First launched in Paris in 1982, the Fête de la Musique has long since developed into a global cultural phenomenon. It is celebrated in over 540 cities worldwide – from Bogotá to Brussels, from Beirut to Berlin. The idea behind it: To make music accessible to everyone – free of charge, without borders and in the open air. Music is played everywhere: on streets, squares, in courtyards, cafés and parks. And who can take part? Everyone! Whether professionals or amateurs, choirs, DJs, bands or soloists – everyone is invited to make the city resound. The unique music festival takes place every year on the summer solstice on June 21 and stands for openness, diversity and the unifying power of music.
In 1995 – around 13 years after its premiere in Paris – the Fête de la Musique also reached the German capital. What began as a small, alternative initiative with just a few stages grew steadily over the following years and developed into a permanent fixture on Berlin’s cultural scene. And where better to celebrate such a music festival than in Berlin – the European Mecca of techno, where even the subway soon becomes a dance floor– a city to which music lovers from all over the world make a pilgrimage to experience its legendary clubs. Among them, of course, is Berghain – a myth that hovers over everything. A club that has become a place of pilgrimage for many and raises the eternal question: How do you get in?
30 years of Fête de la Musique in Berlin
This year, Berlin is celebrating 30 years of Fête de la Musique – three decades of music in the open air, for everyone, everywhere. To mark the anniversary, the program has been expanded and refined once again, so you can look forward to some very special highlights. This year, the stages will open two hours earlier than usual – from 2 pm. Street music is permitted from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the official open-air stages can even be used until midnight.
As always, all concerts are free and open to the public – whether indoors or outdoors. Around 300 venues throughout Berlin are taking part, including over 100 programmed stages and more than 80 spots for street music. This year, the focus is on the district of Pankow, which is being highlighted as a partner district.
Program highlights 2025:
- Rotes Rathaus (inner courtyard) Kingsley Q, Full & Paula Stellar – from approx. 1:30 pm
- Club Ost, Sage Beach, Birgit & Bier & Co. open-air events with techno, house, hip-hop and indie – many until late into the night
- Humboldt ForumChoirs, Resident Music Collective & DJ sets – 16:00-22:00
- Potsdamer Platz (Manifesto Market)Afro and Latin beats, DIY instrument workshops – 14:00-22:00
- Tempelhof Airport (THF Tower) Live concerts with “Greener Fête” focus on sustainability – 15:00-22:00
A few things to remember before you visit: Many acts are taking place in this year’s focus district of Pankow – so it’s particularly worth making a detour there. If you want to get more out of the day, it’s best to start the program early – then it’s still relaxed. If you want to party late into the night, clubs like Gretchen or Cassiopeia are the place to be: the party continues long after it’s over outside. For those with a green conscience, we recommend Greener Fête locations such as Tempelhof, which set an example for sustainability. And if you spontaneously feel like it: street music is expressly encouraged – so join in and become part of the Berlin sound rush!