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A colourful street celebration of pride and unity
Berlin's Lesbian and Gay City Festival (Lesbisch-schwules Stadtfest) is Europe's largest street festival of its kind, drawing more than 350,000 visitors each year. This two-day extravaganza in the historic Nollendorfplatz neighbourhood in Schöneberg offers an exciting mix of music, entertainment, cultural experiences and activism. The festival is a remarkable experience that brings people together in a joyous display of solidarity and celebration.
Image gallery
Das Lesbisch-schwule Stadtfest, Eisenacher Ecke Fuggerstraße mit Ballons
Lesbian and Gay City Festival at a glance
Nollendorfplatz, the heart of Berlin's queer district, is party central for the Lesbian and Gay City Festival. You'll find streets packed with revellers, a mix of locals and international visitors and a packed schedule of entertainment.At the festival grounds, visitors can explore five theme worlds: World of Film, World of Politics, Positive World/World of Wellness and Health, World of Radio and World of Sports. Each offers a unique experience that caters to different interests, from thought-provoking films and political discussions to wellness activities and sports events.
The festival showcases a wide range of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender projects, organisations and associations, highlighting the diverse contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. And no street festival would be complete without great music, food, drinks and performances – there's plenty to enjoy at every corner of the event.
Lesbian and Gay City Festival highlights
- Rainbow Award Ceremony: This prestigious award honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Wild Sofa Political Talk Show: Catch influential figures and celebrities discussing pressing LGBTQIA+ issues live on stage.
- Berlin's favourite radio station 98.8 Kiss FM pumps up the festival's vibe with Berlin's resonating beats.
- Delicious food and drinks: Trendy food stalls, cosy beer gardens, cocktail bars and shopping stands offer plenty of options to indulge yourself while exploring the festival grounds.
- WomenLesbianTrans* Stage: View a diverse range of performances, including music, spoken word and discussions dedicated to women, lesbians and trans individuals.
Discover the Lesbian and Gay City Festival
Berlin has long been a beacon for queer culture. The Schöneberg district, particularly Nollendorfplatz, was a hotbed of LGBTQIA+ activity as far back as the 1920s during the Weimar Republic, and was home to numerous gay and lesbian bars, clubs and cafés. Today, the Lesbian and Gay City Festival continues to honour this history.Founded in 1992, the festival was initially a response to violence against gay men. Six Berlin-based gay restaurant owners came together to form the KAB (Concerted Action for Lesbian and Gay Businesses in Berlin), organising the first festival to promote unity and stand against discrimination. Over three decades later, it remains a key event not just for Berlin but for the global LGBTQIA+ community, drawing visitors from across Europe and beyond.
Top tips for the Lesbian and Gay City Festival
- Parking is scarce, so public transport is your best option. The festival is located around Nollendorfplatz, easily accessible on the underground lines U1, U2, U3 and U4.
- Many areas of the festival, including main stages, are accessible for people with disabilities, but the festival can get crowded. It's best to plan ahead by checking for designated accessible areas and toilets.
- There's no dress code, and in true Berlin fashion, anything goes! Whether you want to show up in rainbow attire, glitter or leather, the festival is the perfect place to express yourself freely.
Additional information
Dates
July 2025
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