Berlin Newsletter - February 2026

Berlin in February requires a bit of resilience against the cold, but the reward is a city that feels intensely local and culturally focused. While winter temperatures definitely persist, you can often sense the first subtle shifts in light that suggest spring is finally on its way. It is a time when life moves indoors, shifting the focus from the parks and riversides to the city’s screens, stages, and concert halls. This is perhaps the best month to experience Berlin’s reputation as a cultural capital without the peak crowds of summer.

The city's most significant cultural event of the season is undeniably the 76th Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival, which begins on February 12. For ten days, the atmosphere around Potsdamer Platz and cinemas throughout the city changes completely. This is one of the world’s major film festivals, accessible to the public, offering a chance to see everything from experimental documentaries to red-carpet premieres. If you plan to attend, be aware that tickets for popular screenings move very fast, so checking the schedule online as soon as it is released is essential.

February also highlights Berlin’s ability to bridge high culture and the underground scene. On February 1, the Strom Festival takes over the Philharmonie Berlin. Typically the home of classical orchestras, this elegant venue will host electronic legends like Ellen Allien and Ben Klock, creating a unique acoustic experience. Similarly, art enthusiasts can explore the David Lynch Exhibition at Pace Gallery starting early in the month, which displays the filmmaker's paintings and photography—a look into his distinctive, often dark creative process beyond the screen.

For those willing to brave the chilly evenings for a live atmosphere, the German Cup (DFB-Pokal) match between Hertha Berlin and SC Freiburg takes place at the Olympiastadion on February 10. German football matches open up a different side of local culture, focused on community and vocal support rather than just the sport itself. If you prefer participating over watching, the BeMarket on Ice on February 14 at the Napoleon Complex offers a covered ice rink alongside a market featuring works by local artists—a good option for staying active while sheltered from the elements.

Exploring the city on foot remains the best way to connect the different eras of Berlin's history, provided you are dressed warmly. If you are looking to orient yourself, our Welcome to Berlin! Historic Centre Guided Walking Tour covers the essential history from the Prussian era to the Cold War, while our Alternative Berlin: Street Art & Counterculture Guided Walking Tour dives into the street art and subcultures of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

Date	Event	Category
February 4-8	YOU\ME/ALIEN Live Genre-Bending Opera Performance Dive into the genre-bending opera YOU\ME/ALIEN fusing music and storytelling at Theater im Delphi on February 4, 6, 7 at 20:00 and February 8 at 18:00. Experience captivating performances transporting you to another dimension.	📅 Other	More details →
February 21-27	Elektra Experience Richard Strauss's intense opera Elektra starring Catherine Foster as Elektra, with dramatic performances of revenge and family tragedy at Deutsche Oper Berlin. Immerse yourself in the gripping staging directed by Kirsten Harms with conductor David Afkham.	📅 Other	More details →
February 7-8	WeinBerlin Sample over 900 wines from 80 winemakers, receive expert advice, and order your favorites directly from producers at this showcase in Colosseum Berlin.	📅 Other	More details →
February 12-22	SparklingB! Discover Berlin's first major independent sparkling wine fair, tasting a selection of sparkling wines from various producers during the Berlinale period.	📅 Other	More details →
February 15	Selemo Catch the performance of Selemo at 18:00 at Komische Oper Berlin: Neuköllner Oper on Karl-Marx-Straße. Enjoy this theatrical production with multiple dates available.	📅 Other	More details →
February 14	Valentinstag National holiday in DE	🎄 Holiday
February 16	Rosenmontag National holiday in DE	🎄 Holiday
February 17	Faschingsdienstag National holiday in DE	🎄 Holiday
February 18	Aschermittwoch National holiday in DE	🎄 Holiday
February 1-15	Schall & Rausch Discover experimental musical theatre with global performers blending beats, strobe lights, and pop spectacle at various Neukölln locations.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 1-7	Strom Festival Experience techno from club legends like Ellen Allien and Ben Klock alongside ambient pioneers Fennesz and Alva Noto in the elegant setting of the Berliner Philharmonie.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 12-22	76th Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival Immerse yourself in ten days of cinematic buzz with red carpet premieres, awards, and films from top filmmakers at various venues across Berlin.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 12-17	Tanzolymp International Dance Festival Join young dancers from around the world for masterclasses, seminars, competitions, and an international gala showcasing diverse styles at Fontane Haus.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 17	Lunar New Year Celebrate the Year of the Horse with engaging talks, spectacular fireworks, and delicious food at various locations around the city.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 1	String Quartet International Hear String Quartet International over 2.5 hours at Konzerthaus Berlin with multiple dates. Enjoy international chamber music excellence.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 1	NASMÉ TOGETHER Experience NASMÉ TOGETHER's captivating performance at Pierre Boulez Saal. Immerse in their unique musical ensemble.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 1	DIOTIMA QUARTET Delight in the intricate sounds of Diotima Quartet at Pierre Boulez Saal. Savor world-class string quartet repertoire.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 7	Refuge Worldwide 5th Birthday Celebrate five years of innovative music and social causes with up-and-coming artists at a secret location revealed closer to the event.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 14	Interactive Concert: Ahoi! Join the interactive 'Ahoi!' concert at 10:00 in the Chamber Music Hall Upper Foyer with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker, featuring clarinettist Alexander Bader. Engage with live chamber music in a playful session.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 14	From the Beginning, Opening Concert Enjoy the opening concert 'From the Beginning' featuring classical masterpieces at Konzerthaus Berlin. Discover a program of foundational works in an elegant historic venue.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 14-15	Musik aus fernen Rundfunktagen Discover rare music from distant radio days in this special concert with Staatskapelle Berlin conducted by Christian Thielemann at Staatsoper Berlin. Relive historical broadcasts in a unique evening.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 15	Poschner with DSO Berlin Thrill to Bruckner's 9th Symphony and Kendall's 'O Flower of Fire' conducted by Markus Poschner with DSO Berlin at 20:00 in Philharmonie Berlin. Witness the symphony's majestic finale and fiery contemporary piece.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 16	Kodo One Earth Tour 2026 Witness the powerful taiko drumming of Kodo in their One Earth Tour, delivering rhythmic energy and precision at Berliner Philharmonie. Feel the thunderous beats and visual spectacle of this Japanese percussion ensemble.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 17	HATARI | More Tour Catch provocative Icelandic techno-punk performance art blending politics and high-energy showmanship at LIDO.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 20	Konzerthausorchester Berlin Hear the Konzerthausorchester Berlin perform a rich classical program from 20:00 to 22:00 at Konzerthaus Berlin. Savor the orchestral brilliance in one of Berlin's premier concert halls.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 22	Schubert Expedition Concert Explore Schubert's masterpieces in the Schubert Expedition Concert from 15:00 to 16:30 at Konzerthaus Berlin. Delve into the romantic depths of his chamber music and songs.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 26	Le Concert Olympique: Beethoven 1807 Experience Le Concert Olympique performing Beethoven's 1807 works at 20:00 in the Chamber Music Hall of Berliner Philharmonie. Immerse in authentic period instruments bringing Beethoven to life.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 1	David Lynch Exhibition Explore David Lynch's paintings, sculptures, watercolours, early short films, and Berlin photographs revealing his dark, intuitive creative vision at Pace Gallery.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
February 10	Hertha Berlin vs SC Freiburg | German Cup DFB-Pokal Experience the electric atmosphere of a German Cup match as Hertha Berlin takes on SC Freiburg at Olympiastadion. Cheer from the stands and witness high-stakes football action under the floodlights.	⚽ Sport	More details →
February 14	Hertha BSC vs Hannover 96 Join the passionate fans at Olympiastadion to watch Hertha BSC battle Hannover 96 in this 2. Bundesliga clash. Feel the energy of live football and soak up the historic stadium vibes.	⚽ Sport	More details →
February 15	Berlin Valentines Run 2026 Race 3, 5, or 10 km through the scenic Gardens of the World with friends or family, then enjoy mulled wine and a medal at the finish line.	⚽ Sport	More details →
February 21	FC Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen Dive into the intense rivalry at Stadion An der Alten Försterei as FC Union Berlin faces Bayer Leverkusen. Stand with the ultras and experience raw, heartfelt German football passion.	⚽ Sport	More details →
February 14-15	BeMarket on Ice Browse unique works from over 30 local artists at a pop-up market, then skate on the 1,000 m² covered ice rink at Napoleon Complex.	🛍️ Market	More details →
February 28	Torture Garden Berlin Anniversary Ball Indulge in a lavish fetish party with like-minded people in the opulent surroundings of Metropol for the sixth anniversary celebration.	📅 Other	More details →