Can’t decide how to spend your summer days and nights? Here’s our list of the best events in July.
July 1
Berlin Fashion Week
Berlin has a long history of pushing the fashion envelope (just take a look at the city’s bold clubwear). During Berlin Fashion week, fashion’s new names and legacy houses are descending on the city, showcasing the latest in mens and womenswear. To see the full line-up of shows, check their website.
- Various Locations, through July 4, details.
July 3
Generative Art Summit
This international summit tightens the string binding art and science, and brings together pioneers in photography and AI art, collectors, marketing specialists and more. Depending on the ticket(s) purchased, guests will be treated to a two-day conference, a film night and/or a science fiction performance.
- Akademie der Künste, Pariser Platz 4, Mitte, Through Jul 6, details.
July 4
Poesiefestival
Europe’s largest poetry festival turns 25 this year, inviting you to wax poetic among the stunning surroundings of silent green’s Kulturquartier. Poets and festival directors from all over the world, including literary stars like Terrance Heyes, Harry Josephine Giles and Marcel Beyer, will be in attendance.
- silent green, Gerichtstr. 35, Mitte, Starts 18:30, Through Jul 21, details.
Sonic Pluriverse Terapia
Sonic Pluriverse offers just over three weeks of auditory immersion in the sounds and histories of Afro-Caribbean Colombia. Terapia (“therapy”), the name for the music of the region, is said to have mind-altering, euphoria-inducing effects.
- HKW, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Mitte, Starts 19:00, Through Jul 26, details.
Banshee Press Poetry Showcase
Pining for more poetry in June? Head to Kreuzberg’s Irish-owned English bookstore, for readings by three exemplary young voices whose work is published by Banshee Press.
- Curious Fox, Lausitzer Pl. 17, Kreuzberg, Starts 20:00, details.
Guy Yanai, Your World Not Mine
If you are looking for a theme in Guy Yanai’s new exhibition ‘Your World Not Mine’, it’s probably best if you don’t. Yanai’s newest works aren’t connected thematically but instead through a clarity of form. He utilises the mundane (think portraits, flowers, interiors) to “transform our relation to life.” So if you are interested in a delightfully quirky exhibition, give this a shot.
- König Galerie, Alexandrinenstr. 118-121, Kreuzberg, Through Sept 1, details.
July 5
Shapes of Us 2.0
Berlin clubwear shop The Code’s annual event highlight features a runway show with looks exclusively created by the designers stocked at the store, and a lineup of three DJs, who hit the decks until 2am – all underneath Christopher Bauder’s glowing SOMMERLIGHTS installation. More on p. 18.
- Dark Matter, Köpenicker Ch 46, Rummelsberg, Starts 20:00, details.
Summer Program: Luiz Roque, Pia Arke, Jimmy Desana and Paul P.
KW’s annual summer programme packs a punch this year with a rare crop of talent taking over the minimalist interiors of the art institute. Three vastly different artists, living and dead, grant us a window into their perspectives and deeply personal histories at this opening.
- KW, Auguststr. 69, Mitte, Starts 19:00, Through Oct 20, details.
Lakeside Film Festival
In what could accurately be described as an adult summer camp for cinephiles, Lakeside Film Festival brings you an unforgettable weekend of sun, swim and screens. The festival takes over a former DDR holiday camp with tents, grilling spaces and four large outdoor cinema stages. During the day, dive into the lake, sunbathe or enjoy the array of podcast recordings, film quizzes, live music and DJs. At night, kick back and watch both new films and cult classics under the stars.
Danube Festival
For 55 hours, 60 artists are taking over 2,000 square meters at Anomalie Art Club for the Daube festival. Slapfunk and Yoyaku are bringing international flair from Amsterdam and Paris while British staple Half Baked are also taking to the stage. Berlin locals O Mato are rounding out the festival and representing the Berlin sound.
- Anomalie Art Club, Storkower Str. 123, Prenzlauer Berg, Starts 18:00, Through July 8th, details.
06 SAT
Anima: In Rainbows
Get ready for 40 hours of non-stop open-air techno bliss. One DJ not to miss: Lovefoxy, a native Berliner whose funky house blends, 90s influences and effortless air of cool always keep us dancing.
