Top Festivals to Experience in Berlin

The vibrant city of Berlin is host to a great range of annual events and festivals, with everything from jazz festivals, to light shows, to film festivals. Whether you are in the city to sight-see over the weekend or on a trip for business, plan your stay right to make sure it coincides with one of these unique festivals in Berlin.

Festival of Lights

Every year, millions of visitors flock to Berlin to see the city lit by amazing illuminations. The city is majestically transformed as artistic lights are placed around landmark architecture and venues for the Festival of Lights (Berlin Leuchtet). The festival aims to tell stories and draw attention to unique, hidden and essential spots in Berlin. The Festival of Lights is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world. Since 2015, the World Championship of projection mapping has been a permanent feature. Head to the Kohlhoff Tower at the Potsdamer Platz to witness some of the world's most talented video mapping artists compete against each other. Check out the two walking routes to plan your itinerary, download the illumination map and enjoy the festival from September 11 to September 20, 2020.

Jazzfest Berlin Towards the end of autumn, the city of Berlin turns in to a hub for fans of jazz from around the world. For 44 years the Jazzfest Berlin (Berlin Jazz Festival) has been held in a variety of locations around the city. It showcases the diverse talents of international jazz musicians and ensembles. The popular Jazzfest Berlin takes place from November 5 to November 8 and this year it will go partly off-stage, with artists and cultural workers sharing online projects. Check out the full programme. The Berlinale The Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, has become one of the most important international film festivals, second after Cannes'. Taking place in February every year, it features over 400 films, has sold over 335,000 tickets, and welcomes nearly 20,000 professional visitors from 127 countries. Access the full programme as of January, and plan ahead for your next stay at Radisson Blu Berlin as this is a very popular event. & & Carnival of Cultures The diversity of Berlin is celebrated every May at the Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures). This 4 day urban festival shows the many faces of Berlin with its free and open programme of events. Throughout the Carnival, visitors can celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity with a range of events around Blücherplatz. There are hundreds of market stalls with tasty food, traditional craft, art and gifts, local and international bands performing, and street performers showing their skill. A highlight of this colorful festival in Berlin is a huge street parade that takes place on Pentecost Sunday in the Kreuzberg district. The parade will feature performances by music and dance groups, from children to adults, amateur to professional. Start planning your next stay in Berlin and don't miss this unique event! & & Lange Nachte der Museen The Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Museum Night) is an annual event taking place every year at the end of August. Around 75 museums open their doors to the public for this special after-hours event. Way after midnight museums will give special access to exhibitions and collections, along with tours and unique nighttime events. Don't miss one of the most exciting events in the city and start planning ahead for next year! The sophisticated Radisson Blu Hotel Berlin is within easy walking distance to Altes Museum, DDR Museums and hotspots of this festival. A shuttle bus will be on hand to help people get around the city and make it to as many museums as possible. Many exhibitions and events on the night will be in English, so it's a great event for international visitors. & & IFA - Electronic Fair A huge range of innovative products goes on display at the annual IFA - Electronic Fair in Berlin, taking place from September 3 to September 5, 2020. Visitors can browse displays from hundreds of exhibitors at this leading trade show. This year the event will mostly be virtual and will support brands and manufacturers, retailers and innovators. Expect to see leading names in digital communications, home cinema, photo, games, televisions, household appliances and other technology innovations. & & Experience the buzz of festivals in Berlin and stay in the heart of all the action at the memorable Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin! Psst! In case you needed more inspiration to travel to Berlin, check out these top photo spots by photographer Levanterman!