Forget east and west, sometimes it feels like the real divide in this city is between Summer Berlin and Winter Berlin. As the sun returns, the city is transformed, our worries disappear and we start to think that maybe we don’t need to move to Marseille or Lisbon, after all.
Here’s the best of what to expect from May in Berlin.
Thursday 1
May Day demo
With its feral street parties and rage-fuelled anticapitalist marches, May Day in Berlin serves as your annual reminder that this city knows how to stand up and get down. Throw it back street-style at an open-air event around Görli or Mariannenplatz, or show solidarity at one of the many protests across the city. Cheers and viva la revolución!
- Various locations
Pictoplasma Berlin
This three-day creative blowout is geek paradise for anyone interested in character design, animation and graphic arts (looking at you, UdK students). Expect panel talks, art jams, hands-on masterclasses and more.
Paper Positions
Hosted at Tempelhof Airport, Paper Positions is Germany’s only paper art convention, featuring over 60 galleries showcasing everything from abstract pencil drawings to intricate paper sculptures. As lyrical mastermind Jay-Z once put it: “Gotta get that paper dog!”
- Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz d. Luftbrücke 5, Templehof, through May 4, details.
Klára Hosnedlová: embrace
Czech artist Klára Hosnedlová transforms Hamburger Bahnhof’s historic main hall into a vast, utopian landscape, where towering tapestries, monumental sculptures and organic reliefs tell intricate tales of life under different political systems.
- Hamburger Bahnhof, Invalidenstr. 50, Mitte, details.
Friday 2
Gallery Weekend
It’s the big one: Gallery Weekend is here with fifty-two galleries across the city showcasing outstanding exhibitions from established and emerging artists. With so much to choose from it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so luckily our art editor Duncan Ballantyne-Way knows exactly where to find the most exciting work. Check out his recommendations here.
- Various locations, through May 4, details.
Theatertreffen
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, this year’s Theatertreffen is bigger and bolder than ever, featuring works by the late René Pollesch, Florentina Holzinger and other world-renowned theatremakers. See our recommendations here.
- Various locations, through May 18, details.
Befreiung (Libration) – A European Oratorio
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. To mark this occasion, the composer Marc Sinan, together with artists from six countries, has developed a multi-perspective European peace oratorio. Befreiung takes its inspiration from carefully researched testimonies of people who remember the end of the war and their respective liberation.
- Akademie der Künste, Pariser Platz 4, Mitte, starts 20:00, details.
Saturday 3
Comic Invasion
Berlin’s biggest annual comic fest returns for a weekend of panels, exhibitions, workshops and new releases – entirely free of charge.
- Museum für Kommunikation, Leipziger Str. 6, Mitte, through May 4, details.
Sunday 4
Starker Flohmarkt – Final Edition
With beloved PBerg institution Zum Starken August closing its doors for good next month – another victim of rising rents and grumpy neighbours (God is dead and so is Berlin, apparently) – make sure to swing by for one final, boozy flea market. Farewell, August!
- Zum Starken August, Schönhauser Allee 56, Prenzlauer Burg, starts 12:00, details.
Ballet for Life
Prima ballerina Iana Salenko leads a star-studded gala at Admiralspalast, blending world-class ballet with a humanitarian mission. Donations support the UNBROKEN KIDS Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, aiding children injured by war.
- Admiralspalast, Friedrichstr. 101, Mitte, starts 19:00, details.
Tuesday 6
Jewish Film Festival
Since 1995, this annual event has celebrated contemporary Jewish cinema in all its forms — from gripping arthouse dramas to offbeat indie comedies.
- Various locations, through May 11, details
Wednesday 7
Talking about Silence
This German-Rwandan co-production for younger audiences brings fresh perspectives to the stage, weaving together six deeply personal stories about untold family histories and societal taboos.
- Theater Strahl, Marktstr. 11, Friedrichshain, starts 16:00, also on May 8, details.
Thursday 8
80 Jahre Kriegsende
Marking 80 years since the end of World War II and Europe’s liberation from the Nazis, Berlin dives deep into history this week with a packed schedule of over 100 free events. From a stirring exhibition by Brandenburg Gate to concerts, talks and screenings, the city brings the past into the present – because remembering isn’t just important, it’s essential.
- Various events and locations. Through May 11.
The Angel of History
This history-meets-pop-culture exhibition pairs Paul Klee’s famous painting Angelus Novus with excerpts from Wim Wenders’ iconic Berlin film Wings of Desire – which, by the way, totally backs up Robbie Williams’ claim that angels “contemplate our fate”.
- Bode-Museum, Am Kupfergraben 3, Mitte, through July 13, details
TEDxBerlin: Evolve
TEDx returns to the Hauptstadt with a special series on crises and challenges as catalysts for change and growth. Some of the brightest minds of our time telling us how to save the world in a beautiful art museum? Yes, please – we could definitely use some optimism right now.
- Fotografiska, Oranienburger str. 54, Mitte, starts 11:00, details.
