2024’s Eurovision was always going to be controversial, and many activists are boycotting the event due to Israel’s inclusion (Russia was banned from last year’s competition after the invasion of Ukraine). Here is our list of where you can watch the Eurovision final this Saturday, or support an alternative event which raises money for Palestinian causes.
Alternative Events
Boycott Eurovision: Screening & Talk
The folks over at QuARC (Berlin Queers Against Racism and Colonialism) will be hosting a screening of John Greyson’s ultra-camp surrealist docu-opera Photo Booth. Telling the story of queer activists and their support of the BDS movement, the film will be accompanied by a short talk about why LGBTQIA+ groups around the world are calling for a boycott of Eurovision.
- Biergarten Jockel, Ratiborstr. 14c, Kreuzberg, May 9 (doors open 6pm, starts 7pm), details.
Palivision
Head to Al Hamra for an evening of music, spoken word performances and speeches organised by theleftberlin. An alternative event for anyone wishing to boycott Eurovision this year, all money raised at Palivision will be donated to the European Legal Support Centre to help support Palestinian Solidarity in Germany.
- Al Hamra, Raumerstr. 16, Prenzlauer Berg, May 11 (doors open 6pm, starts 7pm), details.
Gyrovision
This year, Corner Späti are hosting an alternate viewing of all the ESC performances in which audience members will be able to vote and distribute points, as if they were taking part in the real thing. The in-person event is already sold out, but don’t fret – you can stream it live and take part in the voting remotely.
Eurovision Screenings
AHA Berlin
One of Berlin’s oldest LGBTQ+ organisations, the Allgemeine Homosexuelle Arbeitsgemeinschaft (or AHA) is known for its regular Eurovision karaoke nights.
- AHA Monumentenstr. 13, Schöneberg, May 11 (doors open 7pm, starts 8pm), admission free, details.
Bar Saint Jean
Described by the owner as “a simple place with a French touch,” Bar Saint Jean is the perfect spot to relax with good vibes and good drinks. You can join the mixed crowd of born and bred Berliners and tourists in Mitte for their ESC semi-final (May 9) and final (May 11) watch parties. Enjoy a specialty cocktail or pop a bottle of champagne after your favourite performance!
- Bar Saint Jean Ziegelstr. 29, Mitte, May 9 and May 11(from 8pm), details.
Rauschgold
For a Eurovision screening with a popping after party, head over to Rauschgold. Not only will they be screening the semi-final, but also the final along with a “Grand-Prix-Party” hosted by drag queen Herrin Deluxe after the show. You can’t reserve tickets, so be sure to get there in advance! Doors open at 8pm, and the first to arrive will have the best seats.
- Rauschgold Mehringdamm 62, Kreuzberg, May 9 and May 11 (from 8pm), admission free, details.
Revier Südost
Usually a fun spot for live music, DJ-performances, pub quizzes and even Tatort screenings, this weekend Revier Südost will be hosting watch parties for the ESC semi-final and final in their Baergarten.
- Revier Südost Baergarten, Schnellerstr. 137, May 9 and May 11 (from 8pm), details.
SchwuZ Queer Club
Bask in the glitz and glam of Eurovision on the big screen at SchwuZ, where drag queens Rosetta Bleach and Destiny Drescher will be adding their personal flair to the final through quick-witted commentary. Be sure to stick around for a night of retro revelry after the show!
- SchwuZ Queer Club Rollbergstr. 26, Kreuzberg, May 11 (from 7pm), details.
