Events & Festivals Happening in Berlin | September 2021

Don’t let summer ending get you down! There’s plenty to do both indoors and out this September in Berlin.

Festival of Lights

This yearly celebration illuminates the city through art installations created by a mix of local and international artists. Some of the most famous monuments in the city are lit up, but you’ll also find pockets of light in quieter areas as well. This year’s theme is called ‘Creating Tomorrow,’ and calls for a future with a healthy use of technology that still respects sustainability, cultural diversity, and nature. My personal favorite illuminations this year were those found at the Berliner Dom and Bebelplatz. The lights run from 8:21PM to midnight every night until the 12th.

Website: festival-of-lights.de
When: September 3-12

Berlin Beer Week

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ve got to visit one of Berlin’s Beer Week spots. Plenty of these locations also pair great food with their beer, and the last four days of the festivities specifically celebrate both beer and street food. Events include a Brews Cruise and Taproom Showcase.

Website: beerweek.de
When: September 3-12

Museum Sunday

Visit one of 67 participating museums in Berlin that offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month. This is only the third month of Berlin’s newest art and cultural engagement program. You can find the full list of museums here, which includes classics like the Pergamon and Bode Museum, as well as some lesser known museums like the Museum of Things. Did you miss September’s Museum Sunday? No worries! Catch the next one on October 3rd. You can start reserving time slots on September 19th.

Website: museumssonntag.berlin
When: September 5

International Literature Festival

The International Literature Festival has taken part in Berlin since 2001. Every year for ten days they host a series of events including roundtables, discussions, lectures, gatherings, and open-mics. All of their online live streams and events are free, and most of their in-person events are around €10. Their events range from speeches presented by Nobel Prize Winners and Poetry Nights moderated by local authors.

Website: literaturfestival.com
Tickets: Literaturfestival Ticketshop
When: September 8-18

True Italian Pizza Week

Enjoy specialty pizza and a glass of Aperol Spritz for €12 at 33 participating pizza locations in Berlin. Each location offers two of their finest pizzas to choose from, with most locations having a vegetarian or vegan option. True Italian Pizza Week takes place all over Germany, with pizzerias from 12 different cities joining in on the deal.

Website: trueitalian.top
When: September 9-15

Zero Stress Pizza, one of 33 participating pizzerias in True Italian Pizza Week

Knight’s Festival at Diedersdorf Castle

The Knight’s Festival will take place at Schloss Diedersdorf, located south of Berlin (about an hour long drive from central Berlin), on September 11th and 12th. The festival will host numerous taverns, traditional German food, musicians, acrobatic acts, archery, jugglers, and more, all with a Middle Age theme. Guaranteed kitschy fun! I’m looking forward to attending this event, especially after finding out the hosts of the festival are the same group who put on the Historical Medieval Christmas Market that normally takes place annually in Friedrichshain. The entry fee is €10 if you buy in advance, with discounts for families, and free for childen under 5, and knights of all ages who show up in full armor.

Website: carnica-spectaculi.de
When: September 11-12

Berlin Art Week

From exhibitions to DJ sets to film screening to galleries: Berlin Art Week has something for everyone. You can appreciate art from locals in whatever way you connect to the most. Many of the exhibitions are also free of charge, or less than €10.

Website: berlinartweek.de
When: September 15-19

Zero Waste Berlin Festival

Learn more about what you can do to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. They’re giving a platform to an array of guest speakers like low-waste chefs, climate change activists, and sustainability experts. This event aims to inspire and teach people more about zero waste tips, plastic waste, sustainable travel, and ethical fashion. Their day passes are €10, or €19 if you want access to all three days of the conference.

Website: zerowasteberlinfestival.com
When: September 17-19

Hofbräu Wirsthaus Oktoberfest

To my understanding, most Oktoberfest events in Berlin have not announced their dates and are likely not happening this year. Hofbräu Wirsthaus, however, will still be celebrating with live music and original Hofbräuhaus Oktoberfest beer. The tables start at about €20 per person and include two liters of beer per person. No need to drink it all in one night though, you get your beer tokens upon entry and are free to cash them in until December 30th of this year.

Website: hofbraeu-wirtshaus.de
When: September 18- October 3

Lost Art Festival

Tickets to this festival are unfortunately already sold out, but you can contact the coordinators to see if tickets become available, either for regular admission, or in exchange for volunteering by helping set up the festival. The experience takes place in a 6,000m² building filled with exhibits created by 80 artists. There’s even two open air areas that will feature 40 musicians over the weekend. The only light in the building comes from the exhibits, making it so that you can immerse yourself in the art in a way that’s independent and free of judgement.

Website: lostartfestival.com
When: September 24-26

Let me know if there’s anything I may have missed! Wishing you great exploration in Berlin this month.