Berlin Summer Dreams

In addition to the Lesbian and Gay City Festival on July 19–20, the many events surrounding Berlin’s CSD (Christopher Street Day) on July 26, and Pride Month, there are numerous other great reasons for gay, lesbian, and queer people to (re)visit the capital this summer. We've put together a selection of many diverse event highlights awaiting you over the next few months by the Spree

Sommer 2025 Highlights

Gay Propaganda 3.0

Well-known gay journalist, author, and photographer Slava Mogutin, originally from Russia, invites audiences once a year to a special evening at the Kreuzberg Open-Air Cinema. Under the title “Gay Propaganda,” he has now curated a third selection of queer short films by notable artists like Allen Ginsberg, Gus Van Sant, Mykki Blanco, and many more. Matt Lambert will join Slava as the evening’s moderator.
Note: This event is 18+ only!

Gay Propaganda 3.0
25.06., 21:45
Freiluftkino Kreuzberg, Adalbertstr. 23b, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Website

Queer Art & Culture Days Lichtenberg

For the fourth time, the online platform PINK.LIFE invites everyone to the green spaces of Lichtenberg City Park to celebrate queer culture over two days. As in previous years, a varied, family-friendly program is planned, including live music, DJ sets, performances, and drag shows. There will also be small market stalls and food trucks for refreshments..

Queer Art & Culture Days Lichtenberg
28.06., 15:00–22:00; 29.06., 15:00–20:00
Stadtpark Lichtenberg, Parkaue 30, 10367 Berlin-Lichtenberg
Website

Queer Summer Splash

Organized by the local city magazine SIEGESSÄULE, the nationwide magazine L-MAG and the Berliner Bäder-Betriebe, the annual “Queer Summer Splash” at Kreuzberg’s Prinzenbad has become a highlight on the community’s summer calendar. For an entire day, queer people can enjoy poolside culture in a queer-friendly setting. Special features include water sports programs hosted by queer clubs – open to all – and also land-based fun with DJ sets by trust.the.girl, Electrosexual, and Grace Kelly.

Queer Summer Splash
06.07., 10:00–22:00
Prinzenbad, Prinzenstr. 113–119, 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Instagram

Classic Open Air

After a two-year break due to renovations at the famous Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin-Mitte, this classical music festival – running over several days – is making a comeback. The opening concert on Thursday features the Konzerthausorchester Berlin conducted by Joana Mallwitz. On Friday, entertainer and pop singer Giovanni Zarrella sets the mood with an Italian-themed evening, titled “Visione Classica.” The festival concludes on Monday with world-renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Yusif Eyvazov..

Classic Open Air
17.–21.07, 19:30
Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin-Mitte
Website

Queer Park Festival Friedrichshain

Formerly known as the LesBiGay (LesBiSchwules Festival) Park Festival, this long-standing event is a cornerstone of the queer Berlin calendar. Held at the open-air cinema in the middle of Volkspark Friedrichshain, the festival features activist groups, associations, and political organizations at info booths, plus a full day of stage-programming with music, drag performances, and speeches. One of the best parts? Relaxing on the grassy amphitheatre-style seating for a chill and festive vibe.

Queer Park Festival Friedrichshain
09.08., 15:00
Freiluftkino Friedrichshain im Volkspark, Ernst-Zinna-Weg, 10249 Berlin-Friedrichshain
Website

Queens & Flowers

Last year saw the debut of “Queens & Flowers,” a drag summer fair held in the Berlin Botanical Gardens. The unique concept and location were a huge hit with visitors of all ages, and this year the festival returns to the big lawn in front of the Tropical House. The focus is firmly on the Drag acts, on- and off-stage and the performers are once again the main attraction. Set to appear in 2025: Metamorkid, Yvonne Nightstand, Antina Christ, and many more. The event is organized by place2be.berlin.

More details to follow soon at place2be.berlin.

Queens & Flowers
23.08., 15:00
Botanischer Garten Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 6-8, 14195 Berlin-Lichterfelde
Instagram

Long Night of the Museums

Around 45,000 people attended the Long Night of the Museums in 2024, and it’s back again this year with 75 participating venues, including museums, planetariums, and galleries. All of them will host about 750 events – accessible with just one ticket! The locations span topics like nature, film, architecture, history, and art, and can be reached by shuttle bus tours. Once again, a specifically queer tour is planned, spotlighting queer emancipation and Berlin’s queer film history.

Long Night of the Museums
30.08., 18:00–02:00
Diverse Locations
Website

Queer Slam Berlin Open Air

Since 2019, the “Queer Slam” has been a regular monthly poetry slam in Berlin. This summer marks the second open-air edition at ufaFabrik. The night will feature winners from previous slams, each having up to six minutes to wow the audience and jury with their spoken word performances. As always, the event will be hosted by the charismatic Gaylord Christian Ritter.

Queer Slam Berlin Open Air
31.08., 19:00
Sommerbühne der ufaFabrik, Viktoriastr. 10-18, 12105 Berlin-Tempelhof
Website

Berlin’s Queer & Trans History

Berlin is one of the few cities in the world with over 100 years of well-documented LGBTIQ* history. Led in English by social scientist Jeff Mannes, this tour dives into the roots of the gay subculture, explores lesbian nightlife in the 1920s, and examines some of the earliest surgeries for trans identity and gender affirmation. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and is available on request through to the end of December.

Berlin's Queer & Trans History
16.05.–26.12., Uhrzeit auf Anfrage
Nollendorfplatz, Berlin Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Website