Thursday
Renate x Rise Foundation
Renate throws a late-night fundraiser for a good cause, with ophélie, Juba, Harba and ZE:NA delivering breaks, Afro house, UK techno and garage to keep you moving till sunrise. All proceeds go to the Rise Foundation, supporting Berlin’s unhoused community.
- Renate, Alt-Stralau 70, Friedrichshain, 23:00–06:00, details.
Poesiefestival Berlin
A month-long ode to language in all its forms. From May 15 to June 15, poetry takes over Berlin with talks, performances, films, and themed evenings across two main venues for this year’s 26th edition of the Poesiefestival. Highlights include the ZEBRA Poetry Film Festival, the “Writing Sports” readings, and the grand finale: Weltklang- Night of Poetry.
- Academy of Arts & Silent Green, through 15 June, details.
XJAZZ! Festival
Berlin’s genre-bending jazz fest returns, taking over Kreuzberg with a full week of experimental rhythms, poetry collaborations, and sonic crossovers. Catch showcases from Refuge Worldwide, Sonar Kollektiv, and Poetry Meets, plus performances from Àbáse, Moor Mother, Yukimi (Little Dragon) and many more.
- Various venues across Kreuzberg, through 18 May, details.
Friday
Petty Slam Berlin
Bad landlords, footpath cyclists and snack-stealing housemates beware: Petty slam is a hilariously healing way to get even. The event has been petty since its conception, as it was formed in response to the host getting evicted illegally in the middle of the pandemic. Rental woes being litigated via revenge poetry? Very Berlin.
- Das Gift, Donaustr. 119, Neukölln, starts 19:30, details.
Berlin Design Week
What if design could make actual, tangible change? Berlin Design Week returns with “Common Sense” as its 2025 motto, showcasing how creativity can create social and ecological change. Expect a week of exhibitions, panels, and pop-ups across the city, plus special events like an AI Prompt Battle, Living Berlin’s 25th anniversary, and the immersive “Futureverse” show at Factory Berlin.
- Various locations in Berlin, through 18 May, details.
A MAZE. / Berlin 2025
Arthouse games, playful media, and digital mischief collide at this international festival celebrating the most daring in independent gaming. Back for its 14th edition, AMAZE brings together developers and artists for four days of talks, installations, hybrid events, and game experiences that attempt to push the medium beyond the screen.
- Silent Green & Panke Club, through 17 May, details.
Saturday
Berlin Chili Fest: Spring Edition
Hot sauce, cold beer, and questionable decisions: Berlin Chili Fest returns for a fiery spring weekend. Expect craft brews, spicy food (veg options too), and the infamous chili-eating contest featuring LoF World Pepper Champ Mike Jack. Taste your way through Europe’s most intense sauces, or just cheer on the brave.
- Berliner Berg Brauerei, Treptower Str. 39, Neukölln, through 18 May, details.
PDA: Spring Deluxe
PDA returns with an extended two-room party- 15 hours of dance, sweat, and solidarity. Expect a stacked lineup (Amelia Holt, Alicia Carrera, DJ Subaru, and more), increased capacity, and fundraising for trans relief in the UK in response to recent court rulings.
- Secret location, from 22:00–14:00, details.
A100 WEGBASSEN
Berliners take to the streets of Treptow to rally against the expansion of the A100 motorway. The day kicks off with a family-friendly protest before shifting into full-blown rave mode with a dance demo soundtracked by pulsing techno. It’s a call for climate justice, inclusive urban planning, and a livable city (minus the cars).
- Elsenstr./Puschkinallee/Am Treptower Park, 14:00–22:00, details.
Sunday
Slut Riot: Murder Mystery + Afterparty
A DJ is dead, the strip club’s in chaos, and it’s up to you to crack the case. Slut Riot invites you to slip into your sleuthiest fishnets for an exciting whodunit where six suspects might be the killer. Solve the mystery, win prizes, then stick around for an afterparty by Fluid Vision.
- Crack Bellmer, Revalerstr. 99, Friedrichshain, from 19:30- 02:00, details.
Gyrovision V
The infamous Eurovision alternative returns, this time at LARK Berlin. Expect one-night-only bangers, chaotic commentary, and dance floor antics- all in support of Palestinian relief efforts. Hosted by Irish Bloc Berlin and Corner Späti, this is a glittery, goofy protest party with purpose.
- LARK Berlin, Holzmarktstr. 15-18, Kreuzberg, 18:00-22:00, details.
International Museum Day 2025
Berlin’s museums throw open their doors for a citywide celebration of curiosity and culture (a cheap substitute for the REAL Museum Sunday, but we’ll take it). Expect special tours, talks, and behind-the-scenes insights into the art of collecting and archiving: from ancient oddities to modern masterpieces.
- Various museums around Berlin, free admission, details.
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