This August is all about cultural immersion. From Long Night of the Museums to Indian Food Festivals to dancing at the Gärten de Welt, there are tons of activities to expand your horizons and connect with all Berliners. Keep reading to get more information on Berlin’s cultural offerings.
August 2
Masha Pryven: “Tell me a Photo: ABC of War”
An alphabetical journey through the ongoing war in Ukraine told by Masha Pryven, a Ukrainian-German artist, alongside Ukrainian youth. These works capture the emotions and stories of young people, offering a deep insight into their perspectives on Russia’s aggression, Germany’s role and reckoning with loss.
- Rathaus Lichtenberg, Möllendorffstr. 6, Lichtenberg, last day, details.
Müllroser Lake Magic
In this family-friendly three-day lake festival, beach parties, fun fairs and shows make up a truly magical experience. On Friday and Saturday, a funfair will be on the festival grounds. Sunday the fair will turn into a flea market. The big event of the weekend is the fireworks over the lake on Saturday night!
- Garbage Rose, Beeskower Str. 33, through Aug 4th, details.
August 3
Clapstone Sage Beach Open Air
An open-air rave a day keeps the doctor away. Dance on the sand with views of the Spree at this exclusive sunset set by Germany’s own Clapstone.
- Sage Beach, Köpenicker Str. 18, Kreuzberg, starts 15:00, details.
The Great Indian Food Festival
We’ve been on the hunt for the best Indian food in Berlin. Trying to find the most flavourful curry or the best naan bread is a tall order but at the second Great Indian Food Festival, you can sample loads of different dishes for a true survey of Berlin’s Indian Food scene. Just remember to leave room for Gulab Jamun.
- Jules Biergarten & Café, Luckenwalder Str. 6b, Kreuzberg, details.
August 4
Museumssonntag
Our monthly PSA that museums and galleries across the city open their doors free of charge today. Time slots fill up quickly, so make sure to book in advance.
- All participating locations listed on their website.
Tanz am Blumentheater – Afro Cuban Dance
We can’t think of a better location for a bi-weekly free dance lesson. Bring a partner or come alone and prepare to be swept off your feet among the flowers, trees and perfectly manicured lawns of the Gärten. Looking for a different dance style? Check out the website for additional workshops.
- Gärten der Welt, Blumberger Damm 44, Hellersdorf, 16:00-18:00, details.
August 5
Afrobeats Festival
Afrobeats is taking over Zitadelle Spandau once again for two days of incredible music, food, cultural offerings, and a welcome break from techno 24/7. This is Germany’s biggest Afrobeats festival, providing access to music by Black artists to a much wider audience. Whether you’re a Berliner or a tourist, escaping the dominating music genres can be tough. This festival seeks to connect the African diaspora and engage the community with the music they really want to hear.
- Zitadelle Spandau, Am Juliusturm 64, Spandau, through August 6, details.
August 8
A L’ARME! Festival
Bad news: this will be the last ever instalment of A L’ARME!, after more than a decade of groundbreaking jazz and experimental music offerings. Good news: it’s sure to be a grand finale you won’t forget from this ingenious collective that’s always in search of something brand new.
- Radialsystem, Holzmarktstraße 33, Friedrichshain, through Aug 10, details.
August 9
Young Euro Classic
This year marks 25 years of the Young Euro Classic, where up-and-coming musicians from all over the world come to celebrate their shared love of orchestral tradition. Catch this year’s impressive programme starting with the National Youth Orchestra of Portugal.
- Konzerthaus, Gendarmenmarkt 2, Kreuzberg, starts 20:00, through Aug 25, details.
Potsdamer Schlössernacht
Unlock your inner royal and experience the 25th anniversary of this magical night, featuring music, readings, variety shows, theatre, dance, guided tours and light and sound installations. Fun for the whole family guaranteed!
- Schloss Sanssouci, Maulbeerallee,Potsdam, through Aug 10, details.
Climate Workshop Series
Climate activist Veronica Bauer is teaching the importance of the climate — through art! Group workshops and discussions will explore all factors of climate, including its roots in colonialism and the impact on climate justice. At the end of the workshop, participants will have created a zine to educate about climate crises.
- Apfelsinenplatz, Joachim-Gottschalk-Weg 41, Neukölln, starts 21:30, details.
