April in Berlin
April is here – spring is in full bloom, the art season has kicked off and there’s loads to do in the city! So what’s going on? This is the very best of April in Berlin:
April 1
Queer Stitch and Bitch
Head to this weekly sew-cial and bring along whichever craft project you’re working on to natter the evening away.
- Sonntags-Club, Greifenhagener Str. 28, Prenzlauer Berg, starts at 18:00, details.
The Real Show!
A Berlin staple, The Real Show! entertains an intimate crowd at this Ukrainian-owned bar every Tuesday. Supported by a live band (fronted by Dave Adams), 10 amateur comedians get around four minutes of stand-up time each.
- Space Meduza, Skalitzer Str. 80, Kreuzberg, doors at 20:00, details.
April 3
Berlin-Brandenburg Poetry Slam Championships 2024
A highlight of Germany’s slam season, the championships kick off at SO36, followed by Thursday at freiheit fünfzehn, Friday at Waschhaus Potsdam and Saturday at Columbiahalle, where the winner will be crowned. Seeing poetry performed in the sizable Columbiahalle will only increase the excitement.
- SO36, Oranienstr. 190, starts at 20:00, also on Apr 4, 5 & 6, details.
Espresso-Konzert
Feeling that mid-week slump? Come to the Konzerthaus for this regular afternoon programme serving classical music with a shot of espresso. The 45-minute performance featuring talented young musicians is perfectly timed for the peak of your caffeine high.
- Konzerthaus, Gendarmenmarkt 2, Mitte, doors open at 13:00, details.
April 4
Kame House Records present: Cloud Management, Rat Kat, Fog Puma, Infuso Giallo
Sameheads has been a bastion of fine underground events for years, and this is another delicious lineup. Kame House Records have invited Hamburg-based electronica trio Cloud Management to Berlin to bring their new album to life on stage. Their live performance will be followed by DJ sets by Rat Kat and more.
- Sameheads, Richardstraße 10, Neukölln, doors open at 22:00, details.
April 5
Dykes* Gone Wild! x WET
Good news for those who missed the party in February: Dykes* Gone Wild is back for a second edition. Next to a stellar lineup of pop, techno and electro DJs, the evening also holds a host of shows, including drag and burlesque performances.
- SchwuZ, Rollbergstraße 26, Neukölln, doors open at 22:30, info tba.
April 6
Stand Up Comedy Competition Final
Berlin’s home to a huge English stand-up comedy scene. If you want to catch the next wave of amateur comedians as they emerge, then head to the Berlin New Stand-Up Award Final. This is the fifth year of the competition, and it’s getting bigger and better every time.
- Refugio Kreuzberg, Lenaustr. 3, Kreuzberg, doors open at 19:00, details.
Berliner Staudenmarkt
Celebrate the return of sunshine and nature! This gathering for hobby gardeners features over 100 national and international nurseries presenting the latest plant varieties, native wild species and historical varieties. Nine euros grants you access to all this as well as workshops and all-organic food stands.
- Domäne Dahlem, Zehlendorf, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 9:00-18:00, also on Apr 7, details.
Slave To The Rave 30
No dress code, no high concepts, just the topdogs of techno like Shampain, DJ Jewel, Estella Boersma and Miley Serious.
- Club OST, Alt-Stralau 1-2, Friedrichshain, starts at 23:00, details.
April 7
Museum Sunday
This is our regular PSA reminding you that museums and galleries across the city open their doors free of charge today on the first Sunday of every month. Time slots open up exactly one week before, and the bigger museums tend to get booked up quickly.
- Check out our guide to participating museums here.
Berlin Half Marathon
Join thousands of runners in the biggest half marathon in the whole of Germany. Last year, more than 26,000 finished the race. The fastest runners finish in less than one hour, which is an incredible time to complete 21km. Respect to absolutely everyone that crosses the finish line though!
- Starts at Straße des 17. Juni between Brandenburger Tor and Siegessäule, details.
April 8
Roads not Taken. Or: Things could have turned out differently
Who hasn’t wondered how different the world could be if historical events had taken another course? Head to the DHM for a tour of the exhibition posing these questions in a fascinating way. Starting with the Fall of the Wall and moving backwards, exploring alternative histories each step of the way.
- Deutsches Historisches Museum, Unter den Linden 2, Mitte, 12:00-13:00, details.
Gents X Humble Choir
The avant-pop Danish duo GENTS return to their roots, performing with an 80-person youth choir from the HUMBLE school, where they themselves both trained and met. In this special event Genezarethkirche, the reverberations of the church organ elevate the experience to transcendence.
- Startbahn, Genezarethkirche, Herrfurthpl. 14, Neukölln, starts at 19:00, details.
