September has an absolute ton of great things going on to dispel any end of summer blues. We’re excited about the huge amount of incredible live music on, as well as festivals from food, to animation, to tattoos.
August 26
Musikfest
Ok, so it starts in August, but it keeps going until mid September so we couldn’t leave it off the list. This late summer soiree is one of the classical highlights of the summer season. Featuring guest orchestras and vocal ensembles from across the world, the festival will showcase 60 works from over 45 composers, with a series of special performances dedicated to Sergei Rachmaninoff.
- Berliner Philarmonie, Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1, Tiergarten & Gethsemanekirche, Stargarder Str. 77, Prenzlauer Berg, Aug 26 – Sep 18, details.
August 30
Up-and-coming pop music talents from Berlin will perform alongside established musicians from all over the world at Pop-Kultur festival. There will be the chance to hear big names you know and to discover new acts you don’t yet.
- Kulturbrauerei Berlin, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, Aug 30 – Sep 1, details.
September 1
Month of Contemporary Music
This musical event will last for the whole of September, kicking off on Sep 1 at Kulturraum Zwingli-Kirche with ‘Metal & Breath’, a performance from the brass ensemble Zinc & Copper of a selection of Christian Wolff’s compositions.
The event as a whole showcases new music, sound art and improvisation, taking place in independent venues and established concert halls over the city.
- Various locations, Sep 1-30, details.
VII Years of Klub Verboten x Berlin
It might have started in London in 2016, but we know that Berlin is Klub Verboten’s spiritual home. Since coming here in 2021, Klub Verboten has quickly carved out its place as one the city’s best kink events. For this seventh birthday edition, organisers are creating the largest and most consensual play space to ever happen in Berlin. Before even considering attending, we strongly urge you to read the code of conduct here.
- Club OST, Alt-Stralau 1-2, Friedrichshain, 23:00-06:00, details.
Season Opening at Schaubühne
To celebrate the start of their new season, the Schaubühne are hosting an open air exhibition of their campaign posters by the artist Sarah Illenberger. Posters can be purchased at the event and signed by the artist on request.
- Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz, Kurfürstendamm 153, Charlottenburg, starts at 17:00, details.
Ramen pop-up
Head to Café Engels in the wonderful Schillerkiez area for the launch of Berlin’s very first Ramen Festival. There will be ramen (obvs) accompanied by a selection of sake curated by Sake36.
- Engels, Herrfurthstr. 21, Neukölln, Sep 1&2, 18:00-22:00, details.
Murder Mystery at the Strip Club
It’s the mash-up you didn’t know you wanted – a strip club and a murder mystery game. You’ll need to find clues and grill possible culprits about their motives. Everyone’s invited to become their very best Slutty Sherlock and Wanton Watson self in order to crack the case.
- Re:mise, Köpenicker Str. 18, Kreuzberg, starts at 20:00, details.
September 2
Berlin Beer Week
The biggest and most diverse celebration of craft brewing in the city kicks off with a big opening weekend of tasting sessions out on the water. There will be three brews cruises taking place on Saturday, so you can see the sights of the city while sampling some of the best beer to be found in Berlin.
- The start point of the cruises is Märkisches Ufer 48, Mitte. The three cruise leave at different times – 11:30, 14:30 and 18:00, all lasting around three hours, details.
A100 Club Protest
Join this vital protest against the extension of Berlin’s A100 Autobahn this Saturday. The proposed extension would mean demolishing 20 different clubs and cultural sites including //:about blank, Wilde Renate, Club Ost and Else. There will be DJs and live bands playing across seven stages to represent the diversity of the clubs affected.
- Markgrafendamm, Friedrichshain, 14:00-22:00, details.
Antique Mile
The Antique Mile is held annually on the first Saturday of September, giving the chance for visitors to browse the street’s numerous antique shops as well as an entertainment program with live music. It’s a treasure trove of an event, and if you hunt you’re likely to turn up some unique items to brighten up your living space.
Suarezstr. 2023, Charlottenburg, 12:00-20:00, details.
Half Life
Another imaginative mash-up is happening this weekend at the Staatsoper, with a combo of classical ballet (as staged by Israeli choreographer Sharon Eyal) and techno (by percussionist and DJ Ori Lichtik). The effect is absolutely hypnotic.
- Staatsoper, Unter den Linden 7, Mitte, 19:30-21:30, details.
Summer Closing at Gestrandet an der Jannowitzbrücke
Hosted by the crew What A Playground, swing by for a drink and a dance in the sunshine to celebrate the end of summer. House music and good vibes are on the cards for people lucky enough to snag a ticket.
