September is just around the corner and that means the final spurt for summer. Before autumn officially begins on 23 September, we're enjoying the last days of summer in the capital. Look forward to weeks full of art, photography and music, top sporting performances, new literature and inspiration on the subject of sustainability. On top of that, there are all kinds of festivals and celebrations. Find out what else September has in store for you here.
Tip 1: See the ICC from the inside on Open Monument Day
On Open Monument Day, you have the opportunity to explore the "spaceship" ICC from the inside. With its futuristic design and striking aluminium façade, the International Congress Centre, or ICC for short, attracts all eyes from the outside. On normal days, however, you have no access to the listed building, for which future usage concepts have been under discussion for some time. The 1970s style runs through the entire interior. Book your free time slot ticket in good time.
When: 9 & 10 September, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: ICC Berlin, Messedamm 22, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Art, Art, Art - Berlin Art Week and Positions Art Fair
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 POSITIONS art fair will take place in the spacious hangars five and six of Tempelhof Airport. In addition to the stands of 100 international galleries presenting their artists, there will also be a supporting programme with award ceremonies and an opening party.
Some highlights of the Art Week at a glance:
- Opening week of Fotografiska, the new museum for contemporary photography
- Opening of two new exhibitions of the Julia Stoschek Foundation
- Extended special programme with guided tours of Hamburger Bahnhof
- Open Day at the Boros Collection, admission without prior booking
When: 13 - 17 September
Where: all over the city
Tip 3: Marvel at the Festival of the Giant Kites
When the Festival of the Giant Kites takes place on Tempelhofer Feld in September, it transforms into a magical place. The artistic, flying creatures, up to 50 metres long, take comfort over the approaching autumn. 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: 16 September, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, entrance Tempelhofer Damm 104
Tip 4: Listen and browse at the International Literature Festival
For 11 days in September, the world of books will be a guest in Berlin. Listen to readings, discover new reading material, meet authors, have something read to you and join in the discussion. It doesn't matter whether you're interested in specialist literature, children's books, novels or niche topics. The programme is as diverse as our times and addresses current political discussions. It's not for nothing that the Berlin International Literature Festival is one of the most important literary events in the world.
When: 6 to 16 September
Where: various locations in Berlin
International Literature Festival
Tip 5: Cheer on the Berlin Marathon or run in it yourself
Running a marathon is a lifelong goal for some people. Maybe you'll make it this year if you've started training in time. For everyone else, the motto is: watch and cheer! After all, amateur runners in particular appreciate a good dose of motivation on the 40 kilometres or so of a marathon course. On their way to the finish line, they will pass several famous sights such as the Victory Column, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
When: 24 September
Where: all over the city
Tip 6: Visit the Green World Tour at the Malzfabrik
For two days, the Malzfabrik becomes the exhibition centre for the Green World Tour. Various exhibitors present solutions for more sustainability in all areas of life. The spectrum of topics ranges from nutrition and health to sustainable building and career opportunities in the green economy. In addition to the numerous stands against the backdrop of the historic Malzfabrik, there will be an interesting lecture programme. For children, there will be a cooking show and a craft session, among other things.
When: 2 to 3 September 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Malzfabrik, Bessemerstraße 2 - 14, Schöneberg
Tip 7: Have a blast at Lollapalooza Berlin
Throw on your most colourful, coolest clothes and visit the mega-event Lollapalooza. Originally from the USA, the music festival attracts around 100,000 visitors every year. Besides the concerts, there is a lot to discover on the festival grounds around the Olympic Stadium: At the "Green Kiez" Lollapalooza will be asking questions about a more sustainable future, at the "Lolla Fun Fair" acrobats and carnies will enchant you, and in the "Fashionpalooza" area you can put the finishing touches to your outfits. Families with children will enjoy "Kidzpalooza", the festival area with a children's programme.
When 9 to 10 September
Where: Olympic Stadium and Maifeld, Olympischer Platz 3, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 8: Now really go to the Pergamon Museum
If you want to see the inside of the Pergamon Museum one last time, you'd better get a move on. On 23 October, the museum will close its doors for an extended period of time for extensive renovations. The rush for the last time slot tickets is already very high. Therefore, reserve your tickets at least one week before your planned visit. By the way: even if you have a Berlin Welcome Card or a museum pass, you still need to reserve a time slot. On the occasion of the approaching closure, the museum has extended its opening hours daily until 7 pm, and on Thursday it is even open until 8 pm.
When: Only until 23 October, Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m.
Where: Museum Island, Bodestraße 1-3, Mitte
Timeslots for the Pergamonmuseum
Tip 9: Discover something new in the month of contemporary music
During the month of contemporary music, you will get to know the entire spectrum of the Berlin music scene. There is everything from symphony orchestras to experimental sound installations. The special feature is that all artists were able to apply with their projects, so that the total of 90 events represent the musical cosmos of the capital quite well. Not only die-hard music fans feel addressed, but everyone who is touched by the universal language of sound.
Musical bonus tip: The Bauhaus Music Weekend from 22 to 24 September is dedicated to the connection between Bauhaus and music.
When: 1 to 30 September
Where: various locations in Berlin
Tip 10: Celebrating the 36th Jewish Cultural Days in Berlin
Art, music, films, comedy and of course delicious food: The Jewish Culture Days are a feast for all the senses - and show the diversity of Jewish life in Berlin. The cultural programme is spread throughout the city: In the literature tent on Bebelplatz you can meet Jewish authors, see interesting films and funny comedies in several cinemas and listen to the sounds of Jewish bands in synagogues and clubs. Under the motto "Kaleidoscope", this year's programme is made up of the most diverse facets of Jewish culture and contemporary Jewish life.
When: 5 to 14 September
Where: various locations in Berlin
Jewish Cultural days in Berlin
Tip 11: Celebrating 10 years of Alte Münze
Where once D-Mark coins and Euro coins were minted, an interdisciplinary community is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The Alte Münze (Old Mint) near Alexanderplatz is now home to studios, sound studios and exhibition spaces. The inner courtyard is regularly the venue for convivial events such as food markets and festivals. The anniversary summer festival brings together everything we love about the Alte Münze: A plant market awaits you in the café "The Greens", workshops and live music ensure a good mood, delicious street food fills your bellies and the panel discussion on the topic "Future of the Cultural Scene" occupies your mind. You can also take a look at the studios and project spaces.
When: 2 and 3 September
Where: Alte Münze, Molkenmarkt 2, Mitte
Check out our Event Calendar for more tips about what is going on in September in Berlin.
