Image: Oleh Slobodeniuk

BERLIN: Whether it's art, culture, or entertainment – Berlin excites visitors all year round with its unique events. From colorful street festivals to prestigious international film events, we've listed five recurring events that showcase the best of Berlin. We recommend planing your trip around one of these major annual highlights, plus with three centrally located Adina Hotels in Berlin you can guarentee a relaxing retreat after a big day out.

Red Carpet Meets Capital City Flair

Every February, when the Berlinale kicks off, Berlin becomes the epicenter of the international film world for ten days. Stars, directors, and film critics from around the globe gather to celebrate one of Europe's most important film festivals with hundreds of movies from a wide range of countries and genres are screened. What makes the Berlinale special is its accessibility: many screenings are open to the public where film fans can attend world premieres, join director talks, and – with a bit of luck – catch a glimpse of celebrities on the red carpet at Potsdamer Platz. Whether you’re holding a cinema ticket or simply soaking up the atmosphere, a visit is truly unforgettable.

Colorful, Loud, and Lively: The Carnival of Cultures

If there's one thing Berlin knows how to do, it's celebrating diversity – and nowhere does it better than the Carnival of Cultures! Held every year in spring at Pentecost, the Kreuzberg district transforms into a vibrant festival full of music, dance, and international cuisine. Artists and dance groups from all over the world parade through the streets, creating a colorful spectacle for everyone to enjoy. Beyond the parade itself, the four-day street festival offers live music on multiple stages – from Afrobeat and Balkan brass to reggae rhythms. The Carnival of Cultures is more than just an event, it’s a powerful statement for openness, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. If you want to experience Berlin at its most joyful and multicultural, this weekend is a must.

Berlin Dances for Tolerance: Christopher Street Day

Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin is much more than a colorful parade. Every July, hundreds of thousands gather in the capital to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights with energy, creativity, and plenty of positive vibes. The route stretches from Kurfürstendamm to Brandenburg Gate, featuring decorated floats, dancing crowds, political messages, and countless rainbow flags. Whether you're marching or cheering from the sidelines, the energy of the day is contagious. Anyone visiting Berlin in summer should experience this unforgettable event.

Berlin’s Art Scene in the Spotlight

Every September, the international art world converges in Berlin for the Berlin Art Week. What started as an insider tip has long become a staple of the city's cultural calendar. Over several days, galleries, museums, and project spaces open their doors to showcase the latest trends in contemporary art. Installations, performances, panel discussions, and special tours turn Berlin Art Week into a full sensory experience – whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious about new perspectives. What's particularly exciting is the many exhibitions are created exclusively for the festival and can only be seen during this week. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience Berlin at its most innovative and inspiring.

When Berlin Lights Up

Once a year, Berlin transforms into Europe's largest open-air light gallery during the Festival of Lights. Every October, as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, famous landmarks, squares, and facades glow with artistic light projections. From Brandenburg Gate to Berlin Cathedral, from hidden courtyards to modern buildings – the entire city becomes a luminous masterpiece. The installations tell stories, play with colours and shapes, and reveal familiar sights in a completely new light. Whether you join a guided light walk or explore on your own, the festival invites you to stroll, marvel, and discover. The atmosphere is especially magical when you start your walk after dark and see the city shine.

Your Urban Oasis After the Berlin Event Buzz

Berlin is bursting with energy and after soaking up the excitement of events, there's no better place to unwind than at one of the three centrally located Adina Hotels. Whether you stay at the Adina Hotel Berlin Mitte, Adina Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, or Adina Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt, you’ll find stylish, spacious apartments, a relaxing wellness area with pool and sauna, and a welcoming hotel bar for the perfect end to your day. Here, unforgettable experiences meet relaxed comfort – right in the heart of the city.