May hearts beat faster – Here are the month’s highlights for you!

May 1st is one of the most intense days in Berlin, blending political history with a genuine street festival vibe. Around Kreuzberg, especially along Oranienstraße and near Görlitzer Park, demonstrations meet live music, food stalls, and spontaneous parties. During the day, rallies and political actions dominate the scene, while the atmosphere gradually transforms into a lively, international street festival as the day goes on. It is precisely this mix of protest, culture, and party that makes May 1st one of the most authentic and energetic experiences Berlin has to offer.

On May 2 and 3, the former Tempelhof Airport grounds transform into a stage for the ABB FIA Formula E Championship —promising an action-packed experience. Look forward to thrilling, all-electric racing that may be quieter than traditional races, but is just as fast-paced and full of excitement. But that’s not all:

In addition to the races, a varied program awaits you for all ages. Put your skills to the test in the Gaming Arena with modern racing simulators, experience the award ceremony up close , and enjoy live music in the Fan Village. The youngest visitors are also taken care of—with creative hands-on activities, games, and many other highlights. A sporting event with a festival atmosphere that will set hearts racing—and not just those of motorsport fans.

The DFB Cup Final on May 23 is one of the biggest and most emotional events of the year in Germany. All of Berlin is all about soccer on this day: around the Berlin Olympic Stadium, but also in bars, beer gardens, and on large squares , numerous public viewing spots spring up with giant screens and a lively atmosphere. Whether cheering along with friends or right in the middle of the fan frenzy— the energy in the city that evening is unique and makes the final a true highlight on Berlin’s event calendar.

Berlin is known as a city of innovation and aesthetics —both come together every May during BERLIN DESIGN WEEK. Designers, artists, companies, and universities present their latest designs, ideas, and perspectives here.

The program features exhibitions, workshops, panels, and guided tours that introduce you to the state of the art in various disciplines. The 2026 motto: “DESIGN REAL”—design should not only be aesthetic, but above all relevant and solution-oriented.

Gallery Weekend Berlin is one of Germany’s most important art events and one of the most exciting things to do in May for anyone interested in culture. From May 1 to 3, over 50 galleries open their doors simultaneously, offering exclusive insights into Berlin’s current art scene—from established artists to up-and-coming newcomers. What makes it special: Many exhibitions are curated specifically for this weekend, allowing you to experience art at the highest level in an exceptionally concentrated setting. Perfect, then, for exploring different neighborhoods in just one weekend and getting to know Berlin from its most creative side.

The Theatertreffen of the Berliner Festspiele is one of Germany’s most significant theater festivals. In May, creative minds from both on and off stage, journalists, and guests from all over the world gather in Berlin for the event. The 2026 edition is marked by war and global crises: many of the invited productions reflect the current state of the world. As every year, the heart of the festival consists of ten remarkable productions selected by a jury from around 400 reviewed productions. They set powerful, and in some cases hopeful, tones and invite a critical examination of the status quo.

Look forward to classical dance in May with Ballet of Lights. The spectacular light and dance show captivates with its artistic ballet aesthetics and impressive stage production. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece “Sleeping Beauty” is brought to life anew in a modern interpretation—passionately danced by an ensemble of top-tier ballet dancers. In sparkling costumes and with graceful turns, they transform the stage into a luminous work of art. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique fusion of classical ballet tradition and innovative technology.

The festival combines character design, illustration, and animation with a vibrant scene of international artists, studios, and creatives. Over several days, you can look forward to talks, exhibitions, and screenings that not only inspire but also offer direct insight into current trends and visual cultures . Unlike traditional art events, Pictoplasma is significantly more experimental and accessible—which is exactly what makes it a true “Berlin” experience. Anyone working in the creative field or interested in it should definitely not miss this event.

The reasons for collecting in museums are diverse: scientific curiosity, the desire to preserve cultural heritage, or the need to document developments. This passion dates back to the early cabinets of curiosities and chambers of wonders and is reflected in today’s museum collections. Every collection tells its own story and builds a bridge between different cultures.

International Museum Day highlights the thematic diversity of museum work and showcases the broad spectrum of the approximately 6,500 museums in Germany. Since its inception in 1977, the day has provided a platform for museums worldwide to emphasize the importance of their work for cultural and social life.

Re:publica is a major internet conference that brings together stakeholders from the online community, academia, politics, and culture to discuss current issues in the digital society. As the largest conference of its kind in Europe, it attracts internet activists, bloggers, creatives, artists, businesspeople, and corporate representatives. The event features lectures and panel discussions on topics such as the digital society, blogs, social media, and internet policy