September 2025 in Berlin: Must-See Events, Festivals & Cultural Highlights

Berlin TV tower from Berliner dom

Berlin comes alive in September with a packed calendar of festivals, concerts, fairs, and cultural events. From world-class art exhibitions to open-air music festivals and quirky food fairs, there is something for every visitor. As the official Berlin tourism site notes, “September 2025 will be colorful” with highlights ranging from the Musikfest Berlin to the Berlin Art Week[1]. Temperatures are mild (highs around 18–20 °C), making it perfect for exploring the city’s mix of indoor and outdoor events.

Art & Culture Highlights

Berlin’s art scene peaks in September. The Berlin Art Week (Sep 10–14) brings hundreds of galleries together, making it a great time for art lovers[2]. Innovative international and local artists showcase new works across the city. In parallel, the Positions Berlin Art Fair (in the hangars of Tempelhof Airport, Sep 11–14) exhibits contemporary art alongside classical modern pieces[3]. The 10th Berlin Biennale also runs through mid-September (ending Sep 14), turning various city venues into temporary galleries of contemporary art[4].

Art fans rejoice in September. Beyond fairs, Berlin’s cultural institutions open special programs. The famous Long Night of Museums actually kicks off on Aug 30 (just before September) with 70+ museums open late into the night[5]. On Sep 14, even the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (State Opera) holds an Open House with free dance and music performances[6]. All of these events reflect Berlin’s reputation as a vibrant art metropolis.

·      Berlin Art Week (Sep 10–14): A showcase of cutting-edge art in hundreds of Berlin galleries[2].

·      Positions Berlin Art Fair (Sep 11–14): Large contemporary art fair at the former Tempelhof Airport hangars[3].

·      Berlin Biennale (through Sep 14): City-wide contemporary art exhibition in multiple venues[4].

·      International Literature Festival (Sep 11–20): About 200 authors from 40+ countries read and talk in Berlin[7].

·      49h ICC Open House (Sep 11–14): Guided tours and exhibitions at the historic ICC Congress Center[8].

·      Open Heritage Day (Sep 13–14): Many normally-closed monuments and historic buildings open free to the public[9].

Music & Concerts

Berlin’s music venues stay busy in September. The city’s largest classical festival, Musikfest Berlin (Aug 30 – Sep 23), continues into early September, presenting dozens of orchestral and chamber concerts[10]. World-renowned orchestras (e.g. the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam) kick off the season, and ensembles from Europe and Asia perform works by composers old and new[11][12].

Classical concerts and more: On the popular side, legendary soul singer Dionne Warwick comes to Berlin on Sep 16 as part of her farewell tour, performing at the Admiralspalast with the Klassische Philharmonie Nordwest[13]. Other notable concerts include klezmer clarinetist Giora Feidman (Sep 18 at Alte Bären BHG[14]) and genre-blending acts like Ronis Goliath (Sep 14). Families shouldn’t miss the Berliner Taschenlampenkonzert on Sep 20 – a magical children’s concert at the Waldbühne where the audience waves flashlights (Taschenlampen) during the show[15].

·      Musikfest Berlin (Aug 30–Sep 23): Over 30 orchestral concerts in Berlin’s top halls[10][12].

·      Dionne Warwick (Sep 16): Iconic soul-pop singer with orchestra at Admiralspalast[13].

·      Giora Feidman (Sep 18): Renowned klezmer clarinet concert (Alte Bären BHG)[14].

·      Berliner Taschenlampenkonzert (Sep 20): Outdoor family concert at Waldbühne (flashlights, music and fun)[15].

·      Jazz & Clubs: Local jazz nights and electronic DJs play at clubs like A-Trane, Festsaal Kreuzberg, Funkhaus etc. (September doesn’t have the major Jazzfest, which is in November.)

Festivals & Markets

September also brings funfairs and street festivals. The Berlin Autumn Carnival (Herbst Rummel) is a month-long fair (Sep 19–Oct 19) on Kurt-Schumacher-Damm, with roller coasters, rides, live music and food stands[16]. On Sep 27 the Festival of Giant Kites takes over Tempelhofer Feld, where enormous colorful kites (some up to 40 m long) fill the sky in a spectacular flying show[17]. Early in the month, the free Mother Earth Festival (Sep 6) celebrates music and ecology with a lively street parade and art performances[18]. Arts-and-crafts lovers will enjoy the Art Avenue market at Charlottenburg Palace (Sep 6–7), a weekend fair of paintings, ceramics and design[19]. Finally, the Open Heritage Day (Sep 13–14) lets visitors tour many of Berlin’s oldest sites (churches, museums, monuments) that are otherwise closed[9].