Friday 9
TOILETPAPER Opening Party
Absurdist art mag TOILETPAPER takes over Fotografiska with an exhibition that flies in the face of good taste, instead embracing surrealism, satire and spaghetti. Viewers can enjoy photographic works, videos and installations displayed with (in the organisers’ own words) “no moderation. And not one single well-considered decision.” Head down to the opening night for a launch party that embraces the unexpected with a live artist talk from Pierpaolo Ferrari, a ‘Battle of the Sirens’ voguing clash, concert by queer rapper M¥SS KETA and a Toy Tonics DJ lineup over three floors.
- Fotografiska, Oranienburger str. 54, Mitte, starts 19:00, through 8 June, details.
Berlin Launch: Elegy, Southwest
In her second novel, Elegy, Southwest, Berlin-based author Madeleine Watts confronts climate change and our troubled relationship with nature through the eyes of a young couple on a road trip. Join her for an intimate reading, hosted by The Berliner’s books editor Alexander Wells.
- Lettrétage, Veteranstr. 21, Prenzlauer Berg, starts 20:00, details.
Saturday 10
VELOBerlin
Forget about SUVs and parking tickets – the future of mobility has two wheels (and doesn’t slowly kill our planet by pumping toxic fumes into the air). Whether you’re looking for a new ride or just want to meet some fellow cyclists, this two-day bike fest has wheely got you covered.
- Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz d. Luftbrücke 5, Templehof, through May 11, details.
To Mom, I want to…
Created by Berlin-based performance collective Nomadic Minutes, this poignant piece of documentary theatre explores the lives of four Chinese artists and their mothers, delving into the complexities of identity and cultural belonging in a globalised world..
- Ballhaus Ost, starts 20:00, also on May 11, details.
African Food Festival
There may be better ways to spend your weekend than blissfully feasting on authentic African dishes while vibing to Afrohouse and Afrobeats at a beautiful outdoor venue – but honestly, we can’t think of any.
- Jules B-Part, Luckenwalder Str. 6b, Mitte, starts 12:00, through May 11, details.
Sunday 11
Japanmarkt
Celebrate Hanami, the Japanese cherry blossom custom of enjoying flowers, at this artsy design market and culture fest. Munch on traditional Japanese snacks, join a calligraphy workshop or get tipsy at an exclusive sake tasting. Kanpai!
- Festsaal Kreuzberg, Am Flutgraben 2, Kreuzberg, starts 12:00, details.
Tuesday 13
The Dead Ladies Show: The 10th Anniversary Edition
In a society still largely dominated by fragile dudes in ill-fitting suits, the Dead Ladies Show is a fiery postmortem tribute to the iconic women who defied the (patriarchal) odds and made history. PS: Dress as your fave dead lady and get in for free.
- Lettrétage, Veteranstr. 21, Prenzlauer Berg, starts 20:00, details.
XJAZZ!
Contrary to what the name might suggest, this week-long musical affair isn’t just about – well, all that – jazz. Introducing over 80 local and international acts, from jazz musicians to experimental DJs and neo-classical artists, the festival perfectly embodies the diversity of Berlin’s buzzing music scene.
- Various locations, through May 18, details.
Thursday 15
Berlin Design Week
With a focus on sustainability, Berlin Design Week offers local artists, designers, architects and urban planners a platform to showcase their work. Look forward to panels, workshops, exhibitions and film screenings, hosted at galleries and showrooms across the city.
- Various locations, through May 18, details.
Friday 16
HEISSS pres. Patrick Mason & LSDXOXO
Kick off the weekend right at this high-calibre rave at our favourite open-air club by the Spree. Berlin-based DJ royalty Patrick Mason and LSDXOXO will be joined on the decks by local powerhouse Kim She and rising prodigies kyly, Shanda and VINVAR.
- Else, An den Treptowers 10, Treptow, starts 17:00, details.
Berlin Chili Fest
Heat meets hops at Berlin Chili Fest, your biannual chance to indulge your masochistic side and dive into a whole range of scorching hot sauces, all while getting tipsy on Berliner Berg’s local brews. The programme also features a chili-eating competition, live music and stand-up comedy. Raspy demon voice: “Why is it spicy”?
- Berliner Berg Brauerei, through May 18, details.
Saturday 17
Berlin Women’s Run
Marking its 40th anniversary this year, this communal charity run is your ultimate sign to dust off the old trainers and hit the ground running.
- Straße des 17. Juni, Tiergarten, start times between 13:30 to 15:10.
FAGGOT*S
Based on the cult classic The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions, this dazzling solo performance invites you into a revolutionary gay commune – somewhere between queer manifesto and cyborg-fairy fever dream. Because sometimes, liberation is a gay wizard casting sex spells to confuse a bunch of straight guys.
- Berliner Ringtheater, Alt-Straulau 68, Friedrichshain, starts 19:30. Also on May 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23, details.
Sunday 18
International Museum Day
Is there anything better than stumbling through one of Berlin’s many museums after a wild weekend of clubbing? Today, museums around the world open their doors for free exhibitions and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. We love an educational after!
- Museums across the city.
Workshop Water Justice
Join choreographer Paula Almirón and political educator Evelyn Linde for a three-hour workshop exploring the urgent issue of water justice. With a focus on both artistic expression and activist action, the workshop will unpack Berlin’s growing water crisis and its relation to climate change.
