We’ve made it! Spring is just around the corner, and March is one of the best months in Berlin: spring exhibitions are opening, tourists have yet to arrive en masse and the warmer weather makes being outside fun again. So what’s going on? This is the very best of March in Berlin:
March 1
European Month of Photography
Entering its 11th edition, Berlin’s renowned biennial photography festival is back under the motto “what stands between us”. The event will explore today’s tense political climate through contemporary visual art and discourse. How do we want to confront society’s increasing polarisation and the resurgence of nationalism in Europe? What can photography teach us about the deepening rifts in our communities? The four-week programme features over 100 exhibitions, artist talks and workshops at countless venues across the city.
- Various locations and dates, through Mar 31, details.
Carnaval Baile da Bossa
With the dreaded Berlin winter almost behind us, it’s time to emerge from hibernation in search of exciting new activities, and where better to start than an authentic Brazilian carnival? Put on your snazziest fit and shake off your winter blues to some traditional carnival tunes, from samba to frevo and axé.
- Festsaal Kreuzberg, 13:00, details.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party
We’re thrilled to report that Chappell was right: there is a special place where boys and girls can all be queens, every single day. It happens to be Berlin’s oldest queer club SchwuZ, which will be hosting weekly watch parties for the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Admission might be free, but you better werk, b*tch!
March 2
La Grande Suff
Want to integrate a little bit of class into your March schedule? Look no further than the La Grande SUFF wine festival. Mingle with more than 70 of Europe’s finest winemakers and take part in one of six hands-on workshops, open to both newbies and seasoned aficionados.
- Markthalle Neun, 13:00, details.
Masses
British video artist Ed Atkins is set to transform the foyer at the Deutsche Oper into a unique multimedia installation, blending opera costumes, sound and video to create a densely packed narrative – equal parts whimsical and disturbing.
- Deutsche Oper Berlin, 11:00, free, details.
Dark Market
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track than your regular Berlin vintage store, this intimate gothic and alternative flea market – offering everything from emo and kink wear, to mystic jewelry and occult books – might just be the place for you. Get in goth, we’re going shopping!
- Dunckerclub, starts 12:00, details.
Naked Karaoke
Ever had one of those dreams where you’re standing butt-naked in front of a crowd? Don’t dream it, be it! Monster Ronsons is opening its doors for yet another naked karaoke session, hosted by legendary punk drag queen BLEACH. Swing by, strip down and rock out.
- Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke, 18:00, details.
March 3
F-Festival
Get yourself in the mood for International Women’s Day by saying “F the Patriarchy” at this week long celebration of feminist performance. Enjoy dance, theatre and stand up which tackles misogyny with equal doses of rage and humour, as well as engaging workshops, talks and a photo exhibition by Mary Katharien Tramontana.
- Ballhaus Prinzenallee, through 9 March, details.
March 5
Final Girls Berlin
Dedicated to the ‘final girl’ trope in slasher movies, this Berlin-based indie film festival is all about bloodthirsty horror cinema, feminism and female rage. Knives out!
- City Kino Wedding, through Mar 9, details
March 6
Country to Country Festival
The cowboy boots you impulsively bought last year but can’t quite figure out how to wear? It’s time to dig them out from the back of your wardrobe and get ready for three days of unapologetic yeehaw-ing at Berlin’s very own country music festival.
- Uber Eats Music Hall, through Mar 9, details
Date of Performance
How can art prevail even under the most oppressive conditions? The Unread Archives collective combines research, interviews and theatre to tell the stories of imprisoned Iranian artists through a unique lecture-performance.
- Ballhaus Ost, 20:00, details.
March 7
Käthe Kruse: Jetzt ist alles gut
Prior to garnering worldwide attention as an eclectic multimedia artist, Käthe Kruse spent years living in a squat near Görlitzer Park in the 1980s as part of the art collective Die Tödliche Dris. The Berlinische Galerie is showcasing some of her most important works from that period to the present.
- Berlinische Galerie, through Jun 16, details.
Helmut Newton: Polaroids
Known for his unusual and often explicit photography style, German-Australian fashion photographer Helmut Newton created some of the most iconic – and controversial – covers for Vogue in the 1970s and 1980s. This special exhibition focuses exclusively on the hundreds of polaroids taken by Newton as part of his shooting process.
- Museum für Fotografie, through Jul 27, details.
Teresa Vittucci: Sane Satan
In yet another deliciously debaucherous piece, Austrian performer Teresa Vittucci asks all the right questions about the ruler of hell: Is the devil really that evil, or could he even be an ally to those marginalised by our heteronormative society? If love is a sin, you’re cordially invited to become a sinner.
- Sophiensaele, 19:00, details.
March 8
International Women’s Day
In today’s political climate, International Women’s Day isn’t just another holiday – it’s a call to unite, uplift and continue the fight for gender equality. If you can, use the day off to take part in one of the many protests and solidarity marches across the city.
