October in Berlin enchants us anew every year: as the days slowly grow shorter, the Festival of Lights bathes the city and many of its landmarks in a blaze of colour. The leaves are also gradually turning colourful, creating a particularly lovely atmosphere in Berlin this autumn. What’s more, you can look forward to numerous other event highlights and ‘Long Nights’ this month.
Don’t forget: 3 October is German Unity Day – the perfect opportunity for a long weekend in Berlin.
Tip 1: Festival of Lights – see the city’s most beautiful lights
For the Festival of Lights, the capital is aglow with imaginative illuminations. Under the theme ‘Colours of Love’, you’ll experience spectacular light art and video installations that bring Berlin’s most famous landmarks to life. Make the most of the balmy October evenings with a stroll through the city, enjoy the magic of the projections, and let yourself be enchanted by the music, lights and atmosphere.
A real highlight is this year’s Festival of Lights IN CONCERT, – an immersive experience combining 3D light art and electronic ambient music in Berlin Cathedral, performed live by renowned artists and DJs such as Westbam, Anja Schneider and Chris Bekker.
When: 9 to 18 October 2026
Where: various locations across Berlin
Tip 2: Discover the world of Genghis Khan at the James Simon Gallery
How did the Mongols live, and how did they manage to create a world empire that made history? From 21 October, the major exhibition ‘Genghis Khan – The World of the Mongols’ takes you back to the so-called Mongol Century. On display are archaeological treasures from Mongolia, including numerous exhibits being shown outside the country for the first time. Complemented by international loans and the latest research findings, the exhibition paints a surprisingly multifaceted picture of the lives of nomadic horsemen, telling a side of Mongolian history that remains largely unknown in this country.
When: 21 October 2026 to 18 April 2027
Where: James-Simon-Galerie, Bodestraße, Mitte
Tip 3: Catch some premieres at the Jazzfest Berlin
For four days, the Jazzfest Berlin turns its attention to current trends in international jazz. The festival, founded in 1964 as the Berliner Jazztage, is one of Europe’s most traditional jazz festivals and now focuses increasingly on contemporary avant-garde jazz.
In 2026, musicians and ensembles from different scenes and generations will come together for the event. Highlights include the Anthony Braxton Septet with a world premiere, the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, ganavya and the Otomo Yoshihide New Jazz Quintet. The Globe Unity Orchestra is also on the programme with *Apokalyptische Nabelschau*.
Several premieres make this year’s edition particularly exciting: Camila Nebbia presents a world premiere with her Large Ensemble, as do Christian Lillinger’s *Open Form For Society II* and *Twin Talk* with *Delights*. Alexander Hawkins’ *Willow Music* and Wendy Eisenberg’s work celebrate European premieres. Matthias Muche’s BONECRUSHER also adds an unusual touch with *Densities* for twelve trombones and percussion.
Extra tip: Jazz fans can look forward to an evening of musicians from seven federal states at ‘Jazz in den Ministergärten’ on 9 October.
When: 29 October to 1 November 2026
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Wilmersdorf, and other venues
Discover Berlin's newest immersive experience at Alexanderplatz. At IKONO, art, play and the unexpected combine to create an unforgettable adventure. Self-discovery, interactivity and pure joy await you in 14 immersive rooms.
Tip 4: Let the PEOPLE Festival surprise you
No fixed line-up, no pre-planned sets – at the PEOPLE Festival, the music is created through improvisation. For a whole week, 180 international musicians come together in 40 studios at the Funkhaus, experimenting with new combinations and developing pieces together. On Saturday and Sunday, the doors finally open to the public: 200 concerts are spread across eleven stages, ranging from a small room for 50 people to a concert hall with 1,000 seats.
Who plays with whom and when is deliberately left open. Among the announced musicians are Aaron and Bryce Dessner, Sharon Van Etten, Henning May, Erlend Øye, Colin Stetson, Ichiko Aoba and Nick Zinner. It is precisely this unpredictability that makes it so appealing: rather than chasing after your favourite act, you can simply let yourself drift through the Funkhaus and experience musical encounters that have never existed before.
Tip: Use the Family & Friends code “FRIENDSOFPEOPLE” to get a 12 per cent discount.
When: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October 2026, from 10 am on both days
Where: Funkhaus Berlin, Nalepastraße 18–50, Oberschöneweide
Tip 5: Sample your way through Berlin Food Week
What does the future taste like? You can find out for yourselves at Berlin Food Week from 5 to 11 October. This food festival brings together chefs, restaurateurs, start-ups and producers, turning Berlin into a testing ground for new ideas around food for a whole week. It’s not just about taste: the origin and quality of food, as well as alternatives to animal products, also play a central role.
If you’re keen to discover new products, make a note of Friday and Saturday. On those days, local producers, international brands, regional producers and food start-ups will be presenting their latest innovations at the House of Food in Bikini Berlin. Another deliberate focus this year is on non-alcoholic drinks: At the OkSoberfest in the Kulturbrauerei , the programme features three days of non-alcoholic beers and drinks, as well as tastings, shows and masterclasses. Throughout the festival week, visitors can explore various venues to discover which culinary ideas are currently being discussed, developed and, of course, sampled in Berlin.
When: 5 to 11 October 2026
Where: various venues in Berlin
Tip 6: Take a look behind the scenes at Berlin’s artisan workshops during the Long Night
What actually goes on in the workshops, studios and backyards of Berlin-Mitte? You can find out at the first ‘Long Night of the Manufacturers ’. Selected manufacturers across Mitte, Wedding, Moabit, Tiergarten, Gesundbrunnen and the Hansaviertel will be opening their doors. On a range of tours, you’ll discover local producers in the fields of food and drink, fashion and jewellery, art and design, and crafts. Look over the creators’ shoulders and experience how Berlin’s unique creations come to life through guided tours, workshops, tastings and live demonstrations.
