a truly unique setting: the open-air stage on the grounds of the Insulaner outdoor pool.
Enjoy powerful performances of Shakespeare’s greatest works, including a brand-new production of Romeo and Juliet premiering on 13 June 2025, as well as beloved favorites like Othello, King Lear, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing. All plays are performed in German and staged with passion, creativity, and a deep love for the Bard’s work.
But the program doesn’t stop with Shakespeare. The Berlin Globe Theatre also features modern chamber play productions in collaboration with the Kant Theatre Berlin, including Kafka’s Letter to the Father and George Orwell’s 1984—all performed on the circular open-air stage, offering an intimate yet atmospheric experience.
And if you love live music, don’t miss The Swingin' Hermlins, who bring the golden age of 1930s swing to life every Tuesday evening.
Shakespeare Company
When: 13 June to 13 September 2025
Where: Insulaner, Musterdamm, Schöneberg
The Globe
When: 20 June to 13 September 2025
Where: Sömmeringstraße 15, Charlottenburg
Tip 6: Celebrate Summer at Berlin’s Best Street and City Festivals
When the sun is shining, Berlin takes to the streets—and there's no better way to experience the city's vibrant spirit than at its colorful street and city festivals. All across town, neighborhoods come alive with music, food, community vibes, and open-air fun. Whether you're in the mood to dance, discover local art, or just relax with a glass of wine, there's a festival for everyone.
From the Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest(Lesbian and Gay City Festival) around Nollendorfplatz, a celebration of love and diversity, to the Nachbarschaftsfest am Rathaus Schöneberg, which brings neighbors together with music and family-friendly activities, summer in Berlin is bursting with community charm.
Food lovers should head to Alexanderplatz for the Vegan Summer Festival, while fans of live music and arts will enjoy the Kreuzberg Festival in the atmospheric Bergmannkiez. And for a more relaxed, wine-soaked vibe, don’t miss the Lichtenrader Wein- und Winzerfest, set by a picturesque village pond.
Here is a selection of city and street festivals
- 16 - 18 May. May 2025: Treptower Frühling
- 29. May - 1 June Spandauer Havelfest
- 1. June Environmental Festival at the Brandenburg Gate
- 13-15 June 2025 Köpenicker Sommer
- 20. - 22 June 2025 Tegeler Sommer
- 11. - 13. July 2025 Buckower Dorfangerfest
- 18. - 20. July 2025 Weißenseer Blumenfest
- 6/7. September 2025 Rudower Septembermeile
- 13./14 September 2025 Fest an der Panke
- 26. - 28. September 2025 Schmiljan Street Festival
Tip: To Street theatre festival Berlin laughs! traditionally brings artists from all over the world to make the audience laugh and be amazed.
More street and folk festivals
Tip 7: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Britzer Garten
Step into a world of enchantment at Britzer Gartennacht, where the Britzer Garten is transformed into a glowing dreamscape for one magical summer evening. As twilight falls, thousands of lights illuminate the lush landscape, setting the stage for an unforgettable open-air experience.
Wander through illuminated paths accompanied by hauntingly beautiful music, and lose yourself in a realm of mythical creatures, fairies, and fantastical performances. Throughout the garden, acrobats, musicians, and dancers perform on various stages, inviting you to watch, listen, and even join in the dancing. As night deepens, the evening culminates in a dazzling firework show at the Star Fountain, casting shimmering colors across the sky.
Britzer Gartennacht is one of Berlin’s most magical summer events—and still something of an insider tip.
When: 26. July 2025
Where: Britzer Garten
Tip 8: Ride Into the Sunset with #ArtistsOnWheels at Former Tegel Airport
Pedal through Berlin’s history with one of the city’s most creative and immersive summer experiences: #ArtistsOnWheels by silent.move. Imagine cycling across the empty runways of the former Tegel Airport, while a stage on a cargo bike leads the way—featuring live musicians performing just for you. The sound? Delivered directly to your ears via wireless headphones, creating an intimate, moving concert that blends music, motion, and memory.
This 8-kilometre route winds through the Tegeler Stadtheide, past historic and scenic spots, with planned photo stops and surprise performances along the way. It’s a one-of-a-kind journey through Berlin’s urban wilderness—and an open-air insider tip you won’t want to miss this summer.
Tip: Every second Wednesday of the month, the organisers also enchant a small, hidden garden in Neukölln's Rixdorf district with a headphone concert. Find out more about #HiddenGarden here.
When: various Sundays in 2025
Where: Meeting point at the Urban Tech Republic bus stop
Tip 9: Experience Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Open-Air in the Grunewald Forest
Looking for a truly magical open-air experience in Berlin? This Whitsun weekend, let yourself be swept away by the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake- performed live in the heart of nature, against the storybook backdrop of the Grunewald hunting lodge.
As the sun sets behind the forest treetops, the haunting and emotional melodies of one of the most beloved classical works fill the evening air. This special Classical Open-Air concert presents Swan Lake as a pure musical performance - without ballet - bringing the focus to the powerful emotional depth of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Take a seat under the open sky, close your eyes, and let the music transport you to the world of the Swan Princess.
When: 7 to 9 June. June 2025, each evening
Where: Jagdschloss Grunewald, Hüttenweg 100, Zehlendorf
Tip 10: Be Enchanted by Sunday Choir Concerts in Körnerpark
Looking for a peaceful yet inspiring way to start your Sunday in Berlin? Every Sunday in May, the elegant Körnerpark in Neukölln transforms into a lush open-air stage for the concert series "Immer wieder sonntags – Chöre im Körnerpark".
Set against the backdrop of the park’s grand orangery and beautiful gardens, this beloved tradition brings together diverse choirs performing a delightful mix of French chansons, world music, classical pieces, and indie pop.
Best of all, these musical matinées are free of charge—so grab a picnic blanket, bring your morning coffee, and let the voices carry you into a calm and cheerful day surrounded by greenery and good vibes.
Tip: Another musical series is planned for September.
When: Sundays, 4 to 25 May. May 2025, 12:00 each day
Where: Körnerpark, Schierker Straße 8, Neukölln
Tip 11: Discover the Luftschloss - Berlin's open-air stage on Tempelhofer Feld
From May to September 2025, the Luftschloss Tempelhofer Feld will be the stage for a diverse open-air programme. The wooden amphitheatre with 350 seats presents theatre, concerts, improvisation, children's theatre, readings, festivals and more.
One highlight is the concert series "Von Luft & Liedern" with artists such as Dota Kehr, Max Prosa and Felix Meyer. Fans of comedy and poetry slam will also get their money's worth.
Tip: 11 years of the Tempelhofer Feld referendum will be celebrated on 25 May. Admission is free.
Luftschloss Tempelhofer Feld
When: May to September 2025, depending on the event
