This year in Berlin promises to be extraordinary, with outdoor events celebrating art, culture, and music. From festivals and concerts to cinema, theater, and dance—there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the sun. Here are our top 10 must-see activities:
Tip 1: Dance the Night Away at “Berlin Beats”
The popular DJ series “Berlin Beats” returns to Hamburger Bahnhof for its summer season. Enjoy electronic music by various DJs in the museum’s garden, starting with Oda Hliti on Friday, June 7. Admission is free, so bring your friends and dance under the stars.
- When: June 7 – August 29, 7 – 10 PM
- Where: Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, Invalidenstraße 50/51, 10557 Berlin
Tip 2: Enjoy a Stroll at the Kolonnaden Bar
Located at the picturesque Kolonnadenhof on Museumsinsel, the Kolonnaden Bar invites you to wander through its beautiful surroundings. Sip on cool drinks while enjoying a lively cultural program with DJs and performers. Thursdays through Sundays, this spot offers a relaxing and cultural summer experience.
- When: Thursday to Saturday, 4 – 10 PM; Sunday, 4 – 8 PM
- Where: Bodestraße 1-3, Mitte
Tip 3: Open-Air Cinema at Checkpoint Charlie
Watch iconic films at Charlie’s Beach, a beach bar set up near the historic Checkpoint Charlie. Since 2012, the Federal Agency for Civic Education has been screening films with a Berlin twist. Join the post-movie discussions to dive deeper into the themes. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is unbeatable!
- When: Until August 29
- Where: Friedrichstraße 48, Mitte
- Upcoming Films:
- August 8, 9 PM: Deutschland im Herbst
- August 15, 8:45 PM: Himmel über Berlin
- August 22, 8:30 PM: Tamara
- August 29, 8:30 PM: Spur der Steine
Tip 4: Enjoy Music in the Nationalgalerie Sculpture Garden
Summer brings a host of open-air events to the Neue Nationalgalerie and Kulturforum. “Sound in the Garden” invites you to listen to live music in the sculpture garden, alongside exhibitions like “Gerhard Richter” and “Andy Warhol.” Free entry from 4 to 8 PM, with drinks and snacks available.
- When:
- August 22, 7 PM: Alicja Kwade “Goldelse”
- August 24, 6 PM: Sam Barker “Discrete Ensemble”
- September 14, 7 PM: Bendik Giske (Concert)
- Where: Potsdamer Straße 50, Tiergarten
Tip 5: Embrace the Festival Vibe at Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza Berlin brings major acts like Cro, Shirin David, and The Chainsmokers to the Olympic site. As the first German festival to be certified for holistic sustainability, expect more FLINTA performances, vegan food, and an expanded green neighborhood. Don’t miss out on the Funfair, Fashionpalooza, and Kidzapalooza Family Area!
- When: September 7 & 8
- Where: Olympiagelände, Olympischer Platz 3, Westend
Tip 6: Big Stars and Big Shows at Waldbühne
From Roland Kaiser to Dua Lipa and legends like Herbert Grönemeyer, the Waldbühne offers a summer packed with star-studded concerts. Check out our event calendar for more details, including the flashlight concert and open-air shows at Parkbühne Wuhlheide and Zitadelle Spandau.
- When: Until September
- Where: Waldbühne Berlin, Glockenturmstraße 1, Olympiapark
Tip 7: Diverse Performances at Luftschloss
Luftschloss, a wooden amphitheater at Tempelhofer Feld, offers a varied open-air program for all ages. From children’s cultural shows to family-friendly comedy and flamenco nights, this stage welcomes around 400 visitors for a season of theater, music, and drama.
- When: May to September
- Where: Tempelhofer Feld, southwest entrance, 12101 Berlin
Tip 8: Experience “Flow” at Dark Matter Summerlights
Light artist Christopher Bauder’s installation, Flow, illuminates the night sky at Dark Matter with over 30,000 individual lights creating endless waves. With a soundtrack by Chris Kuijten, blending classical instruments with electronic music, this 45-minute show offers a meditative escape.
- When: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 PM (until September 29)
- Where: Köpenicker Chaussee 46, Lichtenberg
Tip 9: Get Enchanted at Britzer Gartennacht
Enter a world of fantasy at Britzer Gartennacht, where mystical creatures and fantasy figures come to life through light shows and artistry. Accompanied by music, this magical evening also features concerts in the garden’s large open-air venue.
- When: August 17, from 5 PM
- Where: Britzer Garten, Buckower Damm 168, Britz
Tip 10: Major Sporting Events in Berlin
Berlin continues its athletic year with major events like the Berlin Marathon on September 29 and the Laver Cup from September 20 to 22. Whether you’re a marathon enthusiast or a tennis fan, these events are not to be missed!
- Berlin Marathon: September 29, Start at Straße des 17. Juni, Mitte
- Laver Cup: September 20–22, Uber Arena, Uber Platz 1, Friedrichshain