August 10
LesBiSchwules Parkfest
Officially, Pride Month has ended, but that doesn’t mean the party has to. Decommercialise Pride this Saturday with an event dedicated to tolerance and uplifting Berlin’s queer communities.
- Volkspark Friedrichshain, starts 15:00, details.
August 12
Shooting Stars
Have you ever seen a shooting star? The Perseid meteor shower could just change this. On August 12-13,, up to 100 shooting stars per hour can be seen in the sky. Venture out of the city proper for best viewing (and the freshest air).
- Various Locations, through Aug 13, details.
August 13
National Youth Jazz Orchestra
As part of Young Euro Classic 2024, NYJO will present ‘British Standard Time’, highlighting British jazz from the 1930s-1960s. This will be their first time participating in the Euro Classic.
- Konzerthaus,Gendarmenmarkt 2, Kreuzberg, starts 20:00, details.
August 15
Tanz im August
Just when you think August in Berlin can’t get any better, this annual dance festival brings back some of the most talented and acclaimed global performers to the city.
- Various venues, through Aug 31, details.
August 16
Box Office Around the World
International cinema is having a moment. Exploring the world through local filmmakers’ eyes is a whole new experience (is it any wonder that these movies are dominating the awards circuits). Humboldt Forum is giving Berlin the opportunity to connect with the biggest cinematic hits of six different countries. All movies will be shown in their original language with English subtitles. The greatest movies from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil and India will finally be introduced to Berlin’s multicultural audiences. So pick up a ticket for €8.
- Humboldt Forum, Schloßpl. 1, Mitte, through August 31, details.
August 17
Rave The Planet
Due to Euros festivities, Rave The Planet has moved by a month this year, but don’t let the schedule shift deter you. Celebrate and demonstrate the power of electronic music and its undeniable influence on our city. The 2024 motto is ‘LOVE IS STRONGER’.
- Straße des 17 Juni, Mitte, 14:00-22:00, details.
August 18
Modigliani: Modern Gazes
Though often accused of having a kind of voyeuristic male gaze towards women, this exhibition of the iconic painter gives a new, more progressive perspective to Modigliani’s approach to his male and female subjects. Read our Art Editor’s review on p. 60.
- Museum Barberini,Humboldtstraße 5-6, Potsdam, last day, details.
BCCO
In Else’s outdoors spaces, BCCO is crafting the perfect night of summer sound. Bad boombox, DJ Hyperdrive and other local musical acts are prepared to help you dance the night away. The party runs 18 hours, so pace yourself to party the whole night!
- Else, An den Treptowers 10, Kreuzberg, starts at 12:00, details.
August 19
Kader Arria, J’Accuse
This timely anti-war exhibition includes 17 wooden busts, eight sculptures, a film excerpt and an enlightening debate on the restitution of stolen cultural artefacts. A true cautionary tale against the horrors of history and colonialism that the world can’t seem to stop repeating.
- Berlinische Galerie, Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, Kreuzberg, last day, details.
August 21
Bingo Wings
Instead of B.Y.O.B, B.Y.O.W (Bring Your Own Wings). With Geiza Poke and Nana Schewitz at the helm, this bingo night will be crunchy, comedic and a poultry party! Each month’s bingo theme is different, so keep an eye out for future Bingo nights.
- Tipsy Bear, Eberswalder Str. 21, Prenzlauer Berg, every third Weds of the month, starts 20:00, details.
August 23
Kenako Africa Festival
In the heart of Alexanderplatz, Kenako is sure to have something for everyone, with food, music, drum workshops, exhibitions and much more. Make sure to stay up to date on the current programme at their website.
- Alexanderplatz, Mitte, through Sep 1, details.
Openless
Berlin Atonal is taking over Kraftwerk for three nights of sublimely curated performance. If you are looking for an experience as thought-provoking as it is beautiful, check this out. The entire weekend blurs the boundaries between music, sound design, art, research, and performance. This is always one of the highlights of the year.
- Kraftwerk, Köpenicker Str. 70, Kreuzberg, details.
August 24
Long Night of the Museums
One of the cultural highlights of the summer. Head to your favourite museum (or simply straight to Museum Island) as over 70 of the city’s institutions are open from 6pm to 2am with just one ticket. If you’ve ever wanted to eat, drink, dance or try a quiz next to ancient ruins or priceless art, now’s your chance.
- Museums across Berlin, starts 18:00, details.
Musikfest Berlin
Philharmonic fans rejoice, Musikfest Berlin is back to hold 40 events comprising of 160 works from 80 composers. This year the theme is “Amériques,” so prepare for music as diverse as the American landscape. Award winning composers will take listeners from east coast jazz to midwest hip-hop.
- Berlin Philharmonie, Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1, Mitte, through September 17, details.
Madonnamania – die Ikonenparty
This pride, celebrate at SchwuZ’s icon party. With a long lineup of entertainers, you can dance, sing, or party with movie, tv, music (and drag’s) biggest icons. Ades Zabel, Absinthia Absolut and Basti are making appearances, so get ready to celebrate queer icons.
- SchwuZ, Rollbergstr. 26, Neukölln, starts 19:00, details.
Festival of Cabaret
Historic Nikolaiviertel is hosting their second Festival of Cabaret. Perfect for families, there is a full-lineup of performances from cabaret artists, historical games, acrobatic shows and live music. The historic neighborhood makes for the perfect backdrop, so bring friends and family to this Mitte Mecca from 11am-6pm. And prepare to be amazed.
- Nikolaiviertel, Rathausstr. 21, Mitte, through Aug 25, details.
August 25
Berlin by Foot: Red Wedding
Wedding was once Berlin’s most left-wing neighbourhood. In 1932, 47% of residents voted Communist. Join The Berliner’s history writer Nathaniel Flakin on a two-hour tour through the ‘red’ district, walking along the Panke stream to explore old factories and tenements and find out about the worst police massacre in the city’s history. Donations welcome.
- Meet at Badstr. 38, near U-Bhf Pankstr., starts 14:00.
Qweer Summer Market
Head to Arena Market for, well, just about everything – clothes, drinks, art, jewellery, trinkets and even tattoos, offered by queer small businesses and artists.
- Arena Market, Eichenstr. 4a, Kreuzberg, starts 13:00, details.
August 28
Pop-Kultur at Kulturbrauerei
In this massive music festival, there’s music for *literally* days. If there is a type of music, Pop-Kultur has scheduled a performer. Mary Ocher, Gaye, and Free Aviv are only three of more than 20 acts (and more are being announced each day). Enjoy an excellent musical lineup and festival experience at Pop-Kultur.
- Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, through August 30, details.
August 29
Unruly Hearts: Queer Stories In Musical Theater
In this musical experience, SchwuZ takes viewers through the colours of the pride flag. Each colour is a different queer experience. Viewers can look forward to performances from their favourite musicals, including Rent and My Son’s a Queer.
- SchwuZ, Rollbergstr. 26, Neukölln, starts 19:00, through Aug 31, details.
August 30
Bleachers
The pop-rock band lead by 11-time Grammy winner Jack Antanoff takes centre stage at Columbiahalle. Their self-titled fourth studio album, which came out in March, includes the hit single ‘Modern Girl’ and is sure to ignite a U-Bahn singalong on the way home.
- Columbiahalle, Columbiadamm 13-21, Kreuzberg, doors 19:00, details.
Critical Mass Berlin
On the last Friday of every month, several thousand cyclists participate in cities across the world to peacefully reclaim the streets, but no one does it quite like Berlin. As always, the motto is ‘We don’t hinder traffic, we are traffic!’
- Mariannenplatz, Kreuzberg, dtarts 20:00, details.
Boat & Fun In Water
It’s easy to beat the heat at the Boat & Fun In Water festival. Shop at the lakeside sales pagodas and enjoy being on the water or in the water (whatever floats your boat). Admission is free, so enjoy the boat exhibitions and time in the sun.
- Marina in the Havelauen of Werder, Otto-Lilienthal-Str. 16/18, Werder, 10-18, through Sept 1, details.
August 31
Zug Der Liebe
The Love Train is back to support the unsung heroes of our everyday lives. Berlin would not be the city it is without social organisers and charity workers, and this is the perfect opportunity to volunteer, show support, or even make a donation!
- Mauerpark, Bernauer Str. 63, Prenzlauer Berg, starts 13:00, details.
Descriptions by Kassidy McIntosh and Belle Lewis