·      Berlin Autumn Carnival (Sep 19–Oct 19): Funfair at Kurt-Schumacher-Damm with rides and games[16].

·      Giant Kite Festival (Sep 27): Kite-flying spectacle at Tempelhofer Feld[17].

·      Mother Earth Festival (Sep 6): Street parade with music and eco-art performances[18].

·      Art Avenue (Sep 6–7): Open-air arts & crafts market on Schlossstraße near Charlottenburg Palace[19].

·      Open Day at the State Opera (Sep 14): Free opera-house performances and tours[6].

·      Harbor Festival Tegel (Sep 25–28): Live music, food and rides by the Tegel harbor front[20].

Sports & Outdoors

Athletic events and outdoor activities round out the month. The highlight is the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sep 21–22 – one of the world’s most popular marathons[21]. Runners from around the globe compete over the flat 42 km course. Ahead of the race, the Marathon Expo (Sep 18–20) takes over Messe Berlin where participants pick up their bibs and shop for sports gear[22]. Also keep an eye on the ISTAF (Internationales Stadionfest) track-and-field meet at the Olympiastadion, usually held in mid-September (2025 date TBA)[23]. For casual outdoor fun, Berlin’s parks and lakes (Wannsee, Müggelsee) are popular for biking, rowing and late-summer swims.

·      Berlin Marathon (Sep 21): World-famous 42 km race through the city[21].

·      Marathon Expo (Sep 18–20): Trade show at Messe Berlin for running gear and race registration[22].

·      ISTAF Athletics (Sep, date TBA): Top-tier track meet at Olympiastadion[23].

Food & Drink Festivals

Foodies have plenty to enjoy. The Berlin Chili Fest (Sep 5–7) at the Berliner Berg Brewery celebrates spicy cuisine with tastings and chili-pepper contests[24]. September harvest is showcased at Britzer Garten: on Sep 21 the Pumpkin Festival displays giant gourds and straw art[25], and on Sep 27–28 the Historic Apple Festival at Schloss Britz features apple cider, fruit exhibits and folk music[26]. Other tasty events include the Potato Festival in Dahlem (Sep 13–14)[27], the all-you-can-eat Berlin Ramen Festival (Sep 27–28) for noodle lovers[28], and Berlin’s first Halal Food Festival (Sep 12–14) showcasing Middle Eastern street food[29].

·      Berlin Chili Fest (Sep 5–7): Spicy-food tasting and cook-off at the Berliner Berg Brewery[24].

·      Potato Festival (Sep 13–14): Celebration of the potato in Dahlem with food stalls and recipes[27].

·      Britzer Garten Pumpkin & Apple (Sep 21): Autumn fair with giant pumpkins and live music[25].

·      Historic Apple Fest (Sep 27–28): Cider and crafts at Schloss Britz celebrating the apple harvest[26].

·      Berlin Ramen Festival (Sep 27–28): All-you-can-eat bowls of ramen and Japanese dishes[28].

·      Halal Food Festival (Sep 12–14): Street-food festival (first of its kind) at Napoleon Complex[29].

Tech, Trade & Other Events

Berlin also hosts big trade shows in September. The IFA Berlin (Sep 5–9) is Europe’s leading consumer electronics fair, where 2,000+ companies unveil the latest gadgets and appliances[30]. Fans of body art can hit the Berlin Tattoo Convention (Sep 5–7) at Arena Berlin, featuring dozens of tattoo artists and live demos[31]. For literature and business, the city’s conference centers have expos and fairs (e.g. art and lit fairs) throughout the month. Tourists may also find themed city tours – such as heritage walks during Open Monument Day – or special museum exhibits (the “Top Exhibitions of 2025” can be browsed on visitBerlin[32]).

Getting Around & Tips

September weather in Berlin is usually pleasant (average highs ~19 °C), so pack layers for cool evenings. Public transit (U-Bahn/S-Bahn) and bike-sharing make it easy to zip between venues. Many major events require advance tickets or passes (especially concerts and expos), so book early. Websites like VisitBerlin or the official Berlin events page keep updated calendars (all linked above) to help you plan. After the festivals, explore neighborhoods like Mitte, Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg for dining and nightlife.

With so much happening in every corner of the city, Berlin in September offers a vibrant mix of culture, music, food and fun – a perfect time for visitors to experience the city’s unique energy.

Sources: Event dates and descriptions are confirmed by official Berlin event listings and the VisitBerlin site[1][2][10][7][3][15][12], as cited above. (All information is accurate as of mid-2025.)