What exactly are we celebrating this bank holiday? In German, today is Pfingsten… but there’s a good chance that explanation will leave you none the wiser. In English, if we remember the day at all (which we don’t, to be honest) it’s Whit Sunday, or Pentecost. This Christian holiday marks the occasion when Jesus’ disciples met up after he died, the holy spirit descended, they started to speak in tongues and got those little burning flames above their heads which you see in old paintings. True story!
In Berlin, it’s a bank holiday – and the last one for a while. We won’t get another day off until German Unity Day, all the way in October. So let’s enjoy Pfingsten and make the most of what’s going on this weekend.
Fashion Raceday at the Hoppegarten horses
Put on your best outfit and head out to an exclusive location where some of the most important guests will end up taking ketamine – no, it’s not ://about blank, but the Fashion Raceday this Sunday at Hoppegarten!
The Diana-Trial has been running in its current form since 2009, and serves as a qualifying race for the Diana Prize, later this year in Düsseldorf. If you’re lazy and addicted to gambling, you can also watch the event on livestream.
- Rennbahn Hoppegarten Goethealle 1, Hoppegarten, Sun 05.06, from 10:30, Tickets from €15, more info here
Silvester Klubnacht 2020/2022 at Berghain
Any excuse will do. Berghain is choosing to take advantage of the long weekend to throw a new years eve party. A full six months too soon.
It’s going to be huge, as all of Panorama Bar, XXX-Floor and Salon will open with a star studded line-up. So put on your all black outfit, stay sober and brush up on your Germa if you want to get in this weekend.
- Berghain | Panorama Bar Am Wriezener Bahnhof, Friedrichshain, Sat 4.6, from 23:59, more info online
Reflex Festival in Alte Münze und Else
What is the best thing about being new in Berlin? Only one sleep until Christmas.
If a full 72 hours out on the town sounds like a great time and not like a hangover that will make you want to kill yourself, check out Reflex festival where you can take your time and enjoy a whole weekend of electronic music.
Taking place at both Alte Munze and Else, big names in the Berlin scene are scheduled to play, including Durch, Gegen, Hard Trade, Ismus, Pornceptual, Sachsentrance, Synoid and XXETEXX.
- Everything you need to know here.
Babylon Europa 2022 at Britzer Garten
Think white people are only capable of stealing culture? Turns out we have our own.
From Nordic folk music to pantomime, the European cultural festival “Babylon Europa” will take place in the Britzer Garten on June 4. The all-day program brings together artists from all over Europe and promises to feature acrobatics, pantomime, dance and theatre as well as many musical acts. The festival stretches throughout the park and ends with a two-hour show on the open-air stage starting at 6 pm. The entrance fee for the festival is included in the regular admission prices of the Britzer Garten.
- Britzer Garten Sangerhauser Weg 1, Neukölln, Sat 04.06, 14:00-20:00, Entrance: €3, concession €1.50, Children up to five years old free. More info here
Hooray for Hollywood: Music in Film
Cinema music history is more than just Hans Zimmer and John Williams, apparently.
Film score lovers will get their money’s worth on June 6. The Orsophilharmonic will be a guest at the Berlin Philharmonie with 180 performers and will dedicate the evening to modern and timeless Hollywood classics. Conductor Wolfgang Roese and his ensemble will lead the audience through 100 years of film history, including Miklós Rózsa and Danny Elfman. The program also includes pieces that were not originally written as film music, such as Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” made famous by Oliver Stone’s 1986 “Platoon.”
- Berliner Philharmonie Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Tiergarten, Mo 06.06., 20:00, Tickets from €27.10. More info Here
Artspring art festival
Is Pankow too far to go for an exhibition?
You decide, when you take in the diversity of the art world in Pankow this weekend, as the Artspring Festival runs until June 12. In its sixth year, more than 300 artists are involved and make their works and installations accessible in numerous exhibitions, galleries and public spaces. The Artspring Festival 2017 was born from the idea of holding an open studio weekend to improve the visibility of artistic work in Pankow. The motto of this year’s festival is “The myth is gone”.
- Artspring Festival Various locations in Pankow and Prenzlauer Berg, 06.05-12.06 More info here
Move it! The 90s Party
Still own a tamagotchi? Then we’ve got some good news!
Berlin’s most famous 90s party takes place on the first Saturday of every month, at the Kesselhaus on the Kulturbrauerei complex.
It doesn’t matter if it’s Britney or Nirvana that does it for you, as long as you check your shame at the door.
Our hot tip! Arrive between 22:00 and 23:00 and get two for one entry.
- Kesselhaus in der Kulturbrauerei Knaackstraße 97, Prenzlauer Berg, 4.6, from 22:00, Tickets and info here
Head out to Gusthof Britz
Hear ye’ hear ye’! Grab your chainmail!
Britzer Schloss is hosting a historical estate festival. On the long weekend, visitors can visit a historical craft and trade market as well as mediaeval music and juggling. For the little ones there is a special programme with rides and storytellers. A green market with regional products ensures that no one has to go home hungry- don’t worry, the food is mediaeval but the safety standards are modern. Plenty to keep the kids entertained while you indulge in fresh mead and beer.
- Gutshof Britz Alt-Britz 81, Neukölln, 04.06-06.06, Sat + Sun 10:00-22:00, Mon 10:00-19:00, Entry: €11, concession €9 or €5.50, Children up to five years old (and fully armed and armoured knights) free. More info online