April 10
Pepsi Boston Bar: Lemonade Queers – Sober Party
Sober queers and allies are all invited to this riotous evening of drag, comedy, burlesque and DJing. Recognising a much-needed gap in the city’s queer nightlife, this event invites you to simply bring your zest for life and enjoy the show – no substances required.
- SchwuZ, Rollbergstraße 26, Neukölln, doors open at 19:00, details.
Achtung Berlin FilmFestival
Achtung showcases local film talents from Berlin and Brandenburg with a diverse selection of films screening over a week.
- Various locations, through Apr 17, details.
April 12
Time to Shine
Time to Shine is the burlesque comedy show where storytelling meets seduction. Whether you’re a seasoned latex lover or just looking for laughs, this show makes light of what can often feel like an awfully serious scene.
- Neue Bühne, Boxhagener Str. 18, Friedrichshain, also on Apr 13, details.
April 13
Cherry Blossom Festival
Welcome to Berlin’s answer to hanami, the Japanese tradition of celebrating the transient beauty of flowers. In this abundant garden, nature and entertainment come together, so expect drumming, dances, handicrafts and Japanese delicacies. And if you like your cherry blossom with a side of cosplay, there is also an outfit competition at the arena.
- Gardens of the World, Blumberger Damm 44, Marzahn, 12:00-17:00, also on Apr 14, details.
April 14
Affordable Art Fair
After 25 years of bringing affordable art to the masses, this fair is coming to Berlin for the very first time. Here, you can enjoy the spectacle not just as a spectator of the incredible art on offer, but also as a potential buyer.
- Arena Berlin, Friedrichshain, Eichenstr. 4, also on Apr 12 & 13, details.
Vegan Sundays by green market berlin
A perfect Sunday afternoon combines three of the greatest (and greenest) pleasures: plant-based grub, Berlin’s wildest innercity forest and incredible views of the Spree. All of this and more can be found at the green market.
- Eierhäuschen by the Spree, Kiehnwerderallee 2, Treptow, 12:00-20:00, details.
April 15
Smut Slam
Let’s be real: who doesn’t like stories about sex? Hosted by Cameryn Moore, this dirty storytelling event invites audience members to the stage. This isn’t erotica though; the tales can be sad, funny, happy and (of course) awkward. The best stories will win a prize, so it’s worth being brave!
- Crack Bellmer inside the RAW-Gelände, Revaler Str. 99, Friedrichshain, doors at 19:00, details.
April 16
Echoes of the Brother Countries
Dive into the little-known story of migration to the DDR from other socialist-oriented states such as Algeria, Mozambique and Vietnam. This exhibition is Free on Mondays and holds English tours most days.
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Moabit, starts at 12:00, details.
April 17
From Odessa to Berlin
For this behind-the-scenes preview of an exhibition coming in 2025, 74 works were transported from the Odessa Museum in Ukraine to Berlin. Join restorers and a curator for a special presentation of 12 selected works.
- Meeting point at Information Kulturforum at the Gemäldegalerie, Matthäikirchplatz, Tiergarten, 16:30, details.
April 18
Fantasy Filmfest
This long-running film festival has been sending shivers down Berliners’ spines for 38 years. With a curatorial ability to transcend style and mood by subverting genre presumption, the term ‘fantasy’ is a loose jumping-off point to explore provocative cinema.
- Zoo Palast, Hardenbergstraße 29A, Charlottenburg, through to Apr 21, details.
Sehsüchte
Photo: Frederik Lorenz
Beyond showcasing student films, the largest international student film festival in Europe fosters exchange through panel discussions, workshops and legendary parties, creating a vibrant atmosphere for creators and audiences.
- In cinemas across Potsdam, through to Apr 28, details.
April 19
Ostpro
Browse through some of East Germany’s quirkiest products at this celebration of Ostalgie. Here, you’ll find everything from the waffle bread Filinchen and Nutella-competitor Nudosee to fun figurines of well-known DDR cartoons, like Mr. Fuchs.
- Karlshorst Horse Racing Track, Treskowallee 159, Karlshorst, through to Apr 21, details.
Caspar David Friedrich: Infinite Landscapes
The work of Germany’s best-known Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich will leave you ready to quit your job, run into the hills and embrace the elements. Celebrating his legacy, Alte Nationalgalerie is showcasing many of his masterpieces among the 60 paintings on display.
- Alte Nationalgalerie, Bodestraße 1-3, Mitte, through to Aug 4, details.
April 20
420Day Smoke-In Berlin
It’s 4:20 and weed is finally legal. If there was ever a year to get down to Brandenburger Tor, it would be this one. Join this uniquely relaxed protest: think less marching in the streets and more of a laid-back vibe.
- Platz des 18. März, Mitte, 14:00-21:00, details.
