Germany has a long history of inventive music, and Berlin showcases this in its many annual concert series. From classical to rock, there are festivals for any tourist.
Berlin is Germany's most popular tourist vacation destination, and the third most popular travel spot in the European Union (Tourismus Marketing GmbH, 2006). With over 50 theaters, three opera houses, and seven symphony orchestras in Berlin (who hasn't heard of the Berlin Philharmonic?), there are endless classical music performances for sophisticated audiences. But not all travel events have to be classy; Berlin is internationally renown for its incredibly diverse, vibrant nightlife. Indeed, there are so many annual music festivals and celebrations in Berlin, any visitor is bound to find time for one event during a trip to the German capital.
There are over 1,500 events every day in Berlin, so an exhaustive list here would be impractical. Here are some highlights: From concerts and music festivals to outdoor fairs and other special musical events, these are popular celebrations with a musical theme in Berlin, Germany.
Annual Music Events in Berlin, Germany:
Carnival in Berlin - Usually held the first week of February, the Berlin Carnival Costume Parade gets around 3,000 participants - it's huge! 100 groups, around 60 floats, and many marching bands combine for a raucous, rollicking outdoor festivity. People can get a little crazy in the winter, and this musical parade really helps those Germans let off steam. The parade starts at 11:11 AM, and the fun lasts all day.
Festival Days at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden - In 2008, Festival Days is held on March 15-24, and it's typically held around those dates. This is an internationally known classical music festival. Classical musicians from around the world come to Berlin to participate in Festival Days; an emphasis on German classics may include a symphony by Wagner, works by Liszt, Bartok and Ravel (as shall be performed in the 2008 opera production and symphonic works).
Carnival of Cultures - The second week of May finds this celebration of the diverse cultures and ethnicities in this most cosmopolitan of European capitals. The Spring is a lovely time for a vacation in Berlin, and travel around Germany in general. The Carnival of Cultures gets a trip off on the right foot (no pun intended!) with around a million participants. The parade includes over 4,000 dancers, musicians and singers from 70 countries, and worldwide attention is paid to this fun, musical, joyous parade.
Berlin Philharmonics Open Air at the Waldbuhne - The Berlin Philharmonics is well known to tourists who love classical, baroque, and other orchestral music. This outdoor, open air concert is an annual event; the traditional end-of-season Berlin Phil concert is held in mid-June.
Fete de la Musique - Also held mid-June, on the day of the summer solstice, Fete de la Musique is another outside concert series. Artists from all over Europe come to Beriln to participant in the series, which really is a lot of fun. Traditional and modern music The many free concerts are usually outside and open-air stages.
Classic Open Air Berlin Gendarmenmarkt - This is an annual summer show at Gendarmenmarkt (a public square). The 2008 music concert will be July 3-8 and like previous years, will showcase classics and favorites in classical and contemporary music, along with highlights from popular operas and operettas.
Classical Music in Berlin's Castles - Berlin's famous German castles Kopenick and Glienicke host evening concert series held right in the middle of summer, i.e. peak tourist season. It's really romantic to attend relatively intimate concerts right in these castles. In 2008, the Classical Music in Berlin's Castles will be held July 25-Augusts 3.
Traveling Minstrel's Festival - The Berlin Gauklerfest is a traditional summer festival in the city's historic center, near the opera house Unter den Linden. Concerts, variety shows and storytelling combine with fireworks and food tables for a genuinely festive weekend. Held August 15-17 in 2008, it's always a late summer event.
Popkomm - It's not all about classical music and traditional German songs; Popkomm is the biggest international fair for popular music, and its usually in September (2008 has it scheduled for the 17th-19th). A mix of business and parties, Popcomm is a conference, trade show and music festival. Over 400 bands and DJs guarantee a hot time in Berlin nightclubs.
German Unification Day - The reunification of Germany is celebrated October 3rd. A lot of music - classic to modern rock - on outdoor stages set up around Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag provides the atmosphere for Unification Day.
JazzFest Berlin - A jazz festival, obviously, that closes the series of music festivals in Berlin. Held early in November annually, in 2008 the jazz fest will be on November 6-9. American jazz musicians as well as those from other countries come and participate in all jazz styles.
Berlin is such a popular travel destination that, clearly, the city can handle the seasonal influx of tourists and visitors. These music concerts and festivals make a vacation there cultured, fun, and special.
The copyright of the article Music Festivals in Berlin in Germany Travel is owned by Jennifer W. Miner. Permission to republish Music Festivals in Berlin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