When: 17 October, 4 pm–midnight
Where: various workshops in Mitte, Wedding, Moabit, Tiergarten, Gesundbrunnen and the Hansaviertel
Long Night of the Manufacturers
Tip 7: Experience Berlin’s club scene at CLUB CULTURE DAY
In Berlin, club culture means more than just long nights on the dance floor. It creates spaces for freedom, brings people together and sees itself as a cultural and social practice. It is precisely this ethos that CLUB CULTURE DAY puts centre stage. Now in its seventh year, the project combines acultural award for Berlin clubs and collectives with a week-long festival across the city.
In 2026, the theme is STAY CORE – posing the question of what constitutes the core of Berlin’s club culture. Clubs and collectives are exploring the theme through their own formats: raves and concerts are planned, as well as performances, panels, exhibitions and workshops. What’s particularly exciting is the perspective that looks beyond the traditional club night. You’ll experience just how differently the scene uses its spaces, shapes its community and addresses current social issues.
In total, an independent panel of experts will honour 32 clubs and collectives this year in the categories of Space & Aesthetics, Programme and Community.
When: 3 to 11 October 2026
Where: various clubs and venues across Berlin
Tip 8: Autumn markets and festivals in Berlin
Autumn is harvest time. What’s more, the last sunny days of the season are the perfect excuse to celebrate outdoors one last time. These festivals and markets offer some lovely opportunities to do just that.
- At the Schöneberg Pumpkin Festival on Akazienstraße on 3 and 4 October, you’ll naturally find the most beautiful pumpkins. Perfect for autumnal soups and carving jack-o’-lanterns.
- You can celebrate a traditional harvest festival, for example, on 5 October at the Hahneberg Nature Reserve – with a colourful programme for young and old alike
- You can celebrate in the style of days gone by at the Jugglers’ Festival in Spandau Citadel. Let yourself be enchanted by acrobatics, music and storytelling on 3 and 4 October. Discover medieval crafts and handmade treats.
- On 17 October 2026, Köpenick will celebrate the 120th anniversary of the legendary coup by the Captain of Köpenick with the Cöpenick Anniversary Ball,
- Until 25 October, the Berliner Herbstrummel offers fairground rides, fairground stalls, fireworks and plenty of entertainment.
- With the OkSoberfest , the Kulturbrauerei is celebrating the premiere of Germany’s first alcohol-free beer festival on 10 and 11 October.
- Until 17 October, the Fischerhütte on Schlachtensee brings Bavarian Oktoberfest tradition to west Berlin every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- On Sundays in October, the Hofbräuhaus Berlin is hosting the GayWiesen with live acts and female DJs, drag shows and Bavarian specialities.
- The programme also includes a drag show, as well as Bavarian specialities and matching drinks.
- The Scheunen Oktober Party at Stadtgut Berlin-Buch brings the atmosphere of Munich’s Oktoberfest to the north-east of the capital.
- You can raise a glass in the capital’s festival tent until 24 October at the Berliner Wiesn-Gaudi at Spandau Citadel.
Tip 9: Turn night into day at the Long Night of Families
When it gets dark outside, the family programme really gets going: at the 16th Long Night of Families on 10 October, you can explore Berlin at an unusual time of day. Between 5 pm and midnight, youcan discover lots of exciting places in Berlin together – most of them for free.
Instead of a central festival venue, the programme is spread across the whole city. Families can look forward to theatre, sport and games, picture-book cinema and concerts, as well as trying out experiments, exploring nature or sitting round a campfire together. In 2026, the Family Night’s theme will be ‘Family – Where the future is shaped and democracy begins’, focusing on the family as a place of togetherness, participation and solidarity. The detailed programme is yet to be published – but you can already mark Saturday evening in your diaries for a night-time family outing.
When: 10 October 2026, 5 pm – midnight
Where: various venues
Tip 10: Discover new perspectives at the Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin
At the Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin, you can experience the latest in Ukrainian cinema over five days. The seventh edition is themed‘Emergency Spaces’ and explores which spaces offer refuge, solidarity and new perspectives in times of crisis. The festival opens with Olga Chernykh’s documentary *The Illusion of a Quiet Night*. For the film, 40 filmmakers, together with hundreds of people across Ukraine, captured a single night in July 2025. The result is a polyphonic portrait of a country at war – caught between fear and exhaustion, yet also featuring fleeting moments of joy. Afterwards, you can find out more about the film during the Q&A session.
Tip: Atthe ‘ ’ Festival of Animation Berlin (FAB), everything revolves around the art of animation for four days. Across five competitions, you’ll discover international short films and new talent. The filmmakers are often available to answer your questions afterwards.
When: 14 to 18 October, depending on the event
Where: various cinemas in Berlin; opening: CineStar cinema at the Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 11: Spend a spine-chilling Halloween night
At the end of October, Berlin becomes a city of shadows and lights: carved pumpkins, imaginative costumes and all manner of spooky figures become part of the cityscape.
- On 31 October, you can celebrate Halloween at the Britzer Garten with hands-on activities and live music, or head out into the night to join the revelry
- At KaDeWe, Halloween is celebrated with drinks and culinary highlights.
- At the Halloween Weekend at Spindler & Klatt, expect horror vibes and Halloween decorations.
- The Kulturbrauerei also transforms its various dance floors into a huge spooky paradise for its Halloween party .
- St Sebastian’s Church invites you to a theatrical tour featuring ‘real’ ghosts, gravediggers and druids
- Things are set to get really spooky again this Halloween at the Abandoned Factory on Greifswalder Straße.
When: 31 October 2026 and throughout the Halloween period
Where: All over the city
For even more event ideas in October, have a browse through our events calendar.
