The wonderful month of May is just around the corner and with it some of the best events of the whole year. After a lavish dance into May, you can explore green technologies of the future at the Greentech Festival, be enchanted by the Berlin Theatre Meeting and look forward to other festivals centred around asparagus, jazz and the digital society. And as we can look back on 75 years of European unification, there will also be events on Europe and the European Union throughout the month.
Tip 1: Dance into May
In the list of special nights, the night of 1 May is in one of the top places. And rightly so. Winter is finally over (even at night) and we can party and dance outside again. In Berlin too, of course. The capital's clubs and party venues invite you to shake a leg and party into May. But it's not just party-hungry people who get their money's worth on Walpurgis Night. Even if you prefer to take it a little easier, Berlin has something for you.
Events for the first of May:
- Concert and dance into May at the ufaFabrik
- Dance into May at Ballhaus Wedding
- Family May Festival at the ufaFabrik
- Dance into May at the Kulturbrauerei
Where: Various events throughout Berlin
When: Night from 30 April to 1 May
Tip 2: Explore green ideas for the future at the Greentech Festival
Climate change is dominating the media and you urgently need positive news about the ecological transformation of the world? Then you should take a closer look at the Greentech Festival. For three days, it's all about sustainability, green technologies and innovations in the fields of energy, food, mobility and infrastructure. A look into the green crystal ball where you can discover all kinds of things that will help us in the fight against climate change. As usual, the best ideas and minds will be honoured with the Green Awards.
When: 20 to 22 May
Where: Messe Berlin, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 3: Enjoy stage art at the Berlin Theatertreffen 2025
For theatre fans, the Berlin Theatertreffen is a must-attend event. Every year in May, 10 productions from German-speaking countries are invited to Berlin, where they are shown, discussed, debated and placed in the context of the times. Just how popular the festival is can be seen from the submissions: 600 productions apply each year, only ten of which make it to Berlin. This year, by the way, there is a milestone birthday to celebrate: the Berliner Theatertreffen turns 60. This milestone will be celebrated with contributions, impulses, readings and more from selected alumni of the last 60 years.
When: 2 to 18 May
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Charlottenburg
Musicals at the Theater des Westens!
The best musicals in Berlin's most beautiful theatre: on April 17 “Romeo & Julia – Liebe ist alles” starts again into a new season and the brand new Romeo & Julia spin off “Die Amme” starts on April 10 - probably the funniest show in town!
Tip 4: Celebrate the royal vegetable at the asparagus festival in the Akazienkiez
The Schöneberg Akazienkiez neighbourhood is worth a visit all year round. In May, however, it's twice as worthwhile. That's when the traditional asparagus festival is celebrated here. The popular street festival attracts thousands of people to the market stalls and attractions every year and also provides royal flair. The Asparagus Queen Joelina Jakobs personally honours the street festival and answers all your questions about asparagus and the like. Children are of course also welcome and can have fun with carousels, face painting and a small Ferris wheel.
When: 10 and 11 May
Where: Akazienstraße, Schöneberg
Tip 5: Discover the power of good design at Berlin Design Week 2025
A whole week dedicated to design - at Berlin Design Week 2025, the creative minds of the industry come together to show what can be done with design. And you are right in the middle of it. Because at the various venues, you can get to grips with materials, technologies and trends and find out in personal discussions what good design is all about. For the night owls among you, we have a special tip: at the Berlin Design Nights, the doors of selected locations will be open to you for two nights - here you'll get insights behind the scenes that you won't get anywhere else.
When: 15 to 18 May
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Tip 6: Explore digital possibilities at re:publica 25
Generation XYZ - that's the theme of this year's re:publica. Because there is a lack of spaces where generations can meet. Countless experts from business, politics and society will be discussing how we can change this at the festival for the digital society. The goal is clear: open encounters and a cross-generational alliance.
You can attend the numerous panels, talks and events live and join in the discussion. The supporting programme is just as popular, with installations, art performances and networking events where you can find out about current digitalisation topics. Ticket sales for re:publica have already started. It's best not to wait too long, as tickets are in high demand.
When: 26 to 28 May
Where: Station Berlin, Luckenwalder Straße 4 - 6, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: Feel the groove at the XJAZZ! Festival 2025
Jazz, jazz and more jazz - at the XJAZZ! Festival 2025 is all about creative, experimental and above all rousing sounds and pieces of music for a whole week. Over 50 international artists and bands are expected to showcase their skills at venues such as the Festsaal Kreuzberg, the Oberhafen Kantine, the House of Rye and many more. The line-up is once again impressive this year. Stars and starlets of the jazz scene such as Bonaparte - The Quiet, Marcos Valle and many more will be performing in Berlin from 12 to 18 May.
When: 12 to 18 May
Where: Various venues throughout Berlin
Tip 8: Stroll through the Berlin art world at Gallery Weekend and paper positions
Gallery Weekend
Big weekend for small and large galleries as well as up-and-coming artists - at Gallery Weekend 59 exhibition spaces open their doors and show you what's currently going on in the art world. The event is taking place for the 21st time and, as every year, attracts thousands of art enthusiasts to the capital. No wonder: you don't normally get this close to the artists. And the timing couldn't be better. In the mild May weather, you can stroll from gallery to gallery through the city and be inspired. It's best to make a little plan beforehand and think about which studio visits or curatorial tours you definitely don't want to miss.
paper positions Berlin
Art enthusiasts can also look forward to the paper positions Berlin, which is taking place at the former Tempelhof Airport. Marvel at the diversity that paper as a material brings with it - from classic paper techniques such as silhouettes and drawings to experimental new approaches that barely reveal to you that paper is their basis.
When: 2 to 4 May (Gallery Weekend), 1 to 4 May (paper positions)
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
Gallery Weekend
Tip 9: Revel in bike heaven at VELOBerlin
Gliding through the city on two wheels using muscle power alone - freedom can be that simple. That's what it's all about on 10 and 11 May at the former Tempelhof Airport. Because VELOBerlin is coming up and, as every year, will bring the latest bike trends to Berlin. Here you can get everything from chic racing bikes and e-bikes suitable for everyday use to cargo bikes to replace your car - including the right accessories, of course. Of course, you'll also find the right test tracks for your new bike here. So you can put your dream bike through its paces right away. And if you like it sporty, you should take part in one of the bike races in the Airfield Race or Cargobike Race categories. The fastest cyclists in Berlin compete against each other here year after year!
When: 10 and 11 May
Where: Former Tempelhof Airport, Platz der Luftbrücke 6, Tempelhof
Tip 10: Raise money for women with cancer at the Berlin Women's Run 2025
Joint sport for a good cause - that's what the Berlin Women's Run through the Tiergarten is all about. Year after year, women take part in Germany's largest charity run and raise money for the Berliner Krebsgesellschaft e. V. This organisation uses the money raised to support women with cancer in financial need. But it's not just about raising much-needed money. The run also stands for empowerment and mutual help and sets an example for community involvement. So lace up your running shoes and join like-minded people for the Berlin Women's Run over five or ten kilometres. Participation is everything here - that's why you can also take part in the 5-kilometre course without being timed!
When: 17 May
Where: Tiergarten
Tip 11: Discover an entire continent at the Berlin Europe Weeks
May is all about Europe - and not just in Berlin. Countless events about Europe and the European Union are taking place throughout Germany this month. Come along, join in the discussions, get to know other countries and discover a colourful supporting programme with music, talks, culture, games and much more. Of course, you can also get into dialogue with politicians and think together about what Europe is all about. Afterwards, you are guaranteed to know a lot more about Europe.
When: 30 April to 31 May
Where: Various locations throughout Berlin