- Else, An den Treptowers 10, Friedrichshain, Starts 14:00, Through Jul 8, details.
Diskoteka Balkanska
Dance your heart out with Comando Party, the duo of DJ Grounchoo and producer Patrice Komlanz aka Captain Party. Together, they promise to flood the dance floor with an eclectic mix of sounds from Latin America, Eastern ska and Balkan beats.
- SO36, Oranienstr. 190, Kreuzberg, Starts 23:00, details.
Berlin Global in 60 Minutes
Have an hour to spare? Head to Humboldt Forum for this fast and free tour through the interactive Berlin Global exhibition, where you can “turn the wheel of history, dance inside a giant disco ball or discover local history through telescopes”.
- Humboldt Forum, Schloßpl. 1, Mitte, 11-12, Also on Jul 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 & 13, details.
07 SUN
Miji Ih, Münder
Korean photographer and visual artist Miji Ih juxtaposes her own pictures with historical shots to unveil the journey of a Korean woman during World War II. Accompanied by sound, essays and archival work, the artist reveals the conditions of patriarchy – both its past and current insidious inflictions.
- Galerie im Tempelhof Museum, Alt-Mariendorf 43, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Ends today, details.
Women’s Literature Club
Whether you’re a sapphic lit girl or just looking for a book club where no one’s going to mention Jack Kerouac, drop in for an evening of welcoming vibes and good conversation. This month, the group will discuss Monika Helfer’s The Virgin.
- Begin, Potsdamer Str. 139, Mitte, Starts 19:00, details.
Tanz Am Blumentheater – Bharatanatyam South Indian Dance
Garten der Welt offers more than just a journey around different gardens of the planet – it’s also a cultural odyssey. As part of this cultural exploration, Garten der Welt brings music and dance to the Blumentheater. This month, Bharatanatyam South Indian Dance is on the agenda. If you are looking to expand your musical horizons.
- Garten der Welt, Blumberger Damm 44, Hellersdorf, 16:00 – 18:00, details.
Alvvays
Canadian alternative-music powerhouse Alvvays are coming to Berlin on tour. The catch? The tour comes two-years after the release of their critically acclaimed third studio album Blue Rev. But you know what they say: some things (and some performers) are worth the wait. Stop by Huxley’s Neue Welt for a performance from these Coachella alumni who know how to work a muted bass.
- Huxley’s Neue Welt, Hasenheide 107, Kreuzberg, Starts 20:00, details.
July 8
TEMS
TEMS is bringing her “Born in the Wild” world tour to the Berlin Tempodrom. With special guests Naomi Shearon and Lekan, TEMS is ready to play her first world tour in Berlin. Although she may be new to touring, she’s already created a discography with some excellent musical features (including J Cole). In fact, you might already know TEMS from her work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
- TEMPODROM, Möckernstr. 10, Templehof, Starts 20:00, details.
July 9
tipBerlin Art at Teufelsberg
Teufelsberg doesn’t just offer a breathtaking view of Berlin. Join tipBerlin for an exclusive tour of the ruins of the US armed forces’ former listening station, which serves as a giant canvas for international graffiti artists and muralists today. Guests can look forward to a glass of sparkling wine on Berlin’s highest roof terrace after the tour.
- Teufelsberg, Teufelsseechaussee 10, Charlottenberg, Starts 17:00, €29, Tickets on their website (presented by Mastercard).
EUROs Quarter Final Screening
Ahead of the big game on July 14, the EUROs Quarter Final Screening is upping the ante. Watch to see which teams will advance to the biggest sports stage in Germany this summer. If you are in the mood for a crowd, the Fan Mile will be packed. To see our full breakdown of where to watch the match, check out our guide.
- Reichstag Meadow, Platz der Republik 1, Mitte, Starts 20:00, details.
July 11
Heroines of Sound Festival
Photo: @heroines_of_sound
This electro-feminist rage fest is a diverse and eye-opening look into the current electronic music scene. Expect performance, sound art, progressive pop and a lot of fun.
- Radialsystem, Holzmarktstraße 33, Friedrichshain, Starts 17:00. Through Jul 13, details.
