Lesbian and Gay City Festival Berlin 2025 – Celebrating Diversity in the Rainbow District
Lesbian and Gay City Festival Berlin 2025 – Europe’s largest queer street festival returns to Schöneberg in July, bringing the rainbow district around Nollendorfplatz to life. Every year, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world who come together to celebrate diversity, acceptance and queer life.
For more than 30 years, the so-called Motzstraßenfest has stood for openness, visibility and political dialogue. What began as a small street festival is now one of the most important LGBTQIA+ events in Europe. The focus is on queer lifestyles, political issues, culture, music – and above all: community.
When and where Will the 2025 City Festival Take Place?
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Date: July 19 – 20, 2025
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Location: Nollendorfplatz, Berlin-Schöneberg
The historic rainbow district around Motzstraße offers the perfect backdrop for the colorful spectacle. This is where Germany’s first queer infrastructure was created – and it still lives there today.
What Can Visitors Expect at the City Festival?
At the Lesbian and Gay City Festival Berlin 2025, you can look forward to six large stages with live music, DJs and performances. Whether pop, electro, rock or drag – there is something for every musical taste. In addition to entertainment, the festival offers a unique platform for queer issues: In the so-called Stadtfