First-class entertainment
Berlin has new show highlights: Cirque du Soleil presents Alizé, its first permanent show in Europe, at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. The production combines artistry with magic and great storytelling – and underlines Berlin's reputation as a cosmopolitan, international entertainment metropolis. A new grand show is running at the Friedrichstadt-Palast: in "Blinded by Delight", over 100 artists transport the audience into a dream world on the world's largest theatre stage.
Great sporting moments
In 2026, Berlin will host the world's basketball elite. When the Orlando Magic take on the Memphis Grizzlies at the NBA Berlin Game 2026 on 15 January at the Uber Arena, Germany will experience its first regular NBA season game. Around the game, the "NBA House" will be held from 9 to 11 January at the Uber Eats Music Hall, a free, interactive basketball fan festival that will thrill fans with NBA legends and a youth programme for more than 2,500 participants. From 4 to 13 September, another major sporting event will take place with the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. Under the motto "Time for HER Game", the world's best female basketball players will compete for the World Cup title at the Uber Arena and the Max-Schmeling-Halle – a strong signal for women's sport.
Art and cultural highlights: Modernism and Impressionism
A cultural highlight in 2026 will be the reopening of the Hohenzollern crypt in Berlin Cathedral. After six years of renovation, the 1,500-square-metre crypt containing 91 coffins of the Hohenzollern family will be accessible again. This will be celebrated with an open day on 28 February and a festive service on 1 March.
The French Summer continues: in cooperation with the Centre Pompidou, the Neue Nationalgalerie is presenting the first major exhibition of the sculptor Constantin Brancusi's work in Germany in more than 50 years from 20 March to 9 August – including a partial reconstruction of his Paris studio. From 22 May to 27 September, the Alte Nationalgalerie is dedicating a major special exhibition to art dealer Paul Cassirer, featuring over 100 masterpieces of French Impressionism. These include works by Monet, Degas and Cézanne. From 1 to 3 May, over 50 galleries will open their doors for Gallery Weekend Berlin to showcase contemporary art. Interactive and immersive exhibitions are becoming increasingly important: around 20 museums in Berlin offer a backdrop for selfies and digital art moments. More top exhibitions in Berlin.
Of course, the cultural summer also takes place outdoors. The Carnival of Cultures from 22 to 25 May, the Staatsoper für alle (State Opera for All) on 24 May, the Fête de la Musique on 21 June and the Festival Classic Open Air from 9 to 12 July bring music to the city. Open-air cinemas, open-air theatres and the Berlin Philharmonic's Waldbühne concert on 27 June are also part of the traditional outdoor programme. The international Pop-Kultur Festival 2026 will take place from 24 to 29 August, with the Kulturbrauerei and silent green as central venues for concerts, talks and readings.
Design, gaming and a new attraction to fascinate visitors with the marine world
In 2026, Berlin will celebrate its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Design. Over 30,000 creative companies make the city one of the most exciting design locations in the world – from sustainable fashion to open innovation spaces such as CityLab Berlin. Festivals such as Berlin Design Week and the DMY Design Festival, design museums, street art spots and neighbourhood tours showcase the diversity of the scene. Special events are planned for the anniversary year, including DesignDays.Berlin in September, the new festival for interior design, architecture and design.
In the second half of 2026, Berlin will gain a new hub for gaming, e-sports and digital culture with the House of Games. Covering more than 15,000 square metres, the Friedrichshain venue will provide space for exhibitions, conferences, tournaments and interactive experiences.
The end of 2026 will see a highlight with the opening of the Estrel Tower: the 45-storey skyscraper will be Germany's tallest hotel tower – a spectacular place to stay, work, meet and network. There will be event and co-working spaces as well as a restaurant with a sky bar.
In Lichtenberg, a state-of-the-art marine experience centre called "Ocean Berlin" is currently under construction. At its heart is a 7.5 million litre predatory fish tank. Innovative communication formats combine entertainment, education and commitment to the sea, adding another family attraction to Berlin's offerings.
Second Berlin Freedom Week in the city of freedom
Following its successful premiere in November 2025, Berlin – the city of freedom – is planning another Berlin Freedom Week in 2026, a city-wide week of events dedicated to freedom, democracy and human rights. The highlight of the week will be the international Berlin Freedom Conference on 10 November 2026, bringing together committed voices from politics, civil society and culture. To mark the 37th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German capital will once again become an international stage for courageous ideas, open debate and shared visions. Cultural events, workshops and interactive formats for all generations are planned – open to Berliners and international guests alike. The Berlin Freedom Week creates space for dialogue and encounters in a place that stands for the value of freedom like no other.
Berlin is top in rankings
The German capital is one of the ten best cities in the world, one of the most sustainable metropolis in the world, the Berlin Marathon is the most popular marathon in Europe and Berlin is Europe's leading live music city; more details here.
An overview of all the highlights for 2026 can be found here and the new openings in Berlin here.
Comm. & Réd. partir-magazine.com
