Bergmannstraßenfest - Jazz Festival
Come and discover the best jazz music, arts and food Berlin has to offer this season, as every year part of the Kreuzberg neighbourhood transforms itself into a jazz capital. This year due to coronavirus, instead of taking place in summer, an adapted version is being held in October.
One of the most popular street festivals in Berlin, Bergmannstraßenfest brings together jazz artists from around the world to perform on various stages throughout the weekend. Numerous food and arts and crafts stalls are set up, giving visitors the opportunity to sample international and local culinary delights while listening to soulful and funky jazz.
What is Bergmannstraßenfest?
The first Bergmannstraßenfest took place in 1994, hosting a wide range of musical performances in the historic neighbourhood of Kreuzberg. Since then, the event has taken place annually and gradually grown into one of the most beloved street jazz festivals in the city.
Drawing in a colourful mixture of people of all ages and backgrounds, over 50 musicians and bands are set to perform at this year’s edition on the outdoor stages. To help build the cultural mecca, the area is blocked off from all traffic and filled stalls and stages for the three-day event.
The Saturday and Sunday of the event typically offer numerous performances for children, from theatre acts to ballet showcases, at the dedicated theatre stage!
Celebrate the best of jazz in Berlin
This year’s festival is set to feature some of the top favourites from Bergmannstraßenfest's 27-year history. The likes of Ed Davis & The Superband, Roger & the Evolution, Willie & the Bandits, Mike Russel, Kat Baloun and Mi Solar have performed there previously, which will hopefully give you an idea of what kind of high calibre acts to expect this year.
Three main stages are positioned at the corners of Mehringdamm, Nostitzstraße and Zossener Straße, which is why the festival is also known among locals as "Kreuzberg jazzt" (Kreuzberg jazzes).
Attending the 2021 Bergmannstrassenfest
On the Friday of the festival, musicians fill the streets with fresh jazzy sounds from about 4pm to 10pm, with the event running from 11am to 10pm on the Saturday and Sunday. As traffic to the festival is blocked, you are recommended to take public transport to get there. For more details, please visit the festival's tourist website.