Berlin Celebrates Fête de la Musique
A Citywide Open-Air Music Festival Marks the Beginning of Summer
June 06th, 2024
Every year on June 21, Berliners celebrate the beginning of summer with the Fête de la Musique, an open-air music festival where musicians and bands play live music in the streets for free. This vibrant event, rooted in French tradition, has been a staple in Berlin since 1995, bringing together amateur and professional musicians of all styles and genres.
From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Berlin's public streets, squares, and green spaces come alive with acoustic music, thanks to a special permit for street musicians. Performances are spread across more than 80 locations throughout the city, provided they do not disturb sensitive facilities such as hospitals, schools, or memorials.
The festivities do not end at 10 p.m. Nearly 30 venues, including clubs, cafés, bars, and pubs, keep the music going well into the night. These establishments often start their celebrations in the afternoon and continue indoors after the outdoor music curfew.
The Fête de la Musique was founded in Paris in 1982 by Jack Lang, then the French Minister of Culture. Initially a modest celebration of musical idealism, the festival has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting musicians and listeners from all over the world.