- Frauen*kampftag march 2025: meet at Oranienplatz, starts 12:30, details.
- Protests and events across the city.
Purple Ride
If you’d rather pedal than march, then we’ve got the perfect protest for you. Join this queer, FLINTA*-only bike protest, raising awareness for self-determination and standing against patriarchal violence across the world. Purple outfits and demo signs encouraged!
- Mariannenplatz, 12:00, details.
Adira Party: International Adirat Day
After a day of successfully sticking it to the patriarchy, there’s only one way to wrap it up: by furiously throwing it back at a queer Arab pop and electro party. With Algerian-French DJ La Louuve and Berlin-based drag artist Hassandra on the lineup, this is one you won’t want to miss.
- Gretchen, 23:00, details.
March 10
Ry X
When Australian singer and producer Ry Cuming, aka Ry X, pairs his ethereal indie folk tunes with a live orchestra, the result is nothing short of mesmerising. Renowned for his orchestrated performances at unconventional venues like a remote Brazilian national park or London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Grammy-winning artist fittingly chose the Berliner Philharmonie for his long-awaited return to the Hauptstadt.
- Berliner Philharmonie, 20:00, details.
March 11
Cafe Kyiv
Through film screenings, exhibitions, concerts and discussions, Cafe Kyiv celebrates Ukranian culture and tackles the big conversations around freedom, security and reconstruction. Part political conference, part cultural showcase, the organisers aim to “make Ukraine come alive” with a pop-up market and Ukranian cuisine on offer too.
- Colloseum Berlin, starts 9:00, details.
March 12
Songslam Neukölln
Hosted by Berlin poetry slam legends Tilman Birr and Piet Weber, this battle of the bands for solo artists might just be the only time you’ll ever actually enjoy getting serenaded by a doe-eyed guy with an acoustic guitar.
- Heimathafen, doors at 19:15, details.
March 13
Gegenrhythmen
Under the guidance of interdisciplinary artist Zé de Paiva, five young performers will explore new ways for people of colour to reclaim their rhythm and resilience in a society that often stifles both.
- Ballhaus Naunynstrasse, 20:00, details.
March 14
Klavierfest Weißensee
Sure, your situationship’s steamy Spotify playlist is cool, but have you ever sat through a rendition of Bach’s soul-stirring piano piece Ricercar? Leave them on read and head over to Weißensee for a performance by one of the finest classical musicians of our time. Trust us, this concert will hit all the right notes.
- Kulturzentrum Peter Edel, through Mar 16, details.
Charlottenwalk
While Charlottenburg isn’t exactly known for its ferocious nightlife or edgy dive bars, it is home to a vibrant art gallery scene – 37 of which will open their doors free of charge for guided tours and events this weekend.
- Go to charlottenwalk.de for participating galleries, through Mar 15, details
Forecast Festival
Months of artistic mentoring and exploration culminate in this two-day showcase of six up-and-coming artists’ diverse works, ranging from theatre to documentary filmmaking and singing. We’re forecasting greatness.
- Radialsystem, through Mar 15, details.
March 15
Premiere: Echnaton (Akhnaten)
The final chapter of composer Phillip Glass’ biographical Portrait Trilogy premieres in Berlin, directed by the Komische Oper’s musical director Barrie Kosky. The minimalist opera takes a look at the life and religious convictions of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, portrayed by rising opera star John Holiday.
- Schillertheater, 19:00, details.
Berlin Chocolate Festival
Calling all those with a sweet tooth! The chocolate festival is coming to town! Get ready to indulge in the finest chocolate, cocoa and pastries at the second edition of this irresistible event.
- Arena Market Berlin, through Mar 16, details.
Irish Film Berlin Festival
From Cillian Murphy to Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan, Irish talent has been dominating the international film stage, and Irish-language films like Kneecap are shaking things up across the industry. Celebrate Irish cinema in Berlin over St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a curated selection of films, documentaries and visual art shorts, plus live music on Saturday. “Come for the films, stay for the craic!”
- Babylon, through Mar 17, details
March 16
The Twilight Saga Marathon
Whether you’re team Edward or Jacob (we’re thirsting over Bella’s dad, frankly), this spectacular campfest of a movie marathon is a safe space for all die-hard Twilighters. Hold on tight, spider monkey – we’re about to spend an entire day watching a depressed 17-year-old fall in love with an ancient, glitterfaced vampire.
- Babylon, 10:00 – 20:40, details.
Bélaplume Design Market
Parisian charm meets Berlin’s indie art scene at this cozy design market, where local creators showcase their finest handmade treasures. Shop til you drop and soak in the French flair with a craft beer in hand. Très chic, non?
- Vagabund Brauerei – Kesselhaus, 12:00 – 18:00, admission free, details.
March 17
Smut Slam
From unexpected sexual epiphanies, to hilarious bedroom mishaps, to blissful kinky encounters – great stories are meant to be told. And who wouldn’t want to share their most memorable sexcapades with a room full of strangers? Led by queen of the mic and resident hedonist Cameryn Moore, Smut Slam is the open stage for all things fun and freaky.
