What to do this weekend: Berlin's best events

Whatever your mood this weekend, there’s something for you in Berlin. Check out our guide to this weekend’s best events.

Thursday

Contemporary Visual Art With Sonic Reactions

Sound of Vision is an immersive art exhibition featuring a collaboration between Kev Sheridan and Irish contemporary visual artists, Eileen O’Sullivan, Orfhlaith Egan, David Hedderman, and Christopher Colm Morrin. You are invited to experience the sonic landscapes from up close as well as from a distance in the hopes of creating a symbiotic dialogue between the auditory and visual art forms presented.

The Ballery, Nollendorfstr. 11, Schöneberg, 16th- 19th May, details.

Analogue Foundation presents Kali Malone Live

*Photo by@yuichironoda from @hotscorpions*

Expect a transformative evening of live music at Zenner Saal, presented by Analogue Foundation. Composer and sound artist Kali Malone will be performing a mesmerising electronic composition along with an innovative harp performance by Miriam Adefris and an eclectic sound collage by DJ Baby Vulture, all in an intimate setting where artists and audience come together for a shared sonic journey. Don’t miss this special debut listening event.

Zenner, Alt-Treptow 15, Treptow Park, from 19:00, details.

BE:smut Studio Launch Party

There’s a hot new porn studio in town so come on down to celebrate with an evening of sexy laughter as we welcome BE:smut – a comedic pornography studio based in Berlin. Two screenings will take place from new porn director Hunter S. Thompson (who also happens to be a member of The Berliner team): ” I Kinda, Sorta, Maybe… Fucked My Roommate” and “Household Goods – And Their Uncommon Uses”. Opening the night will be a strip show from Playgirls Mansion Present! and a stand-up comedy act from L’adios!

Lark Club, Holzmarktstr. 15-18, Kreuzberg, 19:00-02:00, details.

Friday

HTRK by Berlin Atonal

Few bands in history have managed to cultivate such a cultish but nuanced following as the Australians HTRK. Through their illustrious 21-year career, HTRK have gracefully captured the uneasiness of intimacy. Across decades of work and wounds, their sound has shape-shifted between densities and intensities, noise and nakedness, but never wavered in its delicate poetic gravity. HTRK will mark their 21st Anniversary in 2024 through a series of collaborations, installations and performances. This special event in Berlin is hosted on the refurbished Globus stage by Berlin Atonal.

Tresor, Köpenickerstr. 20, Kreuzberg, from 20:00, details.

Andy Warhol Opening Party

*Ladies and Gentlemen (Easha McCleary), c. 1974 © 2024 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Licensed by Artist*

Who hasn’t had a period of fascination with Andy Warhol? This Friday, immerse yourself in his vibrant world at Fotografiska Berlin as the gallery hosts an unforgettable celebration in his honour. There will be contemporary dance performances by The Way Collective, exclusive access to the Warhol and Joanna Dudley exhibitions, and electrifying DJ sets that will keep you grooving into the early hours. From voguing to disco, each floor will have unique vibes, reflecting Warhol’s quest for authenticity and belonging, themes echoed throughout the exhibition.

Fotografiska Berlin, Oranienburgerstr. 54, Mitte, 20:00 – 04:00, details.

Thai Bridge at JULES (B-Part)

Thai Bridge, the successor to the iconic and controversial ThaiPark, takes place every Friday this May at Jules B-Part. If you have ever visited before, you’ll know exactly what to expect- some of the most delicious Thai cuisine on offer in Berlin that will immediately transport you to the street markets of Thailand. A must-visit for fans of Pad Thai, Pad See Ew and Sticky Rice.

Jules B-Part, Luckenwalderstr. 6b, Schöneberg, 15:00 – 22:00, details.

