As the leaves slowly change colour and the summer warmth fades, autumn makes its gentle entrance in Berlin. And while the days may turn grey outside, things get wonderfully cosy indoors.
Look forward to relaxing hours in the sauna, culinary highlights at Berlin Food Week, and family fun at the big autumn fair. From the Festival of Lights and open-air concerts to pumpkin festivals and Halloween celebrations – Berlin’s autumn is bursting with festivals and exciting events.
Here are 11 tips to brighten up your autumn days:
Tip 1: Festival of Lights - Let`s shine together
Berlin lights up again! This October, the Festival of Lights transforms the capital into a dazzling stage of creativity. Under this year’s motto “Let’s shine together!”, the spectacular light installations tell stories of community, togetherness and connection – illuminating Berlin’s most iconic landmarks in a breathtaking sea of colour.
Light becomes a bridge, bringing people, cultures and generations closer. Don’t miss your chance to experience it up close – tickets for popular tours and exclusive offers are available with us.
When: 8 to 15 October, 7 - 11 pm
Where: everywhere in Berlin
Tip 2: Take to the skies at the Berlin autumn carnival
Soar into the autumn sky on the carousel, lose yourself in the mirror maze, and take in sweeping views from the 35-metre-high High Sky Ferris wheel. Alongside thrilling rides, the traditional Berlin Autumn Carnival awaits with showmen, game stalls, and plenty of festive cheer. Treat yourself to currywurst, churros, and candyfloss – and don’t miss the spectacular fireworks lighting up the Berlin night sky on two evenings. A perfect day out for the whole family!
When: 19 September - 19 October, Wednesday & Thursday 2 pm - 10 pm, Friday & Saturday 2 pm - 11 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 10 pm & 2 and 3 October 2 pm - 11 pm, Monday & Tuesday closed (fireworks on 19 September and 17 October at 10 pm)
Where: Central fairground, Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, Tegel
Tip 3: Find the perfect pumpkin at the Schöneberg Pumpkin Festival
From warming soups to hearty casseroles – autumn is the season of the pumpkin. In Berlin, we don’t just carve spooky faces for Halloween – we dedicate an entire festival to this autumn favourite. On 4 and 5 October, Akazienstraße in Schöneberg will once again host the Pumpkin Festival, with pumpkins of every shape and size on display. Autumn doesn’t get any tastier!
When: 4 & 5 October
Where: Akazienstraße, Schöneberg
Tip 4: Ring in the Berlin theatre season
The new theatre season brings a splash of colour to grey autumn days. Berlin’s theatres, opera houses and concert halls are opening their doors with fresh interpretations of the classics as well as exciting world premieres. Settle into your seat, relax, and let yourself be captivated.
When: from September
Where: Everywhere in Berlin
Tip 5: Take an autumn walk
When sunlight filters softly through the autumn leaves, a walk in the woods becomes especially magical. A Berlin classic is the Grunewald, the vast forest along the Havel. Or head up to Teufelsberg, where you can explore Berlin’s largest open-air street art gallery on a guided tour and uncover the history of the former Cold War listening station. The reward: a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Tip 6: Fly a kite
When the autumn winds blow, it's time to fly your kite. There is always a fresh breeze on the Drachenberg, very close to the Teufelsberg, and the magnificent view is a great reward for the climb.
The plateau on the Volkspark Prenzlauer Berg is also a perfect place for kite artists. The huge Tempelhofer Feld with its almost endless expanses is another favourite.
Tip: At the Festival of Giant Kites on 27 September, gigantic fantastic creatures fly over Tempelhofer Feld. A typical Berlin autumn treat for the whole family.
Top 11 places to fly kites in Berlin
Tip 7: Get together at cosy living room concerts
The open-air season may be winding down, but Berlin’s live music scene plays on all year. From electro, pop and rock to classical, jazz and world music – the city’s stages are always alive with sound.
A true insider tip is the Piano Salon Christophori in Wedding, where intimate concerts take place right in the workshop that restores historic keyboard instruments. And in Berlin’s many jazz bars, jam sessions light up the nights almost daily. This year don't miss 60 years Jazz Fest Berlin!
Discover even more highlights in our events calendar – there’s always a concert worth listening to.
Tip 8: Enjoy a delicious meal together
Autumn is harvest season – the perfect time to indulge in hearty, warming dishes. Berlin Food Week invites you to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene and discover just how diverse it can be.
At the House of Food in BIKINI BERLIN (10–11 October), innovative delicacies from start-ups and premium producers await – stroll, taste, and chat directly with the makers.
This year’s culinary journey takes you to Austria: from 6–12 October, special events across the city will celebrate the flavours of the Alps and the vineyards.
When: 6 to 12 October
Where: everywhere in Berlin
Tip 9: Treat yourself to a wellness day
When autumn drizzle patters against the windows, it feels especially cosy inside. From the panorama sauna at vabali Spa, you can gaze out over the garden and watch the season slowly transform nature.
Or drift across the Müggelsee in the warm comfort of the Finnfloat sauna raft. Berlin’s wellness and sauna experiences are as diverse as the city itself.
Discover the best saunas in Berlin here:
Tip 10: Browse through bookshops
When the leaves start to fall outside, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book indoors. Autumn also brings a wave of new releases, inviting you to linger in the bookshops and discover fresh stories. A handpicked selection of Berlin novels will transport you into the city’s past and present, while our tips will guide you to some of the most beautiful and best-stocked bookshops across Berlin.
Tip 11: Get spooky for Halloween
Autumn in Berlin takes a spooky turn around 31 October. In the afternoon, little ones head out in costume to collect sweets, while after dark, the city comes alive with Halloween parties for grown-up fright fans. A tradition not to be missed: Filmpark Babelsberg, where witches, monsters and ghosts take over for a night of thrills.
When: 31 October
Where: Everywhere in Berlin
Spooky places in Berlin
You can find even more tips for autumn in our calendar of events
