Many wonderful and exciting festivals and events are held throughout the year in Berlin. Music, dancing, food and beer are common themes of the city’s celebrations. Here are just a few of the wide variety of parades, carnivals and festivals that make any trip to Berlin worthwhile.
January
Green Week – Held in mid-January at the Exhibition Grounds, this popular exhibition for the agricultural, food and horticultural industries showcases fresh produce, regional food, beer and wine.
February
Berlin International Film Festival – Hosted in early to mid-February, this is one of the most significant film festivals in Europe. Although the principle events take place on the Potsdamer Strasse, there are many screenings throughout the city of films by well-known directors and actors.
March
Maerz Music Festival – This festival, held in mid-March, is a blend of traditional and innovative contemporary music. Concerts are held in the Konzerthaus, the Philharmonic and other venues.
June
Carnival of Cultures – This event takes place in early June. Approximately one million people attend the exciting street fair, parade and other events that are take place in the city’s Kreuzberg district.
July
Love Parade – This mid-July event draws about a million spectators and participants to an exhilarating and spirited parade that includes many large carnival-type floats. This parade, known for its party atmosphere, follows a route along the Strasse des 17 Juni in the Tiergarten.
August
Beer Festival – Hosted in early August at the Strasberger Platz, this festival features more than 1500 types of beer from 200 different breweries representing over 75 countries.
September
Berlin Air Show – Held in early September, the Air Show presents spectators and industry personnel with an up-close and wide-ranging look at some of today’s most advanced aviation and space technology.
November
JazzFest – Many world-renowned jazz artists perform at various venues across the city in early November each year.
December
Christmas Markets – Throughout December, many markets are held around the city to sell Christmas goods and food. The most notable markets are near the Memorial Church, the Opernpalais on Unter den Linden, at Alexanderplatz and Rathaus Schoneberg.
