Berliners kick off the summer with Fête de la Musique. Each year on June 21, musicians, bands and other performing artists play on the streets of Berlin in concerts that are free for everyone!

Fête de la Musique all over the city in one day

Without paying a cent, you can hear DJs, rock bands, jazz quartets, pop acts, choirs, orchestras and soloists throughout the city, particularly in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Mitte and Pankow. In total, there are 100 venues across Berlin, with musicians hailing from 340 cities worldwide.

As its French name might suggest, the festival actually began in France. In 1982, the festival was founded by the French Minister of Culture, and in the ensuing three decades the concept has expanded into a global success. The first Berlin Fête de la Musique took place in 1995 and it’s now one of the most widely-attended festivals in Berlin.

Fête de la Musique festival timetable

The outdoor afternoon performances kick off at 4pm on June 21. Then, at 10pm the festival moves indoors for the evening performances.

Listen to live music for free in Berlin

Check out the Fête de la Musique website for the most up-to-date information. You can plan your afternoon around certain acts, or you prefer to stroll through the festive areas and leave it all up to chance! Either way, you’ll be in for a treat.