Berlin is one of our most popular destinations and a place that is brimming with history and culture. Easily reached from the UK in a couple of hours, Berlin provides a perfect city break option. So, if you're thinking of heading to the German capital this summer, here are a few must-see events to add to your calendar.

Berlin Jazz Festival

7th - 10th May

This is only the second time that Berlin will stage this jazz festival, after its successful debut in 2014. The event is organised by XJAZZ and has a goal of bringing, not just jazz, but also neo-classic and electronica music to the masses. The festival will be held over four days, from Thursday the 7th to Sunday the 10th of May, and will be staged at various locations all over the city. Many interesting venues will be used and the festival will showcase a range of musicians (75% of which are from berlin) who will develop joint performances together.

Berlin Festival

29th - 31st May

If you prefer your music to be a little more mainstream, perhaps the Berlin Festival will be more your thing. This German version of Glastonbury features a range of popular musicians from the country, as well as the rest of the world, over the last weekend in May. The event is held in an area close to the River Spree and offers fast food, chill out areas, and art installations as well as the music stages. This year's line-up includes well-known artists such as James Blake, Rudimental and Underworld, along with many that could soon become your new favourite act.

Open Air Gallery

7th June and 5th July

On these two dates, one of the main bridges across the Spree is closed off to all traffic. Instead, the Oberbaumbruecke is filled with around 100 different artists, all showcasing their works to anybody who wants to take a look. Admission is free and visitors can speak to the artists themselves and even buy some of their creations if they wish. The application to have your work featured at the Open-Air Gallery is a totally open process and so you are likely to see established painters, sculptors and photographers sitting alongside amateurs. The event is designed to bring the people of berlin closer together and celebrates the city as a cultural hub.

Long Night of the Sciences

13th June

This interesting idea has been running in Berlin for 15 years now and takes inspiration from an event called the Long Night of Museums. This year, the Long Night of Sciences will take place on the 13th of June and give people the chance to explore the whole city, witnessing a range of scientific experiments in the process. From 5pm until Midnight, members of the public are granted access to places which they wouldn't normally be allowed in order to take part in live demonstrations and learn all about different areas of science. The event is not just fun and educational, it also helps specific institutions raise awareness of their studies and increase investment in their work. Tickets for the night cost €14 for adults and €9 for children; whilst free shuttle buses are put on to help you navigate between venues.

Aquarella

14th - 15th August and 28th - 29th August

Aquarella is a fantastic event that captures the imagination of every Berliner and tourist alike. On these dates, a parade of ships will take to the River Spree and put on a spectacular light and water display. The ships are decorated in all kinds of ways and equipped with lasers that shine into the night's sky. You can watch from one of the designated spots on the riverside, from one of the bridges that cross the river, or take a front-row seat on one of the ships themselves. Tickets for a night on one of the boats usually include the option to choose either a buffet or sit-down meal and the event is brought to a conclusion with a magnificent firework display.

If you would like to attend any of these unique events, Fred. Holidays can arrange the perfect Berlin city break. We tailor-make our trips to suit your needs and so all you need to do is give us a call and we'll do the hard work for you.