July 12
Ich Du Wir
In Berlin’s pornographic art-scene, few artists play with color and cartoon like Christian Rug. His pop porn exhibition at Coocoon Berlin pushes the envelope for kinky art, proving you don’t need hyper-realism to discuss sexuality, relationships and the human body.
- Coocoon Berlin, Exerzierstr. 14, Mitte, Starts 20:00, Through Aug 9, details.
Frans Hals
Dutch Master Frans Hals is arguably one of the greatest and most prolific portrait painters in history. About 75 works, including several that have never been on view in Germany before, will be at Gemäldegalerie through autumn.
- Gemäldegalerie, Matthäikirchplatz, Mitte, Through Nov 3, details.
Fatma Cheffi, “Steal, Steel, Still Fatima”
The symbolic Islamic sword, the Zulfiqar, will be brandished by Tunisian artist Farma Cheffi during her performance, as she explores ‘slip of tongues’ as a metaphor for both resistance and oppression. Well worth going to, especially if you haven’t visited the excellent Pickle Bar before.
- Pickle Bar, Stephanstr. 11, Mitte, Starts 19:30, details.
July 13
African Food Festival Summer Market
When it comes to African cuisine, it can be hard to find authenticity in Berlin. Experience the tongue-tingling flavours, electrifying music and unique wares of the African diaspora at this can’t-miss open-air festival and cultural celebration.
- Jules-B Part, Luckenwalder Str. 6b, Kreuzberg, Starts 12:00, Through Jul 14, details.
Staatsoper Für Alle Open Air Concert
This annual open-air opera is completely free and incredibly popular, meaning you’ll want to secure your spot early. There’s no formal seating, so visitors are encouraged to bring a folding chair or blanket and your favourite drink.
- Bebelplatz, Mitte, Starts 20:00, details.
Spreewald handicraft and farmer’s market
Every July, the Burger Festplatz becomes an open air workshop for Spreewald craftsmen. They will be showcasing centuries-old handicraft techniques and host shops to sell their wares. For fans of local delicacy dining, there will also be farmer’s market stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables from the region.
- Fairground in Burg im Spreewald, Am Hafen, Burg, Starts 10:00, details.
July 14
UEFA Euro 2024 Final
Well, it’s finally here. We’ve seen the world’s largest football goal, the massive AstroTurf lawn and now it’s time for the ultimate fan mile! Situated between Brandenburger Tor and the Siegessäule, this is the number-one spot for football fans and casual viewers alike to watch the final. But if you aren’t quite up for what might become the rowdiest event of the year, don’t worry. The match will be streamed in endless venues across the city, including at World Chess Club. Their indoor venue, conveniently just a 10-minute walk from the fan mile, includes a Biergarten, large screen and capacity for about 200 people.
- Brandenburg Gate, Pariser Platz, Mitte, Starts 21:00, details.
July 15
Smut Slam
Take it how you wish: astrology charts, bad pickup lines, good omens and supernatural messages about your s3xytimes and play partners. Smut Slam is back with even spicier stories and the theme ‘What’s your sign?’ An open call for tales of group sex, sex-positive parties and threesomes is bound to produce some mid-week heat that’s definitely NSFW.
- Villa Kuriosum, Scheffelstraße 21, Friedrichshain, Starts 18:00, details.
Ari-Arirang, Korea
This special exhibition boasts for the first time ever a “comprehensive presentation of the previously little-known Korean holdings of the Ethnological Museum”. About 120 works from the 19th century to the present bring this exhibit, named after a quote from a Korean folk song sung by prisoners of war, to life.
- Humboldt Forum, Schloßpl. 1, Mitte, Ends today, details.
Blue Moonday Jazz Session
Every Monday (or should we say Moonday) the Engles Cafe hosts a Jazz night. This intimate cafe is the perfect place to listen to jazz. Whether you are a Jazz aficionado or new to this genre, there is a seat for you on Blue Moondays.
- Engles Cafe, Herrfurthstr. 21, Neukölln, every Monday, starts 20:00, details.
