March brings not only the first warm rays of sunshine, but also movement to Berlin: while the ITB attracts the international travel industry to Berlin, the people of Berlin are drawn back outside. Look forward to sporting highlights at the half marathon, the first major folk festival of the year and many cultural and musical highlights. From avant-garde sounds at the MaerzMusik festival to word art on the slam stage to sweet treats at the Chocolate Festival: look forward to a month that makes you want to rediscover Berlin – indoors and outdoors.
Tip 1: Discover the world at ITB Berlin
Every year in March, ITB Berlin is the international meeting place for the global travel industry – and at the same time a fascinating showcase for the world. From 3 to 5 March 2026, the exhibition grounds at the East Entrance in Charlottenburg will be transformed into a place of inspiration: destinations from all continents will present trends, cultures and new ideas for sustainable travel. Even though many days are reserved for trade visitors, the atmosphere alone is an experience in itself. You will meet tourism professionals, journalists and visionaries, hear exciting talks on future topics and get an impression of what travel could look like tomorrow. For visitors to Berlin, ITB is the perfect start to the month – international, curious and full of optimism.
When: 3 to 5 March 2026
Where: Messe Berlin (East Entrance), Messedamm 22, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Listen to the future – MaerzMusik 2025
Maerzmusik stands for radical curiosity and musical boundary-crossing. From 20 to 29 March 2026, the Haus der Berliner Festspiele will become a centre for contemporary music, performances and discourse. The festival is aimed at culture lovers who are open to new listening habits and complex soundscapes. Concerts, installations and discussions combine music with questions of our time – from social upheavals to philosophical perspectives. The dense festival atmosphere is particularly appealing: you can attend several events in one evening and discover something new again and again.
One highlight is Meredith Monk's performance on 21 March at 7 p.m. at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. The exceptional artist will be awarded this year's Großer Kunstpreis Berlin (Grand Art Prize Berlin) on 18 March 2026 at the Akademie der Künste.
When: 20 to 29 March 2026
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Wilmersdorf
Tip 3: Cheer on the athletes at ISTAF Indoor
Feel the pure energy when the world's top athletes meet at ISTAF Indoor. Top international athletes compete here in sprinting, long jump and other disciplines, bringing top sporting performances to the Uber Arena. The compact indoor atmosphere ensures that you can experience every movement, every jump and every hundredth of a second intensely and cheer on the world-class athletes up close. The sporting events are accompanied by spectacular light shows and rousing music. Look forward to an adrenaline-charged atmosphere and let yourself be infected by the enthusiasm of the other sports fans.
When: 6 March, from 4.30 p.m.
Where: Uber Arena, Uber-Platz 1, Mitte
Istaf Indoor
Tip 4: Cheer on the Generali Berlin Half Marathon at the Brandenburg Gate
The Generali Berlin Half Marathon is the first major running event of spring. The whole city is transformed into one big cheering zone when tens of thousands of runners sweep through the streets of Berlin. The route passes the city's most iconic sights and ends right at the Brandenburg Gate. Whether you're running yourself or enjoying the atmosphere as a fan, the positive energy and fighting spirit of the participants are simply contagious.
By the way: inclusion is a top priority at the Generali Berlin Half Marathon: handbikes and wheelchair users are included and start at 9:55 a.m., following the inline skaters, for whom the starting gun goes off at 9:15 a.m. For all other runners, the race starts in several waves from 10:05 a.m.
When: 29 March 2026, staggered start times
Where: Start & finish at the Brandenburg Gate, Mitte
Generali Berlin
Tip 5: Enjoy the first spring festival of the year
Spring is here – and with it the first big fair of the year! At the Spring Festival on Kurt-Schumacher-Damm, you can expect a fairground full of attractions: more than 50 showmen bring almost 80 rides, from breakdancing and bumper cars to ghost trains and mirror mazes. A special highlight is the Ferris wheel, which offers a spectacular view of the colourful hustle and bustle from above. Add to that the smell of candyfloss and other sweet treats – the perfect start to spring!
