It has been almost 50 years since Kennedy gave his famous speech in Berlin and referred to himself as a Berliner. There are many different opinions on what he meant… or did not want to mean. Anyways, being a Berliner has gained many different meanings over the years, and in the Like A Local family our favourite is “a person who enjoys the rich and diverse culture scene of Berlin.” Berlin really deserves its reputation as a leading European city when it comes to hosting the best cultural events. Let’s take a look at the Like A Local Berlin editor’s top recommendations for Summer 2013.
Carnival Of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen)
Photo by artie
Date: May 17–20
Location: The Blücherplatz, Kreuzberg
This is a street festival celebrating cultural diversity in Berlin. The Blücherplatz in Kreuzberg becomes a global village with food, drinks, handicrafts and music from all over the world.
Art on Oberbaumbrücke
Photo by Chris Wolf
Date: June 2–7
Location: Oberbaumbrücke (Open Air Gallery)
For two Sundays in June over 100 artists will display their works against the mind-blowing backdrop of the Oberbaumbrücke (typically a traffic hub), the river Spree and the S-Bahn tracks.
Neukölln Art Festival (48 Stunden Neukölln)
Photo by Dieter Palm
Date: June 14–16
Location: Northern Neukölln
Every year a summer weekend is dedicated to the artists living in Neukölln – an area home to over 160 different nationalities. Audience participation is encouraged!
Worldwide Music Day (Fete de la Musique)
Photo by FETEberlin
Date: June 21
Location: All over Berlin
June 21st is not only the beginning of summer, but also Worldwide Music Day. All over Berlin you can listen to live local and international music acts outside, for free!
Christopher Street Day
Photo by Jörg Kanngießer
Date: June 22
Location: Prinzenstraße, Kreutzberg
If you want to be among the half a million people dancing their way from Kreuzberg to Brandenburger Tor for equal rights and against discrimination, be at Prinzenstraße at noon!
Classic Open Air Gendarmenmarkt
Photo by visitBerlin
Date: July 4–8
Location: Gendarmenmarkt
Watch star tenors, first-rate orchestras and big swing bands at one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares. It’s not free, but you can still linger around the area and listen to whatever carries over.
Long Night of Museums (Lange Nacht der Museen)
Photo by RAP361
Date: August 31
Location: Museums all over Berlin
From 18:00–02:00 more than 100 of Berlin’s museums will be open, with accompanying theatre performances, music and readings. Shuttle buses connect the venues throughout the night.