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May Day in Berlin

Walpurgisnacht im Mauerpark

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Street festivals, parties and concerts. 1 May in Berlin is an exciting day. The centre of the festivities surrounding "Labour Day" is traditionally Kreuzberg, but the day is also celebrated throughout the city with events for the whole family. In 2026, 1 May falls on a Friday.

The night from April 30 to May 1 is called Walpurgis Night. According to old pagan traditions, the night marked the beginning of spring. Later, Christians believed that evil beings from the spirit world would meet for the Witches' Sabbath on Mount Brocken on the night of April 30.

Locals would therefore come together and burn bonfires, make loud noises, sing and dance to ward off evil spirits. This old tradition is still honored today in Berlin with dancing events and celebrations on Walpurgis Night.

Tips: Walpurgis Night and May Day

Karussell

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Dance into May in Hellersdorf

April 30 - May 3, 2026

A lively start into the warmer months: a colorful folk festival takes place on Alice-Salomon-Platz in Hellersdorf to celebrate the first of May.  more

Walpurgisnacht im Mauerpark 2018

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Walpurgis Night in Mauerpark

April 30, 2026

Music, a fire show, dancing, bubbles, bonfires and the best Berlin atmosphere: the peaceful Walpurgis Night in Mauerpark will be back in 2026.  more

Karussell

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Dance into May in Hellersdorf

April 30 - May 3, 2026

A lively start into the warmer months: a colorful folk festival takes place on Alice-Salomon-Platz in Hellersdorf to celebrate the first of May.  more

Picknick

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May Day Celebration at the Obersee

May 1, 2026

Far from the traditional May Day celebrations in Kreuzberg, Hohenschönhausen celebrates a festival of diversity on the banks of the Obersee.  more

Dance into May Parties

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Dance into May at the Kulturbrauerei Berlin

On April 30, summer is just around the corner and there's a party atmosphere in the air at the Kulturbrauerei. May is coming – and we're dancing our way towards it! more

© Christiane Vonnahme

Tanz in den Mai: Terra Brasilis & Guests & DJ Meiokylu

The ufaFabrik is home to Terra Brasilis, which can look back on more than 35 years of history. more

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Queens Night at Maxxim Club

If you want to celebrate the start of May with the best hip-hop, Queens Night at Maxxim is the place to be. more

May Day Parties

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Open Air at Oxi

Oxi is celebrating 1 May with a free party in the garden. more

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Sound Metaphors at Club Ost

Sound Metaphors invites you to its traditional party at Club Ost on 1 May. It starts at 1 pm. Entry is free. more

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We Are Not Alone Party at RSO.Berlin

On 1 May, the big ‘We Are Not Alone’ party will take place at the RSO. more

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Refuge Worldwide at Beach Neukölln

Refuge Worldwide is celebrating 1 May with an open-air party at Beach Neukölln. more

Open Air Ritter Butzke – Symbolbild

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Free Open Air 1. Mai with Format:B

With a massive load of confetti and an enthusiastic crowd, we’re going to turn Ritter Butzke upside down. more

Berghain Berlin

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Garden opening at Berghain

As is traditional, Berghain’s garden opening takes place on 1 May. more

Enjoy the Outdoors

Familie bei einem Picknick auf einer Wiese

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The Most Beautiful Picnic Spots in Berlin

The arrival of warmer weather signals the official start of the picnic season in Berlin. You don't have to search long for a suitable place - after all, the German capital is one of the greenest cities in the world.  more

Beer Garden

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Beer Gardens

In the spring and summer months, Berliners are drawn to one of the many beer gardens.  more

Schiffstour in Berlin

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River Cruises & Boat Trips

River cruises and boat trips in Berlin on Spree river, on Landwehr canal or over the Wannsee. Get your tickets here.  more

Bite Club Berlin

© visitBerlin/Dagmar Schwelle

Street Food Markets

Berlin's street food markets offer their curious visitors local treats and authentic dishes from all over the world.  more

Antiques and Book Fair at the Bode Museum

© till beck/stock.adobe.com

Flea Markets

Berlin's most popular flea markets and antique markets with adresses, opening hours, public transport and map.  more

Neuer Sumatra-Tiger für Berliner Tierpark

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Zoos & Animal Parks

Admire animals in Berlin: Zoos, animal parks, petting zoos and aquariums in Berlin at a glance.  more

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Karneval der Kulturen

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© visitBerlin/Dagmar Schwelle

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Kirschblütenallee

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