- Gestrandet an der Jannowitzbrücke, Rolandufer, Friedrichshain, 12:00-22:00, details.
September 3
French Bistro Sunday
Head to Holly’s in Neukölln for an afternoon of serious indulgence. You can look forward to dry aged Camembert baked with beetroot chutney, brioche buns and natural wines. They’ll be serving until they’re sold out so get down there early to avoid disappointment.
- Holly Gastrobar, Mainzer Str. 23, Neukölln, starting at 13:00 until they’re sold out, details.
Tropez: Finnisage
The Berlin music label Unguarded invites visitors to Sommerbad Humboldthain to a series of experimental music performances this Sunday. It will take place in the middle of the lawn by the open-air swimming pool, so you can get a quick swim in too.
- Sommerbad Humboldthain, Wiesenstr. 1, Gesundbrunnen, starts at 16:00, details.
Chilli Fest
Come and sample all things chili and craft beer at Berliner Berg Brauerei this Sunday – that is, if you can handle the heat. There will be stalls selling hot sauces, a fire show, live music, beer garden games and a children’s play area. Several food trucks will also be serving up spicy fare, with the brewery providing the accompanying craft beer. There will also be a professional chili eating competition, and a contest for the best homemade hot sauce.
- Berliner Berg Brauerei, Treptower Str. 39, Alt-Treptow, Sep 2-3, 12:00-22:00, details.
Museum Sunday
New to Berlin? Here’s a hot tip: on the first Sunday of every month, Berlin’s galleries and museums open their doors completely for free. Register online for a so-called Zeitfensterticket and enjoy the plethora of art our beautiful city has to offer.
September 5
Jewish Culture Days
Illuminating Jewish life and culture, the Jewish community of Berlin puts on a festival each year, including theatre, readings, discussions, street food, exhibits and concerts, inviting performers and artists from across the world.
- Synagoge Rykestraße, Rykestr. 53, Prenzlauer Berg, Sep 5-14, details.
September 6
International Literature Festival Berlin
An annual must for bookworms, Berlin’s foremost literature festival brings together a host of prominent and lesser-known authors from across the world alongside special guests like legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog. With Lavina Frey taking over from longstanding director Ulrich Schreiber, visitors can expect things to be done a little differently this year.
- Various locations, Sep 6-16, details.
September 7
Berlin Atonal
Quite simply the best boundary-pushing experimental music and art festival in Berlin – in large part down to the fact it takes place in the cavernous industrial majesty of former power plant Kraftwerk. It’s spread over two weekends and you can by a pass for either one or both.
- Kraftwerk Berlin, Köpenicker Str. 70, Kreuzberg, Sep 7-9 and 15-17, details.
SYM-PHONIE MMXX
Celebrate the renowned Berlin dance company’s 30th anniversary with this spectacular performance commissioned by Georg Friedrich Haas, whose edgy music situates the dancing on the precipice of a catastrophe.
- Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstr. 24, Wilmersdorf, Sep 7-10, starts at 20:00, details.
September 8
Club Glow at Fitzroy
Club Glow is a UK collective, journeying to Berlin for the second time for this joint effort party with local artists Ben Sleia and newcomer Prismer. Join them for a journey into dark, heavy-hitting and percussive club sounds.
- Fitzroy, Holzmarktstr. 15, Friedrichshain, 23:59-08:00, details.
Street Food Festival Schöneberg
This three day food festival in Schöneberg will be serving up the familiar (currywurst, burgers) and the less familiar (insect based dishes). The huge range of food trucks will offer something for every taste, with dishes from all over the world alongside high-quality regional produce.
- IKEA parking lot Tempelhof, Sachsendamm 47, Schöneberg, Sep 8-10, details.
Tattoo Convention
Berlin’s 31st Tattoo Convention is a mega event, with 300 of the best tattoo artists in the world arriving for three days of all things ink. The program will include competitions, technical discussions, hygiene and tattoo seminars, as well as of course, a tattoo area.
- Arena, Eichenstraße 4, Alt-Treptow, Sep 8-10, details.
September 10
Berlin Clothing Swap
Want to upgrade your wardrobe in a sustainable way? Bring a minimum of 5 items for a reduced entry fee of €2 (otherwise it’s €5) and take as many things as you can carry.
- The Castle Bar, Invalidenstr. 129, Mitte, 14:00-17:00, details.