June 16
Queens of the Stone Age
All the way from California, Queens of the Stone Age are bringing American rock to the Zitadelle Spandau. While this venue might seem like the place to hold a ballet, not a rock concert, the Zitadelle has a long history of hosting explosive rock bands in their great halls. Fans can look forward to a collection of songs from across their 20-year discography.
- Zitadelle Spandau, Am Juliusturm 64, Spandau, Starts 19:00, details.
July 17
Drag Bingo
We can’t think of a better way to spend your Wednesday! Hosted by local drag queens Harpy Fatale and Bella Troia, Drag Bingo at The Social Hub includes showstopping performances and the chance to win some fantastic prizes (courtesy of Berlin-based, queer-owned brands).
- The Social Hub, Alexanderstr. 40, Mitte, starts 19:00, details.
July 18
Love and Sex in Berlin: Communication in Relationships
Berlin’s most colourful sensual party collective, Pinky Promise, joins forces with The Berliner to launch an exciting new event series that highlights taboo topics relating sexuality, relationships and love. At the epicenter of sex positivity in Eurioe, Berlin offers a tantalising array of experiences. Yet, amidst this sea of passionate encounters and casual love affairs, many still find themselves navigating the complexities of modern relationships. To help guide you on this journey, we’re assembling a line-up of artists, educators and pleasure activists for a lively discussion. Our debut event delves into the art of communication within relationships, with a special focus on the intersection between neurodiversity and pleasure, ensuring an inclusive dialogue. Following the panel there will be drinks and a chance to hang out with and meet new people
- The Social Hub, Alexanderstraße 40, Mitte, Starts 19:00, details.
Tegel Harbor Festival
The Tegel Harbor festival is back in Reinickendorf for a weekend of amusement rides and live music. Face painting, bouncy castles, and carousels are available for children. After the sun sets, “Tegel in flames” returns. This high altitude fire-works display is a fan favorite, so consider beating the heat —and bringing the family— to the Tegel Harbor Festival.
- Greenwichpromenade on the banks of Lake Tegel, Borsigdamm, Reinickendorf, Through July 21, details.
July 19
Berlin with Berliners: Ades Zabel as Edith Schröder presented by Mastercard
Iconic Berlin performer Edith Schröder takes us on an exclusive tour through her home district of Neukölln. After a glass of champagne, the tour leads attendees along Hermannstraße to Kindlboulevard and the Kindl brewery. The route ends at Körnerpark, where snacks and drinks await.
- Tour starts 17:00 at SchwuZ, Rollbergstraße 26, Neukölln, €29, Tickets via website.
Sounds of Bethany
This anniversary show marks 50 years of Künstlerhaus Bethanien, a huge achievement for the haven of sound innovation and experimentation. Experience a unique combination of sound sculptures, objects by former exhibitors and artists-in-residence and newly commissioned works just for the big 5-0.
- Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Kottbusser Str. 10/d, Kreuzberg, Through Aug 18, details.
Open Day at Universität der Künste
School’s out for summer, but the university will open once again for visitors to look around the workshops, studios and rehearsal rooms. It’s another staple of the Berlin cultural summer programme, and a great opportunity for young artists to get exposed to a wider audience.
- UdK, Fasanenstraße 1B, Charlottenberg, Through Jul 21, details.
Botanical Night
This year marks 15 years of Botanical Night, the two magical evenings of lights, music and international performers in the gardens. Stroll around the 10 well-known areas, and discover five secret ones with surprises around every corner.
- Botanischer Garten, Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Doors 17:00, Through Jul 20, details.
Tim Burton Exhibition
After stops in Madrid, Paris and Brussels, The Tim Burton exhibition is coming to Berlin. For fans of fairytale and the macabre, Burton’s original drawings, sketches, and paintings from his most iconic movies/characters will be on display. Over 650,000 people have visited this exhibition, but if that doesn’t sell you, just think about your favorite Tim Burton movie (don’t worry, there are lots to choose from) and take a trip to the exhibition to see inside the creative mind behind the film.
- Radsetzerei, Revaler Str. 99/Halle 16, Friedrichshain, ends today, details.
July 20
Lesbisch Schwules Stadtfest
Did you know Berlin has Europe’s largest lesbian and gay festival? With over 350,000 visitors from all over, endless food and drink and six stages, make sure to add this to your Pride month calendar.
