When the pumpkins are on the doorsteps in Berlin, the lanterns flicker and ghosts roam the streets, there's only one thing to do: go trick-or-treating. But even for those who haven't been looking forward to the Spooky Season since June, there are plenty of exciting weekend activities in Berlin. Jazz, science and a mammoth hike, for example!
Tip 1: Groove into November at the Jazzfest
Every autumn, the Jazzfest Berlin attracts guests from all over the world to the Haus der Berliner Festspiele and many other venues in the city to experience jazz greats and newcomers:inside live. This weekend, the jazz jewel of the Berlin music scene celebrates its 60th birthday. To honour this milestone, four days of experimental performances and traditional jazz sounds will be celebrated. Look forward to a unique opportunity to experience high-calibre musical performances. And finally, an insider tip: the special highlight of this year's Jazzfest is the Community Lab Moabit, which explores the musical diversity of the popular neighbourhood and invites young and old to experience music together. Genuine Berlin jazz!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various times
Where: At various locations throughout Berlin
Tip 2: Take a look inside Berlin's labs during Berlin Science Week
It's that time of year again this weekend: Berlin Science Week is taking over Berlin with exciting events in laboratories, universities and museums. No other series of events in the field of science manages to bring complex topics to the public in such a playful and engaging way as Berlin Science Week. Its aim is to take science out of the ivory tower and make it accessible to as many people as possible. The participating institutions have put together an exciting programme especially for the professors of tomorrow: Children can let off steam and try out all kinds of participatory activities. So pack up the whole family and stroll through the smartest places in Berlin this weekend!
When: Various times depending on the event
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Tip 3: Explore the myth of Tempelhof for two hours
Tempelhof Airport has shaped the Berlin cityscape for 100 years. The neighbouring Tempelhofer Feld is particularly popular. Sport, relaxation and walks are the order of the day here. Things get really interesting in the actual centrepiece, the airport building, as it has seen a lot in its long history. The monumental architecture allows an insight into other times and brings the past into the present. Listen to exciting stories about the flight operations of the time in the check-in halls and learn all about the US allies in Berlin in the former US Air Force areas.
When: Friday and Saturday 12pm and 3pm, Sunday 12pm, 1pm and 3pm
Where: Tempelhof Airport, CHECK-IN visitor centre, Platz der Luftbrücke 5, Tempelhof
Tip 4: Spend a ghoulishly beautiful Halloween weekend
Pumpkins, witches, ghosts and zombies as far as the eye can see - that's Halloween in Berlin. When the spookiest evening of the year is just around the corner, the city shows off all its spooky creativity. Numerous parties, guided tours of the Berlin Dungeon, horror nights at Filmpark Babelsberg and even scary tours through Berlin Zoo make this weekend a very special experience. But the highlight of Berlin Halloween this year is once again the traditional Halloween festival in the Wilmersdorfer Straße pedestrian zone in Charlottenburg. Here, a giant slide, trampolines, carousels and even a witch's house will entice the little spooky fans - and the adults accompanying them are also catered for with treats and drinks.
When: On the night of Friday
Where: Various venues across Berlin
Tip 5: Fall in love with Jean Paul Gaultier's glittering world at FALLING | IN LOVE
Star designer and fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier simply knows what works when it comes to design: He proves this not only on Paris catwalks. In the lavish grand show FALLING | IN LOVE at the Friedrichstadt-Palast, he takes on the role of curator, and actors and dancers in his brilliant costumes shine with over 100 million Swarovski crystals. Hope, passion and love take centre stage here when the young poet You sets off in search of a better world in the sparkling garden of love. A rousing spectacle like this will quickly chase away the autumn chill.
When: Friday and Sunday 7.30pm, Saturday 3.30pm
Where: Friedrichstadt-Palast, Friedrichstraße 107, Mitte
Tip 6: Get into the Christmas spirit at the first winter markets
Admittedly, it's still a bit early to be thinking about Christmas. But when the first Berlin winter markets open their doors, it's hard to stay at home. What's more, they don't just tempt you with Christmas presents, mulled wine and biscuits. The Christmas funfair on Landsberger Allee, for example, is anything but contemplative: with numerous rides and carousels, winter thrills await the whole family here. And at the Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz, you can not only sip mulled wine, but also toboggan, feast and enjoy live music.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various times
Where: At various locations in Berlin
Tip 7: Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Komödie am Kurfürstendamm. Komödie am Kurfürstendamm
The Komödie am Kurfürstendamm is celebrating its 100th anniversary - a significant event in Berlin's cultural scene. Founded in 1924 by Max Reinhardt, the theatre quickly became a firm favourite for entertaining, sophisticated plays. Since 1950, the theatre has been run by the Woelffer family, who also guided it through times of expropriation and destruction. To mark its 100th anniversary, a very special matinee show will now be presented on Sunday, due to construction in exile at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. With musical and literary contributions as well as personal anecdotes from well-known greats from theatre history. Immerse yourself in the rich history of one of Berlin's most famous theatres!
When: Sunday 12 noon
Where: Komödie im Theater am Potsdamer Platz, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, Tiergarten
Tip 8: Experience the spirit of India at the Diwali Festival
If Berlin's cold November weather is getting to you, the Diwali Festival at Sage Beach is the place to be. Authentic Indian dishes from Berlin's best desi chefs will heat you up with hot spices and unusual flavours. If you're still cold after that, you can warm up with over ten Indian live acts and various rousing dance performances. Bollywood, karaoke and curry provide an entertaining and authentic mix of everything that makes India so special. You shouldn't miss the lively after-party in particular!
When: Saturday from 12:30pm
Where: Sage Beach, Köpenicker Straße 18-20, Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Entrench yourself in Harry Potter's fantasy world for 24 hours
24 hours, a cinema auditorium and hundreds of Harry Potter fans in one place: That's the Harry Potter Marathon at Berlin's Babylon cinema. At this cinema experience with a difference, you can hole up with other fantasy fans in the cosy armchairs of the historic cinema auditorium and enjoy all eight films in the Harry Potter saga one after the other. And don't worry, you're not tied to your armchairs - as long as you're wearing your Marathon wristband, you can come and go as you please. Apart from the popcorn and other snacks on offer in the cinema, you can even bring your own food. And if you prove you know enough between films in the Harry Potter trivia competition, you could win some great prizes!
When: Friday from 6pm
Where: Babylon cinema, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, Mitte
Tip 10: Push your limits on the Mammutmarsch Berlin
As pioneers of extreme hikes, the organisers:innen von Mammutmarsch have been organising challenging hiking events in various European metropolises since 2013 that push participants to their physical limits. This is also the case in Berlin: you can choose between routes of 30, 42 or 55 kilometres, which take you past historical and modern highlights of the city to the Plötzensee lido, where you can enjoy a well-earned drink at the end. In addition to Berlin's landmarks, there will also be marshals with snacks, water and surprises waiting for you - so despite all the effort, the time will fly by.
When: Saturday start from 6.20am and from 7am
Where: Strandbad Plötzensee, Nordufer 26, Wedding
Tip 11: Chug across the autumnal Spree for an hour
In rain or shine - if there's one thing you can rely on in Berlin, it's the Spree boats. After all, they are Berlin's favourite means of transport for exploring the city in an exciting yet relaxed way. Where others have to join long queues, march from sight to sight on foot or deal with chaotic ticket sales, there is always a fresh breeze blowing here. Simply make yourself comfortable with a steaming cup of tea on the deck or in one of the cosy interior rooms and let the crew tell you a Berlin anecdote or two while the cathedral, Reichstag and co. pass by on the shore for an hour.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various departure times
Where: Mooring point Bhf. Friedrichstraße, Reichstagufer 18, Mitte