September 12
Şimşek Nights
Such was the demand for the Anatolian-psych sounds of Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek that they’ve been booked for two days straight at Gretchen. The sax-funk Turkish rock band will perform across two days, accompanied by other special guests.
- Gretchen, Obentrautstr. 19-21, Kreuzberg, Sep 12-13, doors at 19:30, details.
September 13
Berlin Art Week
Five days of non-stop art action city-wide, bringing together international museums and small project spaces and making it almost impossible to choose. Check out our art editor’s top recommendations here.
- Various locations, Sep 13-17, details.
Fantasy Filmfest
Your annual blend of horror, sci-fi and of course, plenty of fantasy, for everyone who likes it chilling, thrilling and bloody. You can buy a full festival pass for 210€, or tickets for individual showings for a more modest 12€.
- Zoo Palast, Hardenbergstr. 29A, Tiergarten, Sep 13-20, details.
The Silence of Sound
This multidisciplinary performance combining clowning and classical music is an innovative and moving one. It tells the story of a clown, her accompanying orchestra, and magical creatures, all wrapped up in a heartfelt story of love and loss. Evening entertainment for the whole family!
- Admiralspalast, Friedrichstr. 101, Mitte, starts at 20:00, details.
September 14
Forward Festival
This two-day event sees more than 40 international speakers presenting and discussing the latest in design, film, typography, 3D art and augmented reality. Get extra inspired with hands-on workshops.
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Tiergarten, Sep 14-15, details.
Fallen Leaves
A pick from our film editor is Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves. It tells the story of two lonely labourers in Helsiniki, Ansa and Holappa, are victims of the constant churning of work and struggle. They meet by chance and attempt to find each other again.
- Various cinemas, starts Sep 14.
Fotografiska Opening
With a promise to make art as much a late night activity as a daytime pursuit, Fotografiska is opening its doors to the public with a very welcome closing time of 23:00. Add to this a strong lineup of opening exhibitions, and Berlin has a new culture centre that’s well worth exploring on a weekday after work.
- Fotografiska Museum Berlin, Oranienburger Str. 54, Mitte, starts 19:00, details.
The Assault of the Present on the Rest of Time
This dual-venue exhibition explores how state violence affects artistic practices. Works by contemporary artists will be contrasted with works from the 1930s, as well as tracing the legacy of works confiscated as ‘degenerate’ by the Nazis.
- Schinkel Pavillon, Oberwallstr. 32, Mitte & Brücke Museum, Bussardsteig 9, Dahlem, Sep 14 – Jan 7, details.
September 15
Daniel-Ryan Spaulding
This is Spaulding’s biggest Berlin show to date, and possibly the largest venue that a Berlin-based English-language comedian has taken on. Power Gay deserves the big stage – it’s sharp, smart and riotously funny, and no one is safe from his biting wit.
- Babylon, Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 30, Mitte, starts at 19:00, details.
16 Years Renate
A monster of a weekend is just what we’d expect for Renate’s sweet 16 birthday party. The rock-solid lineup they’ve put together is well worth the entry fee, which will cost 35.50€.
- Renate, Alt Stralau 70, Friedrichshain, Sep 15, 23:00 – Sep 18, 08:00, details.
Chief Hijangua
Namibia’s first opera, a stirring collaboration between Herero composer Eslon Vakomboka Hindundu and German librettist and historian Nikolaus Frei, gives voice to a grim colonial history which is not often enough on centre stage in this city.
- Haus des Rundfunks, Masurenalle 8-14, Westend, Sep 15-17, 19:30, details.
September 16
Festival of Giant Kites
Having brought joy to Berliners for 10 years now, this event sees hundreds of spectators flock to Tempelhofer Feld, where big colourful creatures float through the air, from eight-legged octopuses to Ampelmänner to caped superheroes.
- Tempelhofer Feld, from midday, details.
Potato Festival
Chips, crisps, wedges, vodka – everyone loves potatoes! This weekend, Domäne Dahlem is throwing a whole party in honour of this powerhouse of a root vegetable, including music, street foot, pony rides, exhibitions and arts and crafts. You can even harvest your own spuds and take them home.
- Domäne Dahlem, Königin-Luise-Straße 49, Dahlem, Sep 16-17, 11:00-19:00, details.
September 17
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks’ debut album 2021 Collapsed in Sunbeams was met with universal praise, earning her a Mercury Prize for the best album in the same year. We’re super excited that’s she’s putting in an appearance in Berlin. Her sound is pure singer-songwriter magic, and she is a totally compelling performer to watch live.
- Huxleys Neue Welt, Hasenheide 107, Neukölln, doors at 19:00, details.