When: 28 March to 3 May 2026
Where: Zentraler Festplatz Berlin, Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, Wedding
Tip 6: Take advantage of your last chance at the eat! Berlin gourmet festival
Experience the last days of the eat! Berlin Festival. Top chefs and culinary visionaries are coming together across the city to celebrate Berlin's culinary diversity at the highest level. Until 1 March 2026, you have the opportunity to discover new flavour combinations, aromas and food concepts at various locations throughout the city, including the Sphere in the Berlin TV Tower, the Hotel Adlon Kempinski and the Rutz Zollhaus. A must for anyone who sees cuisine as part of the city's culture.
New in 2026 is Berlin's first major sparkling wine fair, "SparklingB!", at the AXICA Congress and Conference Centre at the Brandenburg Gate, which will be open to the public on 1 March.
When: until 1 March 2026
Where: various locations in Berlin
eat! Berlin
Tip 7: Experience Giora Feidman live in the Chamber Music Hall of the Philharmonie
Be enchanted by the soulful sounds of the clarinet when Giora Feidman, the "King of Klezmer", performs at the Philharmonie. The world-renowned clarinettist is known for building musical bridges between cultures, for peace and humanity. With his new programme "For a Better World", with which he is touring to mark his 90th birthday, Feidman wants to send a message of peace and hope. Experience an evening full of wonderful music that will linger in your mind long after the last note has faded away.
When: 25 March 2026, 8 p.m.
Where: Chamber Music Hall of the Philharmonie, Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten
Giora Feidman
Tip 8: Melt away at the Berlin Chocolate Festival
A paradise for those with a sweet tooth and chocoholics awaits you at the Berlin Chocolate Festival. Here, the cocoa bean is celebrated and processed in all its variations. Savour hand-made pralines, vegan creations or exotic drinking chocolates. Discover street food stalls themed around chocolate and sample the offerings of selected producers and manufacturers. You can even try savoury chocolate dishes. Stroll from stall to stall, enjoy the sweet aroma and try your hand at being a chocolatier in workshops .
If you can't wait, we've got the 11 best tips for chocolate in Berlinright here .
When: 21 & 22 March 2026
Where: Napoleon Komplex, Modersohnstraße 35–45, Friedrichshain
Tip 9: Celebrate International Women's Day in Berlin
The eighth of March is International Women's Day, which is even a public holiday in Berlin. In keeping with this year's theme, "Balance the Scale," numerous events focusing on women will take place in the capital.
Here is a small selection:
- International Women's Day in Berlin mosques - Berlin-wide women's iftar under the motto "Strong women, strong society"
- International Women's Day at the Belvedere - free admission for girls* and women*
- Women who look to space - Presentation at the Zeiss Großplanetarium
- Women's Day at Stille Straße 10 - Brunch and discussion with women from politics, society, art and culture
- The history of women* at BERLIN GLOBAL - Guided tours on International Women's* Day
- Purple Ride – Feminist women* bicycle demonstration: On 8 March 2026, a feminist bicycle demonstration will take place, starting at Mariannenplatz at 12 noon
Tip 10: Pause for a moment when the lights go out for Earth Hour
One hour of darkness for a bright future: on the last Saturday in March, Berlin, along with millions of people worldwide, will be plunged into symbolic darkness for 60 minutes. At 8:30 p.m. for Earth Hour, the lights of famous landmarks will go out – from the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin Cathedral. The campaign, which is taking place for the 20th time this year, is more than just a symbolic switch-off: it reminds us that collective action can bring about real change.
When: 28 March, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Throughout Berlin
Tip 11: Get excited at the poetry slam championship
Elocutionary, emotional and incredibly quick-witted: at the Berlin-Brandenburg Poetry Slam Championship, the region's best wordsmiths compete for the title. At legendary venues such as SO36 or the rbb's Großer Sendesaal, rhymes and punchlines fly through the air – loud, political, humorous and emotional. By the way, you are the jury, because your applause decides victory or defeat. Experience the energy of Berlin's slam scene up close and let yourself be carried away by the diversity of topics and styles.
When: 4 to 7 March 2026
Where: Various venues in Berlin
