Berlin is one of Europe’s most culturally lively cities. And although 2026 will not bring the long-awaited reopening of the Pergamon Altar – which is now scheduled for mid-2027 – the German capital has an extraordinary line-up of concerts, exhibitions, festivals, openings, and sporting events planned throughout the year.
In this guide, we explore twelve unmissable events, one for each month, to help you start planning your trip to one of Germany’s most singular and creative urban destinations.
January: International Green Week Berlin
The year begins with one of the city’s most iconic fairs: International Green Week, a celebration for enthusiasts of sustainable food, agriculture, and ecological horticulture.
The event brings together more than 1,400 exhibitors from 60 countries and, in its upcoming edition, marks its centenary. It takes place from 16 to 25 January at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. And if wandering through the pavilions inspires your appetite for more, a guided food tour of Berlin is a fantastic way to dive deeper into the city’s culinary heart.
February: Berlinale
February is synonymous with cinema in Berlin. The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, one of the most influential film events in the world, once again opens its doors to hundreds of public screenings, international stars, and countless activities dedicated to the art of filmmaking.
The festival runs from 12 to 22 February across various venues throughout the city.
March: ITB Berlin
As the world’s leading trade fair for the travel industry, ITB Berlin serves as a global business platform for the entire tourism sector.
Countries, cities, regions, tour operators, online booking portals, hotels and countless other service providers from more than 180 nations gather to showcase their products and innovations.
It is a true March classic and widely regarded as the most important travel event on the planet, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, destinations, conferences and immersive experiences.
April: Festtage
April ushers in classical music at its finest with Festtage, the annual opera and classical music festival organised by the prestigious Staatsoper Unter den Linden. Held around Easter, the 2026 edition features conductor Christian Thielemann leading Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss, as well as Brahms’s German Requiem performed on Good Friday. The festival runs from 28 March to 6 April.
May: French summer
Berlin welcomes a cultural wave from its neighbour during the French Summer 2026 programme. One of its highlights opens on 22 May at the Alte Nationalgalerie, located on Museum Island: Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism.
This major exhibition brings together around 100 impressionist works—including pieces by Monet, Degas and Cézanne—in honour of Paul Cassirer, the influential dealer who played a decisive role in bringing French impressionism to Germany. On display until 27 September.
June: Street music and ppen-air classics
June bursts with music across Berlin’s streets. The beloved Fête de la Musique, held on 21 June, sees musicians of every genre performing free concerts in parks, plazas and neighbourhood corners. Classical music lovers will appreciate the State Opera for All, where the Staatsoper orchestra, conducted by Thielemann, performs Beethoven pieces against the dramatic backdrop of Berlin’s historic city centre—also free to attend.
July: Berlin Pride
Every July, Berlin becomes a colourful celebration of diversity during Berlin Pride. Weeks of cultural events, talks and exhibitions culminate in the grand Christopher Street Day Parade.
The march begins around noon near Kurfürstendamm and continues through the neighbourhoods of Tiergarten and Schöneberg. In 2026, the parade takes place on 25 July.
August: Long night of museums
On 29 August 2026, around 70 museums participate in Berlin’s Long Night of Museums, staying open from early evening until 2 a.m. Visitors can explore everything from Museum Island’s world-famous collections to palaces, art halls and planetariums. Special tours, games and activities create a unique atmosphere that transforms each visit into an immersive nocturnal adventure.
September: BMW Berlin Marathon
September brings one of the world’s greatest running events: the BMW Berlin Marathon. Over 40,000 participants from around 120 countries, along with thousands of spectators, gather to experience this iconic race. Taking place on 27 September, the marathon starts and finishes on Straße des 17. Juni, the grand boulevard cutting through Tiergarten near the Reichstag.
October: Festival of Lights
Autumn’s shorter days set the stage for the Festival of Lights, now in its 22nd edition. Berlin’s most recognisable monuments and plazas are illuminated with artistic light installations that brighten the city well into the night, offering a breathtaking visual experience.
November: Bazaar Berlin
November’s highlight is Bazaar Berlin, an international fair featuring exhibitors from more than 60 countries. Visitors can browse artisanal crafts, design products, natural goods and fair-trade items—an inspiring global marketplace. Held from 4 to 8 November at Messe Berlin.
December: Christmas Markets
Berlin’s Christmas markets are among Germany’s finest. With more than 80 options, the city offers everything from Bavarian traditions to Scandinavian-inspired alternatives.
Favourites include WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt renowned for its elegant atmosphere and gourmet offerings; the romantic Charlottenburg Palace Market; and the lively Potsdamer Platz Market, complete with ice rink and snow attractions.
