Berlin | Annual events

Berlin hosts a variety of prominent annual events, ranging from cultural festivals to major marathons and trade fairs.

Key events include:

Cultural Events and Festivals

1. Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale): one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, held in February.

2. Berlin Fashion Week: two annual editions (January/February and July) showcasing designer collections and fashion trends.

3. Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen): held in May or June, celebrating the city's multicultural diversity with colorful parades and music.

4. Christopher Street Day (CSD) / Berlin Pride: a major LGBTQIA+ pride celebration held in July, culminating in a large parade.

5. Festival of Lights: in October, Berlin's iconic monuments and buildings are illuminated with projections and art installations.

Music and Entertainment Events

1. Fête de la Musique: in June, musicians (both amateur and professional) perform for free on stages and in streets across the city.

2. Lollapalooza Berlin: a major international music festival held in July at Olympiapark Berlin, featuring world-renowned artists.

3. Rave The Planet: an annual electronic music parade and cultural demonstration—considered the successor to the Love Parade—held in August.

Sports and Trade Fairs

1. Berlin Marathon: in September, one of the world's six major marathons, known as the course where the most men's world records have been broken.

2. Internationale Grüne Woche (International Green Week): in January, a major trade fair for food, agriculture, and horticulture.

3. ITB Berlin: the world's leading travel and tourism trade fair, held in March.

4. IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung): in September, one of the world's largest trade shows for consumer electronics and home appliances.

Seasonal Events

1. Christmas Markets: see specific tips.

2. Britzer Baumblüte: an annual spring festival held in March/April.