Autumn 2026
Festival of Lights: 9 to 18 October 2026
Every autumn, for about ten days, Berlin's monuments are covered in light projections in the evening: the Brandenburg Gate is its most famous backdrop. The 2026 edition runs from 9 to 18 October; programmes and routes can be found on the festival's website. For the season, see our guide Berlin in autumn.
Christmas markets: from 23 November 2026
The 2026 season opens on Monday 23 November. Dates and addresses are in our guide to Berlin's Christmas markets; for 24, 25 and 26 December, read Christmas in Berlin.
New Year
On the evening of 31 December, the party centres on the Brandenburg Gate: see New Year in Berlin to book and get organised.
Winter 2027
Berlinale: 10 to 21 February 2027
The international film festival takes place every February, around Potsdamer Platz. The 77th edition will run from 10 to 21 February 2027; details of tickets and venues are on our Berlinale page. Screenings are open to the general public.
Spring 2027
Karneval der Kulturen: 14 to 17 May 2027
The carnival of cultures takes place in Kreuzberg at Whitsun: a parade, music stages and food stalls from all over the world. The 2027 edition is announced for 14 to 17 May; the main parade takes place on the Sunday.
1 May and Fête de la Musique
On 1 May, Kreuzberg is livened up by the Myfest, a free street party. On 21 June, the Fête de la Musique turns streets, courtyards and parks into open-air stages. Check the programmes on the city's website, as they are published shortly beforehand.
The German Cup final
Every year, the German Cup football final is played in May at the Olympiastadion. The date is set by the federation: check it before booking.
Summer 2027
Christopher Street Day
Berlin's Pride parade takes place in July. The date of the 2027 edition was not confirmed in early October 2026: some sources give 24 July, to be checked. See our guide LGBT Berlin.
Lange Nacht der Museen: 28 August 2027
The Long Night of Museums opens many museums and cultural venues late into the night. The 2027 edition is announced for 28 August; the ticket and the list of venues are published a few weeks beforehand. Think of the sites on Museum Island.
Open air and concerts at the citadel
Spandau Citadel hosts a music festival and the Gauklerfest in summer; see the citadel's page for the programme and tickets. Our guide Berlin in summer also lists outings by the water.
Autumn 2027
Berlin Marathon: 26 September 2027
The marathon is run every year at the end of September, with a finish at the Brandenburg Gate. The 2027 edition is announced for Sunday 26 September. If you are not running, expect closed streets in the centre during the day.
How to plan
- Book early for the Berlinale, the Festival of Lights, New Year and the Lange Nacht der Museen: hotels fill up.
- Check the dates on the official websites: they can change from one year to the next.
- To choose the month of your trip, see the best time to visit Berlin, which compares the months, and Berlin in spring and Berlin in winter.
