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September in Berlin

A month full of events & festivals

Festival of the Giant Dragons
Festival of the Giant Dragons © Stadt und Land, Foto: Nils Bornemann

September is just around the corner and that means the final spurt for the summer. Before autumn officially begins on 22 September, we are enjoying the last days of summer in the capital. Look forward to weeks full of art, photography and music, top sporting performances, new literary releases and inspiration on the topic of sustainability. On top of that, there are all kinds of parties and festivals. Find out what else September has in store for you here.

Tip 1: Cheer on the Berlin Marathon or run it yourself

Marathon race in Berlin
Marathon race in Berlin © Camera4

For some people, running a marathon is a lifelong goal. Maybe you can do it this year if you start training in time. For everyone else, it's time to watch and cheer because amateur runners in particular are happy to receive a good dose of motivation on the more than 40 kilometres of a marathon course. They pass several famous sights such as the Victory Column, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on their way to the finish line.

When: 29 September . September  
Where: anywhere in the city

Berlin Marathon

Tip 2: Discover innovations from the world of technology

IFA 2017 Consumer Electronics And Appliances Trade Fair
© Getty Images, Foto: Michele Tantussi

At the Internationale Funkausstellung, or IFA for short, you can find out about the latest trends and innovations in the technology scene. In the halls of Messe Berlin, you will find areas dedicated to audio, computers, photography, video, content creation, fitness, mobility, consumer electronics, smart homes and much more. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the trade fair, which was founded in 1924. In keeping with this, there will be a small festival with musical acts, including Bryan Adams and Faithless, in the summer garden of Messe Berlin. 

When: 6 to 10 September
Where: Messe Berlin. September
Where: Messe Berlin

To the International Consumer Electronics Fair

Tip 3: Art, art, art - Berlin Art Week and Positions Art Fair

Besuch einer Gallerie
© GettyImages, Foto: JGI/Tom Grill

On the occasion of Berlin Art Week, there are once again countless exhibition openings, performances, private collections and much more to see at over 100 participating Berlin cultural venues. The Art Fair POSITIONS will take place in the spacious hangars six and seven of Tempelhof Airport. In addition to the booths of 100 international galleries presenting their artists, there will also be a supporting programme with award ceremonies and an opening party.

When: 11 to 15 September . September  
Where: anywhere in the city

Berlin Art Week 

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Tip 4: Listen and browse at the International Literature Festival

ilb - Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin
© Hartwig Klappert

For 10 days in September, the world of books will be a guest in Berlin. Listen to readings, discover new reading material, get to know authors, listen to readings and join in the discussion. No matter whether you are interested in specialised literature, children's books, novels or niche topics. The programme is as diverse as our times and addresses current political discussions. It is no coincidence that the Berlin International Literature Festival is one of the most important literary events in the world. 

When: 5 to 14 September   September  
Where: Various locations in Berlin

International LiteraturE Festival

Tip 5: Marvel at the Festival of Giant Dragons

Festival der Riesendrachen
Festival of the Giant Kites © Stadt und Land, Foto: Nils Bornemann

When the Festival of Giant Dragons takes place on Tempelhofer Feld in September, it is transformed into a magical place. The ornate flying creatures, up to 50 metres long, provide comfort as autumn approaches. The festival is special fun for kite fans big and small. Bring your own kite and let it fly. There will also be a stage show and a varied entertainment programme for children. Admission to the festival is free 

When: 21 September, 11 am - 8 pm  
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, entrance Tempelhofer Damm 104

To the festival of giant dragons

Tip 6: Have huge fun at Lollapalooza Berlin

© Matias Altbach

Throw on your most colourful, coolest clothes and visit the mega event Lollapalooza. The music festival, which originally originated in the USA, attracts around 100,000 visitors every year. In addition to the concerts, there is plenty to discover on the festival site around the Olympic Stadium: At the "Green Neighbourhood", Lollapalooza asks questions about a more sustainable future every year, at the "Lolla Fun Fair" acrobats and showmen will enchant you and in the "Fashionpalooza" area you can put the finishing touches to your outfits. Families with children can look forward to "Kidzpalooza", the festival area with a children's programme. 

