“Berlin Lacht!” – You’ll Love This Quirky German Street Festival

Berlin Lacht! (Berlin Laughs!) is a unique international street theater festival in Berlin, Germany. It occurs over 3 months in three different locations. If you are in Berlin in the summer, do not miss Berlin Lacht! As its name says, it will make you laugh or at least make you smile while having a good time.

Two Days in Berlin

Several years ago I was in Berlin for the start of a river cruise. We were staying at a hotel on the Alexanderplatz (Alexander Square also called “Alex”) which is a central square and traffic junction in Berlin. Situated in East Berlin, the German Democratic Republic restored the square, transforming it into the nerve center of this part of the city. As one of the city’s most visited squares, Alexanderplatz is the site of many restaurants, shops and department stores as well as Berlin Lacht!

Although I was in Berlin for only 2 days, I took the opportunity to see as much of the city as possible.

Since we were staying at the Alexanderplaz, we were in the center of the activity for Berlin Lacht! We could see the square from our room and as evening approached, activity and crowds increased. I saw lights and heard music and laughter.

What is Berlin Lacht?

I had no idea what was happening in the square but I went down and joined the crowd. Since everything was in German it took some time to figure it out but I was having so much fun, I just went from act to act.

Festival With a Twist

I have been to many street festivals but this one was different. It had a twist that made it special. Berlin laughs! is theater in public spaces.

There was so much variety of acts that it was impossible to categorize them. It was:

• Theater
•  Circus
•  Comedy
•  Clowns
•  Artists
•  Magicians
•  Dance
•  Music
•  Beer Garden
•  Food Trucks
•  Urban Gardening
•  Upcycling City
• Clean up events

Berlin Lacht! at Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz was 18 days of street theater in large format and at eye level! Every day, they presented 36 non-stop shows by internationally touring artists on 2 level stages. In the middle of it all, I saw a fire-breathing dragon, painter and many other activities that spread good cheer. This otherwise commercial place seldom exuded so much joy, fun and excitement.

The 50 plant stations also provided oxygen and eye candy. Cherry and apple trees, vegetables and flowers were the stars that transformed “Alex” into a small green oasis.

This was the ideal vacation spot for families as well as visitors from abroad. I sampled food from the many booths and checked out the craft selections.

Shows were 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and the market was open 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Although Friedrichstrasse and Central Station occurred later in the summer after we left, I will mention them as well.

Berlin Lacht! at Friedrichstrasse

It is a little oasis for 3 weeks in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city at the Friedrichstraße S-Bahn (train) station. It offers street theater, artistry, magic, clowning, jam sessions, tango nights, small concerts and more. The shows are 4 pm to 10 pm. The Market will be open from 12 pm to 10 pm June 24 to July 19, 2021.

Berlin Lacht at Central Station

The last stop offers a colorful cultural program and market events on Washingtonplatz /back exit at the main station. The small nursery transforms the otherwise gray forecourt into a small fair. Their advice is “Laughing is healthy, reduces stress and strengthens the immune system. Refuel again before autumn and darkness comes!”

Shows are 3 pm – 10 pm and the Market will be open 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, August 11 to August 29, 2021.

Exciting, Weird and Comedic Theater

The non-profit association Berlin Laughs! promotes street art and culture. It began in 2004 as an international festival and artist network to bring street culture to Berlin. 

They make this art form visible in sociocultural projects, theater productions, European youth encounters and workshops, that have received little attention in Germany so far. With the annual festival, they are an integral part of Berlin’s cultural industry and network for international artist exchange.

According to their web page, “Berlin Lacht! creates joy and sensitizes people to art and culture without making elitist or intellectual demands. Art and theater in public spaces have enormous added value for the sense of life and belonging in a city.”

And Finally

More than 150 artists from many nations offer 642 shows to the Berliners and guests. Berlin Lacht! is the perfect entertainment for the entire family. There is something for everyone and entry is free. If you are in Berlin in the summer, you should try to visit one of these three locations. And bring your camera!