What to do in Berlin this Easter weekend

Easter with medieval knights

Step back in time this Easter and enjoy some medieval pageantry at the historical markets and themed events going on around the city.

For some reason, Berlin likes to celebrate the world of knights, jugglers, kings and queens at Easter. At Spandau Citadel, the Easter Knights’ Festival offers you the chance to do just that. From historical music, tournaments on horseback, axe fights to a fire show – and if you show up in a suit of armour, you can even enter for free.

If this doesn’t fully quench your appetite for historical aristocratic violence, however, other medieval villages are also available, like the one at Storkow Castle. Here, acrobats and feudal knights will intermingle with stands selling old-time apple rolls.

Easter Knights’ Festival at Spandau Citadel in Berlin. Adults €13, Kids €7. (Kids under 5 years old and knights in armour enter for free)
23rd Easter Spectaculum at Storkow Castle. Adults €12, Kids €6.50. (Kids under 5 years old and knights in armour enter for free)

Berlin’s Easter bonfires

Easter bonfires have a long tradition. Mention of the practice appears in papal letters from as early as 751 AD, at which time, as now, the custom was intended to welcome the spring.

There aren’t as many Easter bonfires happening in 2022 as in recent years, but those taking place are sure to be special. The Britzer Garden in Neukölln is a lovely place to visit at any time of year: their Easter bonfire will begin at 6pm on Easter Saturday.

Alternatively, the Wendenschloss lido will also set some wood ablaze to welcome in the season. Here, children can have their faces painted or set out on a treasure hunt, with musical acts and food and drink provided.

Britzer Garten Neukölln, Sat 16.04., 6pm-9pm, admission: €3, concessions €1.50
Strandbad Wendenschloss, Möllhausenufer 30, Köpenick, Sat 16.04, 12-8 pm, free admission

Easter Klubnacht at Berghain

For a less kid-friendly Easter, let’s not forget Berghain.

On April 16, Berghain and the Panorama Bar are open for the extended Easter Klubnacht. DJ Stingray 313, Dr. Rubinstein, JASSS, Naty Seres, Freddy K, rRoxymore, Volvox and others will perform. Helena Hauff spins her acid-infected electro sounds. The Panorma Bar features Carl Craig, I-F, Ketiov, Massimiliano Pagliara, OK Williams, Roi Perez, Soundstream and Tama Sumo. The illustrious lineup is completed by New York house legend and Masters at Work member Kenny Dope.

Berghain | Panorama Bar, Am Wriezener Bahnhof, Friedrichshain, Sat April 16, from 11:59 pm

Easter flowers at Gärten der Welt

“April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land,” wrote T.S. Eliot. On Easter Sunday and Monday, Berliners can visit the lilacs, tulips, daffodils and crocuses on display at Gärten der Welt in Marzahn. On Sunday, from 1pm to 3pm, the Puppenbude Regenbogen will put on an impressive puppet show featuring witches, a princess, the Easter bunny and some chickens doing an egg dance. With a lineup like that, it’s clear you’ll need to buy tickets in advance.

Gardens of the World, Blumberger Damm 44, Marzahn, April 17 + 18, 12-4 pm, admission: €3-9

Easter party at SchwuZ

SchwuZ is one of Neukölln’s most cherished nightlife spots, and this year it offers a different kind of Easter celebration. With lavish queer craziness, SchwuZ opens its four-day bash on Maundy Thursday with the “She’s Back” party, a tribute to pop icon Britney Spears. Katy Bähm, Ployceebell, Trust.the.girl, Destiny Drescher and Lennox will perform. Project manager Camille Légeron has already revealed the special treat to us: “All the DJs spin in Britney outfits”.

Friday continues with Middle Eastern beats, R’n’B and hip-hop. The DJs: Caramel Mafia, Mudi and Prince Emrah. A special highlight: the live act by Ash M.O. On Saturday, Miss Ivanka T. presents her new party series “Femme Top”, which celebrates femme-presenting people. Easter Saturday is themed around Lady Gaga.