Beach Food Festival
It is officially the start of the lake season, and here at the Strandbad you can wade into Langesee with the addition of amazing snacks and street food. With 30 stalls to choose from, live music, craft workshops and a raft tour, there’ll be enough to keep everyone entertained (and distract you from the water still being freezing).
- Strandbad Wendenschloss, Möllhausenufer 30, Köpenick, through to Apr 21, details.
Kinktastisch
If you’re looking to dip your toe into sex-positive partying, this party is ideal. Next to a dance floor and DJs, there are midnight kinky cabaret style shows, plus a special couples area and a dungeon, while resident “unicorns” ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.
- Insomnia, Alt-Tempelhof 17-19, Neukölln, starts at 22:00, details.
April 21
Null Komma Prosit
Mindful Drinking Club has organised a day of non-alcoholic drinking in collaboration with Markthalle Neun. Five euros get you a sample sip at every stand from a bountiful array of non-alcoholic drinks. Forget lime and soda: kombucha, shrubs, kefir, fruit seccos, wine proxies, spirits and oxymels are all on offer.
- Markthalle Neun, Pücklerstraße 34, Kreuzberg, 11:00-18:00, details.
Lee Ufan – Guided Tour in English
As this retrospective at the Hamburger Bahnhof draws to a close, don’t miss the chance to delve deeper into the work of the Korean minimalist painter and sculptor. His work will leave you pondering materiality, emptiness and the transformative potential of art.
- Hamburger Bahnhof, Invalidenstr. 50, Moabit, 13:00-14:00, details.
April 22
Magazine Launch: Explore Desire with the new Erotic Review
Join for this grand (re)launch of the Erotic Review, celebrating the British magazine entering a new chapter in its 30-year history. With fresh perspectives on the erotic through global art and writing, you’ll hear from editors Lucy Roeber and Saskia Vogel and have a sneak preview by featured authors.
- Lettrétage, Veteranenstr. 21, Prenzlauer Berg, starts 20:00, details.
April 24
ALFILM Festival
Showcasing some of the most revered cinema from the Arab world, both past and present, ALFILM also features several panel discussions, as well as Q&As with directors and filmmakers.
- Various cinemas, through to Apr 30, details.
April 25
paper positions
Unfold the brilliance of paper art at this fair featuring works from 56 international galleries. Three lucky winners will snag prizes for their creations.
- Deutsche Telekom, Französische Str. 33 a-c, Mitte, through to Apr 28, details.
April 26
Critical Mass
Now spring is here, you have no excuse not to head out on your bike and shut down the streets of Berlin en masse.
- Starts Mariannenplatz, Kreuzberg, starts at 20:00, details.
Gallery Weekend
A highlight on the art calendar, Gallery Weekend welcomes guests from Berlin and beyond as 50 of the city’s top galleries wheel out their most exciting contemporary artists.
- Various locations, through to Apr 28, details.
April 27
Oscillations. Cape Town – Berlin Sonic Inquiries and Practices
Fostering a space for critical dialogue on post-apartheid enquiries through sound, this exhibition invites visitors on a sonic journey through the work of South African and German artists.
- Akademie der Künste, Pariser Platz 4, Mitte, through May 19, details.
Modigliani: Modern Gazes
The last retrospective of Amedeo Modigliani in Germany was over two decades ago, but the wait has been worth it. This exciting exhibition enters new terrain in exploring Modigliani’s role in international modernism beyond his Parisian milieu with influences as vast as Gustav Klimt and Jeanne Mammen.
- Museum Barberini, Humboldtstr. 5-6, Potsdam, through Aug 18, details.
April 28
Berlin by Foot: Moabit Uprising
In 1910, a small strike turned into one of the biggest riots in Berlin’s history, with 30,000 workers on the streets of Moabit throwing rocks at mounted police. Organised and hosted by The Berliner and led by history writer Nathaniel Flakin, this donation-based tour recounts the Moabit riot.
- Meet in front of Hotel Sickinger Hof, Beusselstr. 44T, Moabit, starts at 14:00.
April 29
Calvino Imaginario
To mark 100 years since Italo Calvino’s birth, this exhibition at the Italian Cultural Institute celebrates his long lasting influence on visual culture and the collective imagination through showcasing Italian artists and cartoonists.
- The Italian Cultural Institute Berlin, Hildebrandstraße 2, Tiergarten, 16:00-18:30, through Apr 30, details.
April 30
S*x Positive Party by Wet Playground
Self-described as “Disneyland for Adults”, Wet Playground have been bringing bondage to Barcelona since 2021, and now this party is finally coming to Berlin.
- Insomnia, Alt-Tempelhof 17-19, Neukölln, doors at 22:00, details.
