Germany’s capital has long been at the cutting edge of things such as art, food and fashion, making it one of the trendiest places to explore in Europe. Even the youngest generation are discovering the fantastic green spaces, fascinating history and raucous night life that berlin can offer whatever time of the year you choose to visit. It is a place where anything goes, where you can roller-skate around a disused airport and where you can visit a museum dedicated to the sights and smells of the delicious currywurst.

But for those planning a Berlin city break this summer, here are a few cool events that are worth checking out if they coincide with your trip.

Spandau Citadel Music Festival – June, July, August 2016

Fans of 80s New Romanticism may be a little upset that this festival has nothing to do with Spandau Ballet, but instead refers to the district of Berlin where this three-month long music festival takes place. The citadel is situated in the middle of the Havel River and is one of the best-preserved fortresses in all of Germany.

The historic surroundings help to create a fantastic atmosphere which brings together fans of a variety of different music genres. The acts this year range from Lionel Ritchie to The Pixies, demonstrating that this open-air festival caters for a diverse range of tastes. As well as a night market, on the 22nd July and the 20th August, three spectacular water shows will fuse music, fountains, lasers and lights to create stunning showpieces on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of September.

Long Night of Museums – August 27th 2016

Germany has a history of hosting events that open up some of their most popular attractions for longer hours, allowing more people to enjoy them and providing an opportunity to see them at night. The Long Night of Museums is similar to the Long Night of Sciences that was held in 2015 and opens up more than 100 different museums around Berlin until 2am.

Not only will there be more time to explore these attractions, there will also be some special live performances put on in certain places. Some of the museums taking part include the Museum of National History, Berlin Cathedral and the German Museum of Technology.

Pyronale – 9th and 10th September 2016

If you are looking to make your Berlin city break go off with a bang, then this exciting event could be perfect. Pyronale brings together the world’s most talented pyrotechnicians to create a festival of colour and loud bangs. You can take your seat at the Olympic Stadium and revel in the power of being able to help chose the winner of this 2-day competition.

Each team puts on three firework shows, two in which the music and colours are pre-determined and one ‘freestyle’ show where they can do whatever they like. A panel of judges and you, the audience, then get to decide who they think is the worthy winner.

Berlin Biennale – 4th June to the 18th September 2016

Our final event on the list is another that takes place throughout the entire summer. Berlin Biennale happens every two years and turns everyday buildings and spaces into contemporary art galleries. Although created by different artists, all of the installations are curated by one person and demonstrate his or her take on life in the modern world. There is also some live performance art which adds an interactive feel to the whole event.

Anyone interested in viewing the pieces can pay one entry fee and wander around the various spaces as they please. Alternatively, there are guided tours which aim to help you make more sense of the different works on display.

If you are looking to visit Berlin this summer, we can help you plan the perfect trip that coincides with any of the cool events happening in the German capital this year. Contact us today for more information or to book your holiday.