September 18
Puma Blue
Jacob Allen is singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Puma Blue. He started out producing his own music from his bedroom, and his sound is hypnotic lo-fi magic. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
- silent green Kulturquartier, Gerichtstr. 35, Wedding, doors at 19:00, details.
September 20
Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals
King Cobra, the latest album from Baltimore hip-hop experimentalists Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals has been raking in awards since it came out last year. Luckily for us, we can catch them this month at silent green.
- silent green Kulturquartier, Gerichtstr. 35, Wedding, doors at 20:00, details.
September 21
Millenium Mambo
Another pick from our film editor is Millenium Mambo (2001), a film that went on to define the Taiwanese New Wave of cinema. A bar hostess with a suffocating boyfriend finds sparks flying between her and a local gangster. An iconic score and stunning cinematography await viewers of this cult classic as it returns to the big screen.
- Various cinemas, starts Sep 21.
September 22
Punk Symposium
Punk is a rich cultural phenomenon that encompasses values, politics, fashion and more. Organised by members of the international Punk Scholars Network, the first edition of this symposium takes an in-depth look at an enduring subculture.
- Club der Polnischen Versager, Ackerstr. 168, Mitte, details.
German Beatbox Championship
Watch Germany’s best beatboxers compete against each other in the categories solo, loop station, tag team and crew.
- Columbia Theater, Columbiadamm 9-11, Kreuzberg, 16:30, details.
September 24
BMW Berlin Marathon
Whether you cheer on the athletes while enjoying a Bratwurst or actually run the race, this is one of the biggest events in Berlin’s sports calendar, so get involved.
September 25
de:code
Life-sized portraits of BIPOC artists are brought to life with narrative musical pieces at the exhibition ‘de:code’ at Clärchens. The interactive exhibit highlights the experiences of marginalised FLINTA* producers and musicians while also celebrating the city’s musical talent. Don’t miss Berlin producer and project co-founder Rusnam and Nora Amin kicking off the proceedings with a unique performance.
- Clärchens Ballhaus, Auguststr. 24-25, Mitte, Sep 25-29, details.
September 26
This Is the Kit
This Is the Kit is the alias of British musician Kate Stables. Touring with their new album Careful of Your Keepers, they deliver their usual mellow folk inspired pop, along with nods to jazz. Don’t miss them live at FRANZZ Club.
- FRANZZ Club, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, doors at 19:00, details.
In Memory of Doris Bither
The excellent Ruth Rosenfeld will feature among the relatives of Doris Bither, who seek a language to redescribe Bither’s experience of a ghostly visitation. This reconstruction of paranormal activity in 1974 Los Angeles will surely be haunting.
- Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz, Kurfürstendamm 153, Charlottenburg, Sep 26, 28, Oct 3, 4, 6-11, details.
LA Priest
Your best bet for an evening of entrancingly chill sounds. Currently touring Europe, the never-know-what-you’re-gonna-get artist (who’s also known as Eastgate) stops off in Berlin tonight to perform his brand new solo album Fase Luna.
- Kantine am Berghain, Am Wriezener bhf, Friedrichshain, doors at 20:00, details.
September 27
Bowie in Berlin
Calling all Bowie fanatics: this musical shows how Berlin inspired the icon and created the sound of his famed Berlin Trilogy. The performance mixes music, dance and text to tell the story of his time here.
- English Theatre Berlin, Fidicinstraße 40, Bergmannkiez, starts at 20:00, details.
September 29
Festival of Animation
This three-day marathon gives you the best animation has to offer across 11 competitions. Seems as though animation is more than just Disney Pixars!
- silent green Kulturquartier, Gerichtstr. 35 & City Kino Wedding, Müllerstraße 74, Wedding, Sep 29 – Oct 1, details.
Frankenstein oder das verlorene Paradies
Always-ambitious director Olivier Frljc tackles climate catastrophe and artificial intelligence in this work inspired by Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. Is AI humanity’s last hope, or will this ghost we’ve summoned be one we can’t rid ourselves of?
- Maxim Gorki Theater, Am Festungsgraben 2, Mitte, doors at 19:00, details.
Perlee – Record Release Show
Three Berlin based Irish acts – Perlee, A.S. Fanning and Dave Hedderman – come together for a special intimate concert in the beautiful surroundings of Kulturhaus Insel in Treptow. Presented by All Rooms Concerts, expect dream pop, gothic folk and mystic songwriting.
- Kulturhaus Insel, Alt-Treptow 6, Alt-Treptow, doors at 19:00, details.