Summer solstice is around the corner and, with it, Fête de la Musique returns. In case you’re new to Berlin, Fête de la Musique is the 1-day, totally free music festival that takes place at countless theatres and bars, parks and squares, museums and sidewalks across the city.
But, with all Berlin taking part, it’s not easy deciding where to spend the day. That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the most exciting local music acts to check out in and around Berlin’s central districts.
Just bear in mind – this list is far from exhaustive. Visit the full programme on Fête de la Musique’s website to see what else is in store!
Friedrichshain
Cassiopeia party x Fritz Sessions
This year, Cassiopeia Party is boasting an even heftier lineup, starting with five artists before passing off the mic to Radio Fritz at 7PM for another five. The diverse, danceable programme will have local artists playing everything from alt-pop to hip hop.
- Cassiopeia Sommergarten, Revaler Str. 99, Friedrichshain (14:00), info.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Pangea Haus
Cultural center Pangea Haus will be hosting a lively programme of international music and dance in front of their Levant Café. Featured acts include the guitar-accompanied Korean HeRo choir and Faux Pas, a Balkan dance circle.
- Pangea Haus, Trautenaustr. 5, Wilmersdorf (16:00), info.
Kreuzberg
Stil vor Talent block party at Wiener Straße
This 20 year-old electronic label will host an afternoon block party with drinks by their office across from Görlitzer Park. With seven DJs split between two stages, Stil vor Talent’s lineup should be enough to keep you dancing well into the warm summer evening.
- Stil vor Talent, Wiener Str. 35, Kreuzberg (14:00), info.
Mitte
Fête de la Musique at Museum für Kommunikation
The Museum für Kommunikation’s cast of courtyard musicians is definitely interesting, with acts like Taggespiegel editor Lorenz Madolt’s appropriately journalism-themed Checkpoint band and experimental pop group TENGO KAWANA. Besides the music, the rest of the museum will be freely accessible for the day, with free tours through their NEWS exhibition starting at 5PM.
- Museum für Kommunikation, Leipziger Str. 16, Mitte (16:00), info.
Wedding
Sapphire and Lorenzo at Zeitgeist Zentrum
R&B artist Sapphire’s rich, full-bodied compositions and indie pop musician Lorenzo Graef’s upbeat guitar riffs meet in this cozy joint show. Zeitgeist Zentrum will host their addition to Fête de la Musique in a laid-back indoor setting, which makes it a great spot to take a break from all of the partying outside.
- Zeitgeist Zentrum, Cornelius-Fredericks-Str. 7, Wedding (14:00), info.
Neukölln
Rough Trade Showcase
The famous record store’s Berlin location is hosting a strong lineup of signed artists in front of their shop on Alfred-Scholz-Platz. Acts include folk singer-songwriter Monzi, post-punk duo AFAR, maximalist rap duo Deki Alem, indie-pop outfit Cassia, and industrial band Gewalt.
- Alfred-Scholz-Platz, Neukölln (16:00), info.
Tiergarten
Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra
Featuring guest conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony and Beethoven’s Incidental music for Goethe’s Egmont, op. 84 in front of the Berlin Kulturforum’s Philharmonie. If you can’t make it to the Philharmonie’s gorgeous outdoor setting, the concert will also be broadcasted live here.
- Johanna-und-Eduard-Arnhold-Platz and Matthäikirchplatz, Tiergarten (19:00), info.
Woltersdorf
Modeselektor at Woltersdorfer Schleuse
If you’re willing to make the hour and a half-trip to Woltersdorf, you might be in for a treat – IDM duo Modeselektor’s all-vinyl DJ set will be hosted on the town’s centuries-old water locks. Expect five sets over nine hours in a historical and oddly idyllic setting.
- Woltersdorfer Schleuse, An der Schleuse 2, Woltersdorf (15:00), info.
