Whatever your mood this weekend, there’s something for you in Berlin. Check out our guide to this weekend’s best events.

Thursday

Feminist Perspectives Series: Rage & Evil 

Part of the FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES series, this enlightening discussion is curated by Sonja Eismann and Josephine Papke. Expect a captivating exploration of Hanna Bekker vom Rath’s resilience amid wartime upheaval, offering a glimpse into her unwavering commitment to artistic freedom amidst adversity. The event will explore the transformative potential of anger with acclaimed author Ciani-Sophia Hoeder, and glimpse into its historical and contemporary significance in navigating societal norms and fostering change. It will feature Ciani-Sophia Hoeder (journalist and founder of RosaMag) and will be moderated by Tari Weber. Don’t miss the exhibition tour at 5pm.

•  Brücke Museum, Bussardsteig 9, Grunewald, details.

The Magic Flute at Deutsche Oper

Mozart’s enduring masterpiece, The Magic Flute, comes to the Deutsche Oper this Thursday. The piece blends Viennese folk theatre with mythology and freemasonry mystique through Tamino’s quest to rescue Pamina from the clutches of Sarastro, with the aid of Papageno and magical talismans. Premiered at the Deutsche Oper Berlin in 1991, this enduring classic continues to captivate audiences with its timeless allure. It will be presented with English and German surtitles, with a pre-performance lecture in German.

• Deutsche Oper, Bismarckstr. 35, Tiergarten, 6pm, details.

Kimchi, Kraut & Pickles: Fermentation Workshop

Curious about the art of fermentation? At this workshop you will master the art of making delicious probiotic food – good for both the tastebuds and tummy. You will experience an evening of culinary discovery through traditional recipes and innovative fusion ideas. Elevate your pantry with custom-made fermented delights and join in for an unforgettable bit of flavour exploration.

• Edible Alchemy, Moosdorfstr. 7-9, Treptower, details.

Friday

European Arts and Crafts Days

Experience a vibrant tapestry of creativity at European Arts and Crafts Days, where artisans and designers throw open their studio doors, offering workshops, fashion shows, and insightful lectures across Berlin. Since its debut in 2014 (courtesy of the Berlin Chamber of Crafts) this event has become a beacon of artistic expression, showcasing the talents of woodworkers, textile artists, ceramicists, and more. Join in for a celebration of Berlin’s diverse arts and crafts scene.

• Various locations, 5th to 7th April, details.

PORTAL: Book Launch and Party

Step into the world of poetry this weekend for the unveiling of PORTAL, a captivating collection by Tracy Fuad, published by the University of Chicago Press, and winner of the Phoenix Emerging Poets Prize. Tracy teaches poetry in Berlin and directs the Berlin Writers’ Workshop. Experience an evening of literary splendour as Fuad’s evocative verse takes centre stage, alongside esteemed poets Zoe Darsee and Patty Nash, as they weave tales of inspiration and imagination. 

• Lettrétage, Veteranenstr. 21, Prenzlauer Berg, details.

‘This Must Be The Place’ Afterparty

Come party at Schokoladen this Friday night as Jonny Tiernan (The Berliner/Acid Gold) takes over the decks with some disco punk at the afterparty from 10pm until late. Pop into the main event beforehand to catch Parisian quintet, ‘EN ATTENDANT ANA’, for the launch of their new album ‘Principia’, and JFR Moon for some slacker-pop tracks. 

• Schokoladen, Ackerstr. 169, Prenzlauer Berg, details.

Saturday

The New Black Festival

Don’t miss the inaugural edition of ‘The New Black’, an interdisciplinary festival of black culture debuting on April 6, at Berlin’s Theater des Westens as part of the Tingel Tangel events series. The festival will exhibit and host a day-long celebration featuring musical performances, literary interviews and thought-provoking panel discussions led by esteemed figures in the arts and academia. Hosted by journalist, Anna Dushime, immerse yourself in Germany’s current black cultural production.

•  Theater Des Westens, Kantstr. 12, Tiergarten, details.

Berliner Staudenmarkt

Celebrate the return of sunshine and nature! This gathering for hobby gardeners features over 100 national and international nurseries presenting the latest plant varieties, native wild species and historical varieties. Nine euros grants you access to all this as well as countless workshops and all-organic food stands.

• Domäne Dahlem, Zehlendorf, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 9:00-18:00, details. 

Sound Metaphors x Love International

Teaming up this Saturday for a night of debauchery and sweaty dance, cult Berlin record label Sound Metaphors and beloved Croatian festival Love International bring a summery festival energy to Prince Charles this Sunday. The exceptional lineup comprises: Ivan Smagghe, Barbara Boeing, Leo Mas, Budino, Juan Ramos, Chez de Milo, Ellie Stokes, Nemo & Castro. Come late and stay until early!

• Prince Charles, Prinzenstr. 85F, Kreuzberg, 23:00- late, details.

Sunday

Museumssonntag

Enjoy cultural exploration with an afternoon at the museum, where admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Offering a plethora of exhibitions and events spanning art, design, history, nature, and more, Museum Sundays promise an enriching experience for all. Explore the city’s diverse cultural landscape, where there’s something for everyone to discover, but make sure you register online first because many of the larger institutions have an entry capacity.

Berlin Half Marathon

Gear up for the ultimate season-opener at the Berlin Half Marathon, welcoming runners, walkers, inline skaters, wheelchair users, and hand cyclists to the starting line. As the largest and most prestigious race of its kind in Germany, this event has become a highlight on the Berlin running calendar, drawing participants from around the globe. Experience a place where professional athletes, ambitious amateurs, and hobby joggers unite, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators.

• Starts at Straße des 17. Juni between Brandenburger Tor and Siegessäule, details.

Passages Through Gaza

Come and listen to a unique and collective reading of texts by Palestinian writers at Hopscotch Reading Room this Sunday. The works will explore the powerful narratives coming out of Gaza, presented in German, English and Arabic, amplifying voices of resistance and resilience. There will be postcards from @untoldpalestine and herbal teas from the Social Body Apothecary’s Medicine Cart, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange and solidarity.

• Hopscotch Reading Room, Kurfürstenstr. 14/Haus B, Schöneberg, details.

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