September brings a final burst of summer energy to Berlin before autumn officially begins on 22 September. Look forward to weeks packed with art, photography and music, top sporting performances, new literary releases and fresh perspectives on Berlin’s monuments. Find out here what else September has in store for you.
Tip 1: Han Kang reads at the International Literature Festival Berlin 2026
Han Kang, the Korean Nobel Prize-winning author, will be appearing in Berlin for the first time at this year’s ilb, where she will present her new collection of essays, *The Golden Thread*, accompanied by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Christian Kracht, Douglas Stuart, Vigdis Hjorth and, of course, many, many others will also be giving readings.
Cornelia Funke has announced she’ll be joining the big reading extravaganza on Family Day, 6 September.
There are also plenty of other highlights, both big and small: this year’s free supporting programme will include an ‘Artist Alley’, where Berlin-based comic book publishers, artists and editors will be showcasing their zines and artistic works.
When: 3 to 16 September 2026, depending on the event (Festival programme: 3–12 September; Young People’s Programme: 6–16 September).
Where: various venues
International Literature Festival
Tip 2: Kick off the classical music season with the Musikfest
The Musikfest is one of Europe’s most important classical music festivals. Here you can hear top-class orchestras, renowned conductors and outstanding soloists from all over the world. Make sure to book your tickets in good time and let yourself be enchanted by familiar and surprising sounds.
A highlight is the guest performance by the renowned Kanze Nō Theatre from Tokyo. The company brings a Japanese theatre tradition dating back some 700 years to the Philharmonie, combining stylised movements, masks, singing and music into an impressive total work of art. The lead performer is Kiyokazu Kanze, the 26th Grand Master of the Kanze School.
Another unusual highlight will be the performance by the Salzburg Marionette Theatre.
When: 28 August to 23 September 2026, depending on the concert programme.
Where: Various venues in Berlin, including the Berlin Philharmonie, Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten
Tip 3: Art, art, art – Berlin Art Week, Positions Art Fair and Gallery Night
Berlin Art Week is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Over five days, you can look forward to special exhibitions, performances, film screenings and talks in museums, galleries, project spaces and art associations across the city. Look forward to the grand festival opening, Gallery Night on 10 September, Featured Night with extended opening hours, and exclusive insights at the open houses of renowned private collections.
The Berlin Art Week Garden at the Kulturforum serves as the central meeting point, offering workshops, performances, talks, film screenings and culinary delights, making it the perfect starting point for your own personal journey of discovery through the diverse programme.
Tip: Make the most of the opportunity to chat with artists and gallery owners at the POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair , taking place from 10 to 13 September in Hangar 7 at Tempelhof Airport.
When: 9–13 September 2026
Where: Various museums, galleries, project spaces and art venues across Berlin
In vibrant studio complexes, neighborhood galleries, or hidden art oases – on this night, Lichtenberg’s creative scene shines brighter than ever. About 50 places invite you to experience art, culture, and exchange. Enjoy art where it’s made.
Tip 4: Cheer on the runners at the Berlin Marathon or take part yourself
Running a marathon at least once is a lifelong goal for some people. Perhaps you’ll manage it this year if you’ve started training in good time. For everyone else, it’s all about watching and cheering them on! After all, over the course of a marathon’s slightly more than 40 kilometres, amateur runners in particular are grateful for a good dose of motivation. On their way to the finish line, the runners pass several well-known landmarks such as the Victory Column, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
When: 19 and 20 September 2026
Where: Start and finish: Straße des 17. Juni, Tiergarten; the route passes through numerous Berlin districts.
Berlin Marathon
Tip 5: Discover the latest innovations from the world of technology
At the International Consumer Electronics Fair (IFA), you can find out about the very latest trends and innovations in the tech scene. In the halls of Messe Berlin, international brands and innovative start-ups will be showcasing their latest developments in consumer electronics, smart homes, artificial intelligence, gaming and home appliances. Be there when new products are unveiled and try out the latest innovations for yourself!
Tip: In the IFA Summer Garden, a small festival is taking place again this year alongside the fair, featuring musical acts such as Ikkimel and plenty of other surprises.
When: 4 September to 8 September 2026, 10 am – 6 pm (Saturday from 12 noon)
Where: Berlin ExpoCenter City (Berlin Exhibition Grounds), Messedamm 22, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
About IFA
Tip 6: Experience the Festival of Berlin’s Industrial Heritage
Find out how the Industrial Revolution shaped Berlin at the Berlin Industrial Heritage Festival. Look forward to guided tours, exhibitions and events in historic factory buildings, power stations and industrial estates, which are now used as cultural venues, museums or creative workspaces.
