The travellers guide
Coming to Berlin this summer? Our home city is full of things to see and do when the weather is fine, from great lakes to wonderful beer gardens, but Berlin is also one of the music capitals of Europe. Each summer the city welcomes musicians from around the world for any number of festivals, and there is such a mix of events there is something to suit all tastes.
Whether you are a fan of jazz, pop, classical music or electronica, there is a music festival for you. Indeed, there is more going on than we have space for here but we’ve pulled together some of our favourites to help you plan your music adventures this summer in Berlin.
When does summer begin in Berlin? The first beer at the Prater? The first swim in the Wannsee? Or is it the Carnival of Cultures, four-days of music, dance, food and drink, that kicks off the summer in style each May. The highlight is the grand street parade, with colourful costumes and dances from around the world. A celebration of global cultures on the streets of Berlin.
24 May 2026 (Street festival from 22-25 May)
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The longest day of the year is one of Berlin’s biggest parties. A city-wide, free music event that takes place across the city every year on the 21 June, the Fête de la Musique can be found all over, from big stages to courtyard concerts. One of the best things to do is arm yourself with a list of stages and simply see what you discover: it is the joy of the unexpected that makes this such a brilliant event.
21 June 2026
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This is a must for jazz aficionados. This week-long festival showcases both international stars and local talents, performing in venues ranging from intimate clubs to open-air stages. With a programme that includes classic jazz, the experimental, and everything in between, the festival offers something for every fan. If you play yourself, workshops and jam sessions provide opportunities for musicians and fans to connect in a vibrant community celebration of the music.
20-26 June 2026
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Set in the beautiful surrounds of the Britzer Garten in the south of Berlin, Klassik Open Air in 2026 brings the spirit of an Italian carnival to the German capital, with performances of Dvorak, Rissini, Verdi and Arban by the Frankfurt Philharmonic Orchestra.
22 August 2026
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A legendary festival name arrived in Berlin a few years ago, and this year Lollapalooza Berlin will be taking place in and around the Olympic Stadium. The line-up includes an eclectic mix of genres, from rock and pop to electronica and dance. There’s art installations, food stalls and all kinds of activities alongside the music. At the time of writing, headline acts for 2026 include Lewis Capaldi, Lorde, Zara Larsson and Tom Odell.
18-19 July 2026
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Pop-Kultur, held in August, is more than just a music festival. It’s a multi-disciplinary event that blends concerts with exhibitions, workshops, and discussions. Held at three iconic venues – Silent Green, Festsaal Kreuzberg and the Kulturbrauerei, a historic brewery turned cultural centre – the festival showcases cutting-edge artists and innovative performances. Pop-Kultur is known for its forward-thinking approach, highlighting emerging trends and new directions in music and art.
24-29 August 2026
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If your trip to Berlin doesn’t coincide with any of the festivals listed above, never fear: Berlin has a fine collection of clubs that will keep you dancing in the open air through the long, warm summer nights. Here are some of our favourites:
Three floors and countless rooms in a former residential building that makes this place something between a club and a house party labyrinth, with a garden that opens for the summer season.
Famous for parties that begin on Friday and end on Monday morning, with multiple floors, an outdoor area, a teahouse and a pizza stand. You could, in theory, spend an entire weekend without leaving.
Afrobeats and reggae sounds, a beach area and a food court with Caribbean and African dishes. A genuinely unique atmosphere.
House, disco and techno across two floors, with a garden for the summer. Most events pre-sell tickets and the atmosphere is reliably easy-going.
If you want even more tips and ideas for your visit to Berlin, check out the rest of our Experience Berlin blog or follow us on Instagram.
We also have special deals for those who book their trip to Berlin early or want to stay longer. Check out our special offers page for more details.
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