- Crack Bellmer, 19:00, details.
March 20
Heroes
Veteran actor Alexander Scheer pays homage to Schöneberg’s most beloved former resident: David Bowie. Scheer not only delves into Bowie’s musical legacy but explores his many literary inspirations – such as East German novelist Christa Wolf and author of the infamous Berlin Alexanderplatz, Alfred Döblin.
- Berliner Ensemble, 19:30, details.
March 21
MaerzMusik Festival
Berlin’s annual contemporary music festival is back with a rich programme featuring concerts, installations and musical theatre. Kicking off this year’s festival is the experimental sound performance Melencolia by acclaimed composer Brigitta Muntendorf.
- Various locations, through Mar 30, details.
Wonderwomb
Award-winning playwright Amir Gudarzi brings his gripping drama on humanity’s entanglement with fossil fuels – from oil-fueled wars in the Middle East to the Wall Street oil speculation – to Berlin. Directed by rising star Theresa Thomasberger, this is a must-see theatrical event that explores power, greed and survival.
- Deutsches Theater, 19:30, details.
Disco Tehran
Dating back over 3,000 years, Nowruz, or Persian New Year, marks the official beginning of spring. Kick off your weekend with a wild, disco-fueled celebration, 1970s Tehran style.
- Gretchen, starts 23:00, details.
March 22
NICE ONE
After three triumphant years, Zenner’s vibey house and techno festival returns, introducing a mix of promising newcomers and long-time legends on the decks.
- Gropius Bau, Niederkirchnerstr. 7, Kreuzberg, through July 21st, details.
March 23
Berlin by Foot: 1968 in West Berlin
Picture this: it’s 1968 in West Berlin. The young people ignited a movement, taking to the streets in opposition to the imperialist war in Vietnam, authoritarian structures, and a “Federal Republic” run by former Nazis. West Berlin society opposed these “long-haired hooligans”, but this only radicalised them further. Discover how these events forever changed the shape of the city on our tour with guide extraordinaire Nathaniel Flakin.
- Amerika-Haus, Charlottenburg, 14:00, details.
Run Around the Müggelturm
This one’s for all the troopers who powered through Berlin’s long, cold winter. Offering races at 5K, 10K and half marathon distances, the scenic course along Köpenick’s Dahme river is also the perfect location to practice for the Berlin Half in April.
- Wendenschloss Lido, 10:00, details.
Clothes Swap
Everyone enjoys the dopamine rush of a shopping spree, but let’s face it: fast fashion sucks. Time to part ways with those long-forgotten pieces and trade up for secondhand gems that truly belong in your closet.
- Nachbarschaftszentrum in der ufafabrik, 12:30, details.
March 26
Greek Film Festival
For almost a decade, this five-day indie film festival has brought the best of contemporary Greek cinema to the Hauptstadt – from offbeat experimental flicks to beautiful shorts and big-budget blockbusters.
- Babylon, through Mar 30, details.
March 27
House of Lunacy
With beloved club Renate set to close at the end of this year, Berlin’s most theatrical sex-positive party is also embarking on its final, blissful chapter – for now. Under the motto ‘Beasts, Blooms and Biomes’, Renate’s hallways will transform into a magical forest and safe space for sensual exploration.
- Renate, starts 21:00, details.
March 28
Ostpro Berlin
Treat yourself to a healthy dose of Ostalgie at Germany’s most iconic DDR-themed trade fair. Over 100 vendors offer books, art and furniture, as well as traditional East German dishes. Freundschaft!
- Trabrennbahn Karlshorst, through Mar 30, details.
Critical Mass
On the last Friday of every month, hundreds of Berliners come together to do what we do best: protest. Critical Mass pushes back against the cars taking over our city – by taking to the streets on bikes, with friends and plenty of good energy.
- Mariannenplatz, starts 20:00, details.
March 30
Flowmarkt Schoeneboerg
There’s no better feeling than strolling around the flea market on a Sunday morning in spring, oat milk latte in hand, buying vintage clothes you don’t need with money you don’t have. Those weekends are closer than you might think, as Flowmarkt Schoeneboerg opens at the end of the month.
- Crellestr. 24, 10:00 – 17:00, details.
Das Ist Doch Krank
Join burlesque performer Noéline la Bouche and Smut Slam founder Cameryn Moore for this bilingual spoken word event that dives into disability, chronic illness and the healthcare system. Anyone in the audience can take the mic, with 6 minutes to express themselves however they wish – from poetry to song, skits or simply sharing a story.
- Crack Bellmer, 18:00, details.
March 31
Roller Disco
Let the good times roll at this family-friendly, old-school roller disco and long-standing fixture of Kreuzberg nightlife. Rookies are welcome to join a free beginner’s lesson before the party gets going!
- SO36, 18:00, details