Saturday

The Champions Burger

The ultimate quest to discover the best burger in Germany. Spanning across 8 cities from May to September, over 95 days, this epic food truck event culminates in crowning one champion that will take home the prize. Amidst the sizzling competition, enjoy refreshing drinks on balmy summer nights, exciting entertainment acts, and a selection of activities. It is Berlin’s turn this week to dish out some of the best burgers in the country so make sure you’re there to take part in this culinary adventure.

RAW Campus, Revalerstr. 99, Friedrichshain, 9th May- 19th May, details.

Oscillations. Cape Town- Berlin Sonic Inquiries and Practices

It is your last chance to experience this exhibition of critical thinking at Akademie Der Künste, where South African and German artists converge to explore new sonic landscapes and challenge societal norms. Through immersive sound works, they unveil fractures in post-apartheid society, offer avenues for transformation, and probe the complexities of postcolonial sound ownership. This final weekend offers an accompanying program with curator tours, as well as contributions and performances by various Oscillations artists.

Akademie der Künste, Hanseatenweg 10, Mitte, 11:00- 19:00, through 19th May details.

Else Open Air: Todd Terje, Terr & more

Another huge weekend is approaching at Else with a line-up including the masterful Todd Terje, Senergi Sharlese, Albert Terr and more. A sanctuary for music enthusiasts, enjoy the atmosphere at the newly reopened venue with its cozy indoor space and riverside terrace- perfect for afternoon sunset dances, with pauses in between to enjoy the oven-baked pizzas perhaps.

Else, An den Treptowers 10, Treptower, starts 14:00- 06:00, details.

Death Drive-In

The campiest heavenly diner around; an existential simulation located in a void. Heralding back to capitalism’s golden days, the piece discusses our current relationship with capitalism, consumer culture and its effects on our nervous systems. As an audience member you will partake in a playful, interactive and contemplative journey inside Alte Münze. The piece is a ca. 110 min long participatory theatre experience where you will be guided through Alte Münze’s club space by your hostesses with the mostesses; Steven.

Alte Münze, Molkenmarkt 2, Kreuzberg, 15:00- 19:00, through to 26th May, details.

Sunday

International Museum Day

Doors swing open this Sunday to reveal captivating tours and activities in celebration of International Museum Day. If you’re interested in the rich tapestry of human history and curiosity today is your chance to experience it all for free, from the earliest cabinets of curiosities to the modern-day museums that bridge the cultural past with the present. Ongoing since 1977, experience the diverse spectrum museum work with over 6,500 participating museums across Germany, all united in their mission to enrich cultural and social life.

Various locations, full programme on museumstag.de, admission is usually free, details.

Westend Wine Festival

The eagerly anticipated Westend Wine and Arts Festival is here, hosted by Family & Friends e.V. association. Wander along Preußenallee and immerse yourself in the world of small family wineries, showcasing their exceptional wines alongside charming handicrafts for sale. There will also be live entertainment featuring renowned musicians such as Hub Dutch and the lively ‘Rockhouse Brothers’, whose blend of Rockabilly and contemporary sounds promises an exciting evening.

Preußenallee, Westend, through to 20th May, details.

Long Night of Open Churches

Always wanted to have a peek inside some of Berlin’s historical churches? Berlin opens its doors to around 100 churches for the Long Night of Open Churches on Whitsunday 2024. From the majestic Berlin Cathedral to numerous churches across Berlin and Brandenburg, visitors can partcipate in prayer, music, and various events throughout the evening, or just walk around and learn something new about these grand constructions.

Various churches in Berlin and Brandenburg, free admission, details.

Karneval Der Kulturen

Experience four vibrant days filled with the rich tapestry of global culture at the Carnival of Cultures. Since 1995, this colourful extravaganza has welcomed over 500,000 attendees annually to celebrate the diversity the city. From the infectious beats of Brazilian samba to the eccentric movements of the Chinese lion dance, the parade steals the spotlight, starting at around 2 pm on the 19th at Gneisenaustraße. Browse through 350 stands offering a delightful array of crafts and culinary treats for purchase, ensuring a feast for the senses at every turn.