Nothing says summer like a night at an open-air club. Maybe it’s the increased airflow, maybe it’s the idea of raving under the stars, but once the summer days start, partying in an open-air club sounds like the perfect way to spend the weekend.
Aeden
If you can brave the queue, Aeden (pronounced “Eden”), Berlin’s new-ish but immediately popular venue, offers a relaxed mix of shady and sun soaked areas in their idyllic back garden right on the banks of the Spree. The dance floors are pretty small, but the makeshift setup boasts disco balls and string lights hanging from the large trees and a greenhouse-like smoking area. Partygoers also can enjoy a variety of food and drink as they recuperate from the dance floor.
- Aeden, Schleusenufer 3, Kreuzberg, details.
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As one of Berlin’s most popular clubs, ://about blank is bound to throw some epic summer celebrations that can go all weekend long. Looking for something more relaxed? Beginning mid-May, their ://sektgarten event offers free entry, sparkling wine, games, food, and chill beats that you can enjoy while still being able to hear your friends talk.
- ://about blank, Markgrafendamm 24c, Friedrichshain, details.
Kater Blau
Housed in Holzmarkt, Kater Blau is one of the better music spots at which to catch a Spree sunset. This waterside outpost boasts a killer list of residents and accessible, welcoming all-night techno parties. Follow the big blue arrow (and even bigger blue cat) straight to summer paradise.
- Kater Blau, Holzmarkt 25, Friedrichshain, details.
MAAYA
After just opening this summer, in the space formerly known as Haubentaucher, the BIPOC-lead MAAYA has made quite the splash with its excitingly fun and inclusive summer vibes. The venue plays host to The MAAYA pool, MAAYA food and clothes market, featuring culinary delights from Africa and its diaspora, and an epic, lively dance floor.
- MAAYA, Revaler Str. 99, Friedrichshain, details.
MS Hoppetosse
Open-air clubs don’t have to be on dry land. Just ask the team at MS Hoppetosse. This 1928 “pleasure boat” has been transformed into an intimate open-air venue. With a bar/lounge and space for 125 guests, this craft is worth a visit. They’re also known for hosting events with the waterside Club der Visionaere so watch the joint calendars for special events and themed nights.
- MS Hoppetosse, Eichenstr. 4, Kreuzberg, details.
Club der Visionäre
With themed nights like “Love Letters From Oslo” there is always an excuse to head out to one of Berlin’s favourite canal-side parties.
- Club der Visionäre, Am Flutgraben 1, Kreuzberg, details.
ELSE
Walk through the ELSE’s iconic red lip entrance and into a club that’s at the heart and soul of Berlin’s party scene. Tucked right underneath the bustling S-Bahn line and overlooking the Spree, ELSE is practically made for dancing into the sunset (and the following sunrise too).
- Else, An den Treptowers 10, Kreuzberg, details.
Sage Beach
Unlike other open-air clubs on this list, Sage Beach offers more than a house DJ – they play host to plenty of live music too. Dancing waterside with a band makes Sage Beach the perfect place for concert lovers.
- Sage Beach, Köpenicker Str. 18, Kreuzberg, details.
Lokschuppen
Open since 1994, the effortlessly cool vibe of Lokschuppen is oft-imitated but rarely achieved. Enter this underground staple and find an industrial, graffiti-clad good time right from the Warschauer Brücke entrance.
- Lokschuppen, Revaler Str. 99, Friedrichshain, details.
Revier Sudost
An abandoned brewery turned cultural space, where house, techno, and disco come together to create something you have to see to believe. A sprawling venue, this hybrid indoor and outdoor club has something for everyone.
- Revier Südost, Schnellerstr. 137, Niederschöneweide, details.
Oxi Garten
Who says all open-air spaces in clubs have to be intense? At the Oxi Garten, you can take a break from the raving and get a breath of air. With diverse artist lineups and theme nights, Oxi is a strong contender for your Saturday nights (and your Sunday mornings).
- Oxi Garten, Wiesenweg 1-4, Friedrichshain, details.
Birgit und Bier
This famous biergarten transforms into an open-air club during the summer. The unique festival-like charm of the garden makes the perfect backdrop for a really good party.
- Birgit, Schleusenufer 3, Kreuzberg, details.
Sisyphos
This electronic music hotspot burst onto the scene in 2009, and since then, the former factory’s popularity has skyrocketed. Sisyphos is one of the better-known open-air clubs, so it’s well worth a visit. They are constantly bringing in top-notch performers and visionaries in electronic music.
- Sisyphos, Hauptstr. 15, Rummelsberg, details.
Berghain Garten
Do we even need to say it? The grand opening of Berghain’s Garten is one of the hallmark signs of summer’s peak in Berlin. A May 1st celebration kicks it off, and months of their legendary Klubgarten Saturdays and Sundays ensue. The historic venue has played host to some of the most legendary DJs and musicians of the last 20 years.
- Berghain Garten, 70 Am Wriezener bhf, Friedrichshain, details.
gART.n
We would definitely recommend spending your weekend at this idyllic garden party-meets-techno rave. Join gART.n for some of the most exciting DJs and concerts at an outdoor Lichtenberg venue filled with lush green surroundings.
- gART.n, Blockdammweg 1, Lichtenberg, details.
Fandango at Plötzensee
Every Tuesday at picturesque Plötzensee, one of Berlin’s best open-air parties comes to life. This not-so-well-kept secret is a DIY labour of love from the artists, musicians, dancers, and all round creatives involved allowing all who attend to engage in some aquatic adventures and dancing on the sand. Follow the lighthouse and dive in!
- Fandango, Plötzensee, Wedding, details.
Text by Kassidy McIntosch and Belle Lewis.