Highlights include the opening of the ‘Walk of Fame’ in Schöneweideand a guided tour that gets to the bottom of Berlin’s most fascinating bunker myths. You can also look forward to a DJ party at the Underground Museum, city tours on a historic bus, and the theatre performance ‘Platonic Necrophilia’ at the disused Reinickendorf substation. Registration is required for some events – make sure you book your place in good time!
Tip: As part of Open Monuments Day on 12 and 13 September, historic buildings that are not usually open to the public will be opening their doors. And at the Railway Festival at the Schöneweide depot on 26 and 27 September, all locomotive fans are in for a treat.
When: 12 September to 4 October 2026
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Berlin Industrial Heritage Festival
Tip 7: Marvel at the Festival of Giant Kites
Whether it’s a giant octopus, a whale or a comic-book character, at the Giant Kites Festival the most amazing figures soar through the blue sky above Tempelhofer Feld. These artistic, flying creatures – up to 50 metres long – will help take your mind off the approaching autumn. Look forward to spectacular flying displays featuring imaginative giant kites, hands-on activities for children and a colourful family programme. Entry to the festival is free.
Tip: Pack a picnic blanket, bring your own kite and enjoy a relaxing day at Tempelhofer Feld.
When: 12 September 2026, 11 am – 8 pm on both days
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, entrance at Tempelhofer Damm 104, Tempelhof
Tip 8: Discover the Youth Dance Festival
At the Youth Dance Festival, Germany’s best up-and-coming dance companies demonstrate just how diverse contemporary dance can be. Look forward to captivating choreographies, innovative productions and moving stories. After the performances, you’re invited to join in post-performance discussions to chat with the young dancers and find out more about their artistic work.
Youth Dance Festival (selection):
- Till Eulenspiegel – Parts of Me
- find no words to say
- The Investigation – based on Peter Weiss
- Heartily Romantic
- LA PREMIERE FOIS
- Nothing Is Forgotten
- Streetvoices
When: 25 September to 2 October 2026, depending on the performance
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Youth Dance Festival
Tip 9: Celebrate world-class basketball
When the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup comes to Berlin, the world’s top women’s basketball players will face off in the capital. At the Uber Arena , the best national teams will battle it out for the coveted world title, delivering spine-tingling moments with their pace, team spirit and spectacular plays. Look forward to a thrilling atmosphere, exciting matches and an international sporting festival that will delight fans as well as anyone keen to experience top-class sport up close . Secure your tickets and be there when basketball history is made in Berlin!
When: 4 to 13 September 2026
Where: Uber Arena, Uber Platz 1, Friedrichshain
Tip 10: Celebrate autumn at Berlin’s harvest festivals
As the leaves slowly turn colour, Berlin’s harvest festivals invite you to enjoy and explore:
- At the Potato Festival in the Domäne Dahlem Open-Air Museum on 19 and 20 September, everything revolves around this versatile tuber – with historical demonstrations, regional specialities and hands-on activities.
- At the Historic Apple Festival on 26 and 27 September at Britz Palace, you can look forward to traditional crafts, music and a wide variety of apple varieties.
- And at the Pumpkin and Apple Festival in the Britzer Garten on 20 September, giant pumpkins, imaginative straw figures and a colourful family programme will create a real autumnal atmosphere. Enjoy the harvest season with regional delicacies and a rural atmosphere right in the heart of Berlin!
When: 19 to 27 September 2026 (depending on the festival)
Where: Domäne Dahlem, Königin-Luise-Straße 49, Steglitz-Zehlendorf; Britz Palace, Alt-Britz 73, Neukölln; Britzer Garten, Sangerhauser Weg 1, Neukölln.
More festivals & markets
Tip 11: Make the most of what’s likely to be your last chance to see Nina Chuba live
Nina Chuba made her breakthrough in 2022 with “Wildberry Lillet”; her debut album “Glas” reached number one and has since gone platinum. In 2026, she’ll be playing her biggest open-air shows to date – before taking a break from live performances in 2027. Berlin is set to host two dates, though both of Nina Chuba’s performances at Wuhlheide are already sold out.
But do have a look at our events calendar to see who else is coming to Berlin on tour!
When: Friday 11th & Saturday 12th September 2026, 7 pm on both days
Where: Parkbühne Wuhlheide, An der Wuhlheide 4, Oberschöneweide
For even more event tips, check our events calendar.
