Every year in the beginning of the summer the annual event Karneval der Kulturen is organised in Berlin. From all over the world millions of people come to see this multicultural spectacle. Also in 2025 you will be able to enjoy the great mix of music, food and culture of Karneval der Kulturen in Berlin.
KDK 2023: A mix of music and culture
The first Karneval der Kulturen was organised way back 1995. Just like the last 24 years, the festival will be organised during the pentecost-weekend. During Karneval der Kulturen you can expect a great mix of both music and culture: About 100 different bands and many talented DJs will be performing throughout Berlin. You can enjoy versatile music-styles and performances on different stages. If you want to read more about the locations and the program of Karneval der Kulturen you can have a look on the official website.
The sunday parade (Straßenumzug)
The most popular part of Karneval der Kulturen is the so called Straßenumzug. This is basically a free street festival where decorated trucks drive through the streets of Berlin with loud music and performances. Thousands of enthusiastic people from countries all over the world dance, sing and perform to impress the spectators. Normally 75 different trucks participate in the parade and altogether over 5000 people are joining as dancers/performers. People come from all over the world to see Karneval der Kulturen this spectacle and also in 2025 around 1,3 Million visitors are expected.
The route of the Parade
2025 Update: This year the Straßenumzug of Karneval der Kulturen will take place in the Frankfurter Allee because in Kreuzberg there is a large construction site where the parade would usually take place.
The Straßenumzug from Karneval der Kulturen starts on Sunday around 12.30 in the Frankfurter Allee close to station Samariterstraße. Then, taking about 8 hours altogether, the parade will travel about 3km to end around 16:30 at station Schillingstraße.
Because it will be busy in the weekend of Karneval der Kulturen, it is advisable to avoid stations like Samariterstraße and Schillingstraße. It is better to travel to surrounding stations and walk the last 10-15 minutes.
Party, Culture, Food and more
Karneval der Kulturen is a great mix of both party and culture. On the one side you can enjoy many talented DJs: Back in 2013 the famous DJ Alle Farben was performing for example. On the other hand you can see beautiful costumes from Africa, national dances from Senegal and traditional choreographies from Australia. Then there is plenty of food-stands and happy people to make Karneval der Kulturen Berlin a great activity for both young and old.
Practical information
Karneval der Kulturen is a free festival and everybody is welcome to visit the multicultural event. Many Berliner clubs and bars also participate but most of the time they have additional rules and sometimes you will have to pay for the entrance. There are plenty of places who sell food and drinks: You can find several stands with tasty food from all over the world. Also beers and other alcoholic drinks can be bought everywhere.
It is also allowed to bring drinks from home by the way, so if you want to save some money you can bring a backpack.
Culture during the day, party at night
Personally I would enjoy the culture during the day and find your way to one of the parties somewhere in the evening. There will be plenty of open-airs in Berlin and besides that you can also just visit a club with a garden like Wilde Renate, Sisyphos or About:Blank. If you want to know which events are taking place in that weekend you can always have a look at our monthly party-calendar.
The map of the Straßenumzug
Below you can find the map of the Straßenumzug of Karneval der Kulturen in 2025. As you can see the parade starts and ends in the Frankfurter Allee. As other street-festivals in Berlin also use this street, we are sure it will be another great edition of Carneval of the Cultures.
