Summer, sun, open air! This Summer in Berlin will be something very special. Experience art, culture and music outdoors in the open air. Festivals, concerts, cinema, exhibitions, theatre and dance. As you like it! You can find our top 11 tips here.
Tip 1: Dance into the night at "Berlin Beats"
The second round of the popular DJ series "Berlin Beats" at Hamburger Bahnhof starts in summer. In the garden of the museum you can dance into the summer to electronic music by various DJs. Oda Hliti will kick off the open-air series on Friday 7 June from 7 to 10 pm. Admission to the events is free. Click here for the rest of the programme: Programme for Berlin Beats
When: 7 June - 29. August, 7 - 10 pm
Where: Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, Invalidenstraße 50/51, 10557 Berlin
Tip 2: Stroll around the Kolonnaden Bar
It is one of the most beautiful places in Berlin. The historic Kolonnadenhof at the northern tip of Museumsinsel provides the backdrop for this year's edition of the Kolonnaden Bar. Under the motto "Strolling", you are invited to stroll between the columns and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. An exciting cultural programme and music with changing DJs and protagonists await you every Thursday evening from 6.30 pm. Enjoy cool drinks and stimulating conversations.
When: Thursday to Saturday 4 - 10 pm; Sunday 4 - 8 pm
Where: Bodestraße 1-3, Mitte
Tip 3: Open air cinema at Checkpoint Charlie
Directly at the historic border crossing Checkpoint Charlie you will find a lovely beach bar during the Berlin summer. Here, at "Charlie's Beach", the Federal Agency for Civic Education has been showing selected films dealing with a typical Berlin theme since 2012. After the open-air cinema, you are invited to film discussions in which you can take a look behind the scenes and delve deeper into the respective topic. Admission is free. This year you can see:
8 August, 9 pm: Deutschland im Herbst
15 August, 8.45 pm: Himmel über Berlin
22 August, 8.30 pm: Tamara
29 August, 8.30 pm: Spur der Steine
When: until 29. August
Where: Friedrichstraße 48, Mitte
Tip 4: Listen to music in the sculpture garden of the Nationalgalerie
There's plenty to discover around the Neue Nationalgalerie and the Kulturforum. And in summer, the surrounding areas are transformed into an open-air stage for cinema, tango, yoga and much more. With Sound in the Garden, the Neue Nationalgalerie invites you to enjoy music in the sculpture garden. In addition, the exhibitions "Zerreissprobe. Torn Test. Art between Politics and Society. Collection of the Nationalgalerie 1945 - 2000", "Gerhard Richter. 100 Works for Berlin." and "Andy Warhol. Velvet Rage and Beauty" can be visited free of charge between 4 and 8 pm. In addition to the events, you can also enjoy snacks and cool drinks.
When:
22 August, 7 pm: Alicja Kwade "Goldelse" in collaboration with Grzegorski Records
24 August, 6 pm: Sam Barker "Discrete Ensemble" (sound installation)
14 September, 7 pm: Bendik. September, 7 pm: Bendik Giske (concert)
Where: Potsdamer Straße 50, Tiergarten
Tip 5: Enjoy two days of festival atmosphere at Lollapalooza
Cro, Shirin David, The Chainsmokers: the line-up for this year's Lollapalooza shines with several big names. And there's even more great news: Because the big music festival on Berlin's Olympic site is the first festival in Germany to be certified for holistic sustainability management. For you, this means even more FLINTA acts, more vegan and plant-based food and a bigger green neighbourhood. Of course, the Funfair, Fashionpalooza and the Kidzapalooza Family Area will also be back. Look forward to colourful festival days on the Olympic site.
When: 7 & 8. September
Where: Olympiagelände, Olympischer Platz 3, Westend
Tip 6: Waldbühne - experience big stars and atmospheric concerts
From Roland Kaiser and Pur to Dua Lipa to hits, and many big stars such as Herbert Grönemeyer, Peter Maffay and Clueso: the Waldbühne offers you a top-class programme this summer. The flashlight concert will also take place again. The best way to find out more is to check our events calendar.
Tip: The Parkbühne Wuhlheide and the Zitadelle Spandau awaits you with a great open-air programme.
When: until September
Where: Waldbühne Berlin Glockenturmstraße 1, in the Olympiapark
More open air concerts
Tip 7: Enjoy a varied open-air programme at the Luftschloss
Since 2023, the wooden amphitheatre has been attracting young and old alike with a varied stage programme. From cultural events for the little ones to stand-up comedy for the whole family and a flamenco night for lovers: there's something for everyone here. The open-air stage was built by around 100 young people from Berlin schools and sixth form centres and offers space for around 400 visitors. Every year from May to September, theatre, music and drama can be admired in the Luftschloss and the warm season can be celebrated in style! May to September
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, south-west entrance, 12101 Berlin
Tip 8: Get into the flow at Dark Matter Summerlights
After Tensor (see image), the new art installation Flow by light artist Christopher Bauder is transforming the outdoor area of Dark Matter into atmospheric light this summer. Until the end of September, the 1,000 lights with over 30,000 individual points of light will conjure up the illusion of endless waves in the night sky above you. Let yourself fall into the meditative flow and dream your way to your favourite beach. The soundtrack for the 45-minute show comes from Chris Kuijten, who also mixes classical instruments such as piano, flute, saxophone and clarinet into his contemporary, electronic compositions. The show starts every evening after sunset and you can come and go as it suits your personal flow.
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 8pm (until 29. September)
Where: Köpenicker Chaussee 46, Lichtenberg
More about the open-air concert
Tip 9: Britzer Gartennacht - be enchanted
Immerse yourself in a magical world: at Britzer Gartennacht, you will encounter magical creatures and fantasy figures on the grounds. The fairy-tale journey of discovery is accompanied by illuminations and light shows and brought to life with artistry and music. On many other summer nights, the music of the numerous concerts on the large stage will waft through the garden
When: 17. August, 5 pm
Where: Britzer Garten, Buckower Damm 168, Britz
Tip 10: Major sporting events in Berlin
Although the UEFA EURO 2024 is now over, the sporting year in Berlin continues. Look forward to big sporting events such as the Berlin Marathon on 29 September and the Laver Cup from 20 to 22 September. Fans of all kinds of sports will really get their money's worth in Berlin this year.
Berlin Marathon
When: 29 September
Where: Start: Straße des 17. Juni, Mitte
Laver Cup
When: 20 to 22 September
Where: Uber Arena, Uber Platz 1, Friedrichshain
More sporting events in Berlin
Tip 11: Pyro Games - see the sky light up over Berlin
A true spectacle of light and fire awaits you at the Pyro Games. Three teams will literally light up the skies over Berlin at the Championship of Fireworks . The audience will decide who puts on the best effects and the most creative show. In addition to breathtaking firework shows, you can also expect a colourful evening programme with live music, performances, acrobatics, stilt walkers, laser shows and much more.
When: 7. September
Where: Museumspark Rüdersdorf
You can find more tips and event information in our event calendar.
