Summer solstice is around the corner and, with it, Fête de la Musique returns. In case you’re new to Berlin, Fête de la Musique is the one-day, totally free music festival that takes place at countless theatres, bars, parks, squares, museums and sidewalks across the city. With all Berlin taking part, it’s not easy deciding where to spend the day. That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the most exciting local music acts to check out in and around Berlin’s central districts.
Keep in mind, this list is far from exhaustive. Check out the full programme on Fête de la Musique’s website to see what else is in store!
Friedrichshain
Cassiopeia Presents: Punch Drunk Poets
This year might be the last year for Cassiopeia, given the recent announcement of their foreced closure. If you gotta go out, might as well go out with a bang! The lineup ranges from pop-rock stars to post-punk artists. As always on the longest day of the year, you can expect the party to last well into the evening.
- Cassiopeia Sommergarten, Revaler Str. 99, 14:00, info
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Pangea Haus
Cultural centre Pangea Haus will be hosting a lively programme of international music and dance in front of their Levant Café. Featured acts include traditional Korean music and dance groups Park Hyunjeong and Park Myeonghyeon, as well as Faux Pas, a Balkan dance circle.
- Pangea Haus, Trautenaustr. 5, 16:00, info
Kreuzberg
Wiener Straße
The street by Görlitzer Park is typically alive and well during Féte de la Musique, with music traditionally found at its numerous Spatis. While you’re warndering around, check out Fete de la EXIT at this year’s Kreuzberg venue not to miss. It’s the last time to you can check EXIT out, since has to close its doors for good in December. Also don’t miss Stil vor Talent’s takeover of Wiener Straße – it’s always epic.
Ritter Butzke: Unter freiem Himmel
Once you get tired of wandering the streets, head over to Ritter Butzke’s open air, featuring Hidden Empire, Dirty Doering and Niconé.
- Ritter Butzke, Ritterstraße 24-27, 16:00, details
Mitte
Bühne vor Museum Nikolaikirche
The area by the old church, a stone’s throw from Alexanderplatz, what’s normally a tranquil square by the church will be transformed for the festivities. The outdoor theatre will be hosting a number of musical artists as well as a breakdancing workshop starting at 17:30.
- Bühne vor Museum Nikolaikirche, Nikolaikirchplatz, 16:00, details
Fête de la Musique x Dussman
The huge bookstore in Mitte will once again be hosting a huge free outdoor event, filled with musical acts, workshops, refreshments and drinks. Select graduates from the Popschule Berlin will be invited on stage alongside other artists throughout the day, and oriental percussion and Bağlama/Saz workshops will take place inside.
- Dussmann, Mittelstraße, 16:00, details
Wedding
Leopoldplatz
In place of a Flohmarkt, this Sunday the Wedding square will host a number of acts spanning across genres, from jazz to indie pop to rock and everything in between.
- Leopoldplatz, Wedding, 14:00, details
Neukölln
Ankerklause
The famous aquatic-themed bar and restaurant on the banks of the canal that Berliners know and love will draw even bigger crowds than usual on June 21, as four different artists take to the stage. If you’re looking for something electronic, this would be a great place to start – plus, there are plenty of nearby Spatis in Kreuzberg and Neukölln that will also be playing plenty of music.
- Ankerklause, Kottbusser Damm 104, 16:00, info
Prenzlauer Berg
Kohlenquelle
The hipster hangout Kohlenquelle will see an afternoon dominated by indie pop. Acts Chore Amore, Samt Martin, Bolschewistische Kurkapelle Schwarz–Rot and Telie will be performing. Grab a pilsner and a pizza, enjoy the tunes and the vibes!
- Kohlenquelle, Kopenhagener Straße 16, 14:00, info
Individual Concert Picks
Music Editor Dan Cole recommends Berlin garage-trio Tarzan Grip and punk-rockers EDDIE performing on Tempelhofer Feld.