- Nollendorfplatz, Schöneberg, Through Jul 21, details.
July 21
Karaoke at Mauerpark
There’s always something going on at Mauerpark, and now that the weather’s warm, you can add ‘singing your heart out in the open air’ to the list. No need to feel embarrassed, though. There’s a pretty good chance someone within the park is doing something even stranger.
- Mauerpark, Prenzlauer Berg, Starts 14:00, Every Sunday through October, details.
July 24
Poppers on Pride
Get ready for a night of sexy, star-studded drag shows, dancers and club classics. Experience the rush of this extravaganza at Berlin’s legendary karaoke bar.
- Monster Ronsons, Warschauer Str. 34, Friedrichshain, Starts at 20:00, details.
July 25
House of Lunacy
Calling all forest creatures, fairies and fantastical freaks – the ultimate midsummer night is back. Experience the euphoria of this legendary sex-positive party plus mind-blowing music and performance art. You will not be allowed in without an elaborate costume, so come dressed to impress.
- Renate, Alt-Stralau 70, Friedrichshain, Starts 22:00, details.
Sống ở Berlin
Welcome to year one of Sống ở Berlin, the first and only festival for Vietnamese-German pop culture. After a successful one-day trial run in 2023, the team behind the event got the green light to extend by three more days this year.
- Dong Xuan Center, Herzbergstraße 128-139, Lichtenberg, Through Jul 28, details.
July 26
Dyke March
This demo for lesbian visibility is in search of stewards! If you’re looking to lead (and get free tickets to the afterparty at Ritter Butzke’s Queer Garten from 9pm), get in touch with them on their website or by email.
- March starts 18:00 at Karl-Marx-Platz and ends at Oranienplatz, details.
July 27
Christopher Street Day
Pride Month runs from June 28-July 28, and its biggest, most colourful party is Christopher Street Day! The penultimate celebration includes a march from Leipziger Straße between Charlottenstraße and Axel-Springer-Straße all the way to Brandenburger Tor, and a rally that runs until midnight. It’s important to remember that yes, it’s a party, but with a purpose! The community is seizing the opportunity this year to put some pressure on Mayor Wegner with a list of demands to ensure queer safety, representation and inclusion.
- March starts 12:00, Rally starts 14:30 at Brandenburg Gate, details.
Adidas Runners City Night
A favourite event among Berlin runners both novice and elite. Whether you’re joining the race or cheering on a friend, enjoy the City West’s and Ku’Damm’s transformation into one long party mile, with runners completing either 5- or 10km stretches through an illuminated finish gate at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
- Kurfürstendamm, Starts 19:00, details.
CSD at SchwuZ
Want to keep the party going? Pride celebrations go way past midnight at several locations across the city, but our pick is this one at SchwuZ. Your favourite anthems will keep you dancing until dawn, plus host and Drag Race Germany star Yvonne Nightstand has plenty of surprises in store.
- SchwuZ, Rollbergstraße 26, Neukölln, Doors 21:30, details.
July 28
Nachspiel
Nachspiel is an electro-dance party for everyone! Their motto is to be happy the way that you are. The KitKat Club is famous for their sex-positive and queer-friendly parties, so Nachspiel is certain to be a good time (whether you like to dance or just lounge by the pool). Just remember to dress up.
- KitKatClub, Starts 8:00, Köpenicker Str. 76, Brückenstraße 1, Kreuzberg, details.
July 31
Textile Upcycling Workshop
Undeniably, upcycling is having a moment. Sustainability meets style at this workshop inspired by the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei exhibition ‘Heavy Metal in the GDR’. All necessary materials are provided and no previous knowledge is required!
- Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, Starts 10:00, details.
So You Think You can Drag
In this monthly event, the name of the game is quick drag. Audience members pick a song to lip-sync, and then they have 2 minutes to use the provided wigs and makeup to get into drag and then get on stage for the performance of a lifetime. If the glory of the crowd isn’t enough, there are also some prizes. Tipsy Bear, Eberswalder Str. 21, Prenzlauer Berg, Starts 20:00, details.
Descriptions by Kassidy McIntosh and Belle Lewis