- Sophiensaele, Sophienstr. 18, Mitte, starts 12:00, details.
Tuesday 20
NO. The Exhibition
In 2014, a team of independent journalists left Russia to escape pressure and censorship. In exile, they created Meduza, now one of the most important independent Russian-language media outlets. The exhibition “NO.” curated by Meduza, is a multidisciplinary project that weaves together contemporary art and documentary testimonies, featuring works from around 20 international artists. Exploring themes such as censorship and civil resistance, the exhibition is a celebration of all those who have the courage to disagree.
- Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien, Mariannenpl. 2, Kreuzberg, through Jul 6, details.
Thursday 22
StadtLesen am Bebelplatz
With summer just around the corner, it’s time for some (low-key performative) outdoor reading. Whether you’re into postcolonial Marxist theory or dark academia werewolf smut, StadtLesen transforms Bebelplatz into a cosy, free-for-all library, offering over 3,000 books from every genre.
- Bebelplatz, Mitte, through May 25.
Friday 23
Lygia Clark: Retrospective
Neue Nationalgalerie presents the first ever German retrospective of revolutionary Brazilian artist Lygia Clark, featuring over 120 works ranging from paintings to sculptures to room-filling, immersive installations.
- Neue Nationalgalerie, Potsdamer str. 50, Mitte, through Oct 12.
Saturday 24
Steglitzer Woche
Let’s be real: the best date you ever had was at the local funfair with your teenage crush. Head over to Steglitz’s Bäkepark for a healthy dose of nostalgia: bumper cars, cotton candy and more. It’s giving Oscar-winning coming-of-age drama directed by Greta Gerwig.
- Bäkepark, Stegiltz, through Jun 9, details.
Julian Rosenfeldt: Nothing is Original
Best known for his groundbreaking film installation Manifesto (featuring Cate Blanchett), German multimedia artist Julian Rosefeldt deconstructs media, culture and modern consumerism, ultimately questioning the very concept of originality – because, let’s face it, no idea is as fresh as we think it is.
- C/O Berlin, Hardenbergstr. 22-24, Charlottenburg, through Sep 17, details.
Sunday 25
Bite Club
God knows it’s hard these days to find a function where you and your friends aren’t the only snacks around. Fortunately, long-running street food chow-down Bite Club is back for another season, dishing up international treats, laid-back electronic vibes and nifty cocktails.
- Arena Berlin & Badeschiff, Eichenstr. 4, Treptow, starts 12:00, details.
Hotel Peacock Blue (Hullabaloo Cabaret x The Berliner)
Check into Hotel Peacock Blue, where enigmatic bellhop Enjo Flint will lead you through an unforgettable evening of whimsical cabaret. From mind-bending magic tricks to sultry burlesque routines and jaw-dropping drag performances, prepare for a night of surprises, sensuality and unapologetic weirdness.
- Cosmic Comedy Club, Schönhauser Allee 184, Prenzlauer Berg, doors at 18:00, details.
Home Again Berlin
Clear your calendar and kiss your sleep schedule goodbye: Home Again Club Festival is back with another ravenous four-day rave-a-thon at RSO. Expect anything from mellow house tunes to full-throttle industrial bangers, plus an absurdly stacked lineup featuring Peggy Gou, Solomun, I Hate Models – you name ‘em.
- RSO, Schnellerstr. 137, Treptow, through Jun 2, details.
Thursday 29
Time to Shine: EXPOSED
Brought to you by award-winning comedians L’aDios and Terry Saunders, Time to Shine is a one-of-a-kind blend of stand-up, storytelling and kink-positive cabaret. Hilarious and heartfelt, the show is a safe space for all kinksters, sex workers and fetishists to unpack their wildest confessions and rawest truths.
- Neue Bühne Friedrichshain, Boxhagener Str. 18, Friedrichshain, starts 20:00, through May 31.
XPOSED: Queer Film Festival
A four-day movie spree showcasing the thriving ecosystem that is queer cinema, XPOSED will delve into themes like joy, migration paths, and digaiant archives. Alongside the screenings, there will be online courses, workshops and talks with directors, actors and producers.
- Various cinemas, through Jun 1, details
Friday 30
2 Chapters Love
Staatsoper Berlin trades ballet shoes for bare feet, showcasing the works of two absolute icons of contemporary dance: Sol León and Sharon Eyal. Expect an evening full of masterly movement, unfiltered expression and emotional turbulence.
- Staatsoper Berlin, Unter den Linden 7, Mitte, starts 19:30, details.
Reconstruction Tour 2025
The Deconstruction Tour, once a cornerstone of Germany’s punk scene – makes a glorious comeback as the Reconstruction Tour, reintroducing the raw sonic escalation of 90s hardcore and skatepunk. The lineup features legendary acts such as Pennywise, Dritte Wahl and Propaghandi. Get out that old denim vest – we’ll see you in the mosh pit!
- Huxleys Neue Welt, Hasenheide 107, Neukölln, doors at 15:30, details
