1st Festival of Lights – 21 years of light magic
In October, Berlin will once again be transformed into a shining work of art: the Festival of Lights is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Under the motto “Let’s shine together”, over 100 landmarks, buildings and squares are illuminated in spectacular projections and installations.
Special tip: In 2025, you can also look forward to the new “Festival in Concerts ” format – concerts in the illuminated Berlin Cathedral that merge music and light art.
ℹ️ Festival of Lights 📅 8-15 October 2025 📍 All of Berlin 🕒 7pm-2pm 💵 Admission free, concerts for a fee
2nd Day of German Unity & TV Tower Birthday
On October 3, Berlin will not only be celebrating reunification, but also the 56th birthday of the Berlin TV Tower! Although this day is a public holiday and the stores are closed, the tower is open as usual from 9 am to 2 pm – from the viewing platform to the Sphere Bar and the Sphere Tim Raue restaurant, this is the ideal place to go when most other places are closed.
ℹ️ Day of German Unity and Tower Birthday 📅 October 3, 2025
3rd Berlin Food Week – indulgence for all the senses
Berlin Food Week is a culinary highlight in October. Under the motto “Cuisine of the Future”, chefs, restaurants and manufacturers present their innovative ideas, exciting menus and creative food concepts. From fine dining to street food, everything is on offer – a perfect festival for foodies who want to try something new. There are also workshops, talks and tastings that bring the food scene of tomorrow to life.
ℹ️ Berlin Food Week 📅 October 6-12, 2025 📍 Various locations in Berlin 🕒 All day 💵 Free admission or ticket, depending on the event
4th Cirque du Soleil – ALIZÉ: “A journey into the invisible”
Berlin is getting a new show highlight: Cirque du Soleil is bringing its first permanent European resident show, ALIZÉ, to the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. Preview shows will begin in October before the big premiere in November. You can expect a poetic interplay of acrobatics, visual effects and music – a journey that blurs reality and fantasy.
ℹ️ Cirque du Soleil – ALIZÉ 📅 October 24, 2025 to August 2, 2026 📍 Theater am Potsdamer Platz 🕒 depending on the performance 💵 Tickets from € 85
5th Jazzfest Berlin
Since the 1960s, Jazzfest Berlin has been an integral part of the international festival calendar. In 2025, it will continue to inspire with experimental sounds, international greats and exciting newcomers. From big bands to avant-garde solo performances – you can experience the full diversity of jazz here.
ℹ️ Jazzfest Berlin 📅 30 October – 2 November 2025 📍 Haus der Berliner Festspiele & other locations 🕒 evenings 💵 many program items free of charge
