Photo courtesy Berlin Tourism
German’s undivided capital presents an extensive schedule of yearly festivities, highlighted by festivals, parades, and special events. Alongside the annual mainstream events, Berlin’s tourism officials proudly promote festivities for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual visitors. Check out a few highlights here. For more information and to access the entire calendar of events, visit Berlin Tourism Marketing’s homepage.
Long Night of Museums
January 30, 2010 / August 28, 2010
The “Long Night of Museums” has become a favorite among Berliners and tourists alike. Around 100 museums, large and small, featuring established and new collections, open their doors from 6 pm Saturday evening until 2 am Sunday morning. (www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de ).
The 60th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
February 2-21, 2010
The annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) is not only the city’s largest cultural event, but also one of the most important dates on the international film industry’s calendar. More than 19,000 film professionals from 120 countries, including 4,000 journalists, are accredited for the Berlin International Film Festival every year. (www.berlinale.de).
Lesbian and Gay Street Festival
June 19/20, 2010
Berlin’s Lesbian and Gay Street Festival has enjoyed growing popularity among gays and lesbians and with the public at large. In 2010, Berlin’s Rainbow Fund will present its seventeenth annual Lesbian and Gay Festival, which is the largest festival of its kind in Europe. Expecting some 35,000 visitors, the festival will again take place around Nollendorf Platz in Schöneberg district, one of Berlin’s traditional gay stomping grounds. (www.gay-stadtfest.de ).
Christopher Street Day
June 25-27, 2010
Berlin’s Christopher Street Day will celebrate its 32nd anniversary in 2010. The popular event promises to attract hundreds of thousands of people to the German capital to celebrate equality and tolerance for gays and lesbians around the world. LGBT residents and visitors can again expect to see some 50+ floats, and look forward to partying with half a million in the streets between Kurfürstendamm and the Victory Column (www.csd-berlin.de ).
Classic Open Air Berlin Gendarmenmarkt
July 15-20, 2010
Classic Open Air Berlin, held annually al fresco at Gendarmenmarkt, the city’s most beautiful square, features all-time favorites in operetta, opera, classical and contemporary music. (www.classicopenair.de).
14th Berlin International Beer Festival
August 6 – 8, 2010
Like Beer? During the 14th annual Berlin International Beer Festival, Karl-Marx-Allee will again turn into the world’s longest beer garden and bar. (www.bierfestival-berlin.de).
Christmas Fairs and WinterMagic
December
The Yuletide season offers a wide variety of events and celebrations for visitors and Berliners. Beginning at the end of November, Berlin is home to about 60 Christmas markets, including Germany’s largest fair in Spandau’s Old Town, the historic market at Gendarmenmarkt square, and the nostalgic fair at the Opernpalais Unter den Linden. More information and a calendar of events at (www.wintermagicberlin.com) .
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