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Plan your next trip to Berlin around these 8 great festivals

men in berlin
All photos courtesy of Visit Berlin

Those planning a trip to Berlin this year will find a score of special events in Europe’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ capital.

CSD Berlin - Christopher Street Day Parade
CSD Berlin – Christopher Street Day Parade

The Queer Film Prize of the Berlin International Film Festival

Feb 15 – 25, 2024

man in berlin

The Berlin International Film Festival’s Queer Film Award, known as the Teddy Award, honors socially engaged, political films and people who communicate queer themes on a broad social platform and thereby contribute to tolerance, acceptance, solidarity, and equality in society.

Xposted Film Festival

May 30 – Jun 2, 2024

a group of people at a bar

In its 18th year, this international film festival will again show current and classic queer films from around the world. Several movie theaters throughout Berlin. Xposed Berlin.

Easter Berlin, Outdoor-Fetish-Festival

March 30 – April 1, 2024

The Berlin fetish community once again welcomes thousands of visitors to one of Europe’s largest fetish gatherings. Easter in Berlin has become an integral part of the international event calendar and guarantees a fun-packed week with new acquaintances and old friends. The events culminate in the Mister Leather Berlin contest on Easter Sunday, April 1. 

Lesbian and Gay City Festival

July 20 and 21, 2024

CSD parade

Traditionally held on the weekend before Berlin’s Christopher Street Day, this two-day event attracts a large international crowd to officially kick off the gay scene’s party season in Berlin. With music, shows, information booths as well as food and drinks, the event is not only a celebration, but also a protest against exclusion of any kind. Also known as Motzstraßenfest, the events remain true to the motto “Equal rights for unequal people – worldwide!”

Berlin Canal Pride

Jul 25, 2024

CSD parade
CSD Berlin – Christopher Street Day Parade

Leading up to the main CSD parade, this PRIDE event is celebrated on the water, when some 20 boats sail down Berlin’s Spree river in a colorful parade and party. And don’t miss the CSD on the Spree afterparty at the Osthafen event location, with a large outdoor area along the water.

CSD Berlin | Berlin Pride – Christopher Street Day

July 27, 2024

CSD Berlin - Christopher Street Day Parade
CSD Berlin – Christopher Street Day Parade

Music, party, and a fun atmosphere – usually one million people protest at the CSD in Berlin for equal rights and the right to self-determination. In 2024, the CSD will continue to advocate effectively and visibly for LGBTIQ+ rights. The organizers are again making every effort to hold a larger demo procession and the final manifestation. Video of the 2023 CSD.

MonGay Queer Cinema at Kino International

Every Monday

a group of people at a bar

Every Monday night at 10 pm, the iconic Kino International features MonGay, a diverse program of films of particular interest to LGBTIQ+ lovers. Movies range from blockbusters to old classic, shown in an intimate family atmosphere that evokes the feeling ending the day with a group of friends.

Folsom Europe Berlin

Sep 11-15, 2024

Europe’s largest annual gay leather and fetish event will kick off with welcome parties and culminate in the Folsom Street Fair on Fuggerstrasse/Weserstrasse. Now in its 21st year, event organizers are expecting 25,000+ visitors from Europe and North America.

Stay Gay: Pink Pillow Berlin Collection

two men in bathrobes inside a hotel room

Now in its 11th year, Berlin’s successful Pink Pillow Collection of hotels is worldwide the only initiative of its kind. It promises exceptionally welcoming, professional service to their LGBTQ+ guests. Going above and beyond “gay friendly”, participating hotels pledged to five principles which include contribution of social projects, knowledge of the LGBTIQ+ scene and – above all – assure that all guests and staff members feel welcomed and respected. The 57 participating hotels range from small boutique hotels to five-star luxury accommodations.

two women in bathrobes at a hotel pool
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