When 7 to 8. September  
Where: Olympiastadion and Maifeld, Olympischer Platz 3, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

To Lollapalooza

Tip 7: For the 37. Celebrate the 37th Jewish Culture Days in Berlin

Neue Synagoge Berlin Centrum Judaicum in Berlin
Neue Synagoge Berlin Centrum Judaicum © visitBerlin, Foto: Pierre Adenis

Art, music, films, comedy and, of course, delicious food: The Jewish Culture Days are a feast for all the senses - and showcase the diversity of Jewish life in Berlin. The cultural programme is spread throughout the city: In the literature tent on Bebelplatz you can get to know Jewish authors, watch interesting films and funny comedies in several cinemas and listen to the sounds of Jewish bands in synagogues and clubs. The motto of this year's Jewish Culture Days is "Light". The big highlight will be the unveiling of a new Torah scroll, which will be made in memory of the events of 7 October.

When: 12 to 22 September  
Where: various locations in Berlin

Jewish Culture Days in Berlin

Tip 8:  Experience the spirit of sport at the ISTAF & Laver Cup

02.09.2018 Leichtathletik ISTAF
© Camera4

For spectators and athletes alike, watching and competing against the historic backdrop of the Berlin Olympic Stadium is an experience. The International Stadium Festival - ISTAF - is an annual sporting event where athletics fans get their money's worth! Be there when world-class athletes compete against each other in the long jump, steeplechase, javelin throw, pole vault, discus throw and the race over several 100 metres. The event also has an impressive historical background and has been held annually in Berlin since 1921.

When: 1 September

Where: Berlin. September
Where: Olympiastadion Berlin

ISTAF 2024

The Laver Cup at the Uber Arena is an exciting tennis tournament in a class of its own: over three days, six of Europe's leading men's tennis players will compete against six players from the rest of the world. The teams will be led by legendary captains Bjorn Borg for Team Europe and John McEnroe for Team World.

When: 20 - 22 September 
Where: Uber Arena Friedrichshain 

Tickets 

Tip 9: Visit the Green World Tour at the Malzfabrik

Malzfabrik Schöneberg
© Malzfabrik, Foto: Matthias Friel

For two days, the Malzfabrik will be the exhibition centre for the Green World Tour. Various exhibitors will present solutions for more sustainability in all areas of life. The topics range from nutrition and health to sustainable construction and career opportunities in the green economy. In addition to the numerous stands against the backdrop of the historic Malzfabrik, there will also be an interesting lecture programme. For children, there will be a cookery show and a craft session, among other things. 

When: 7 to 8 September September 11 am - 6 pm  
Where: Malzfabrik, Bessemerstraße 2 - 14, Schöneberg

Green World Tour Berlin

Tip 10: Discover culinary diversity at the tipBerlin Food Festival

Beautiful woman having food with friends at dining table
© Getty Images, Foto: Luis Alvarez

Under the motto "Italian specialities", the tipBerlin Food Festival is dedicated to one of the world's most beautiful trivialities. The festival programme includes exclusive dinners, shows, a food market and workshops, including olive oil and wine tastings. Train your palate and discover the culinary diversity of Italian cuisine in Berlin with heavenly pizza, pasta and thickly topped sandwiches.

When: 16 to 22 September. September  
Where: Various locations in Berlin

TipBerlin Food Festival

Tip 11: Monet and the Impressionist city

Blick vom Kolonnadenhof auf die Alte Nationalgalerie
© visitBerlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

When you think of the Impressionist art style, you probably first think of vivid landscapes. A new exhibition starting in September at the Alte Nationalgalerie proves that Impressionism is much more versatile. The star paintings of "Monet and the Impressionist City" are three 19th century paintings in which Claude Monet captured the vibrant life of Paris on canvas. With views of other works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, the show provides insights into the facets of the city motif.

When: From 27. September
Where: Alte Nationalgalerie, Museum Island, Mitte 

To the exhibition

For even more event tips, you can always browse our Calendar of events .

Maria Grade

Maria

studied art history in Berlin and is at home in the digital world. For her, things get interesting where technology and sustainability meet art and architecture. As a child, she wanted to become a writer or journalist. Today she writes about the Berlin of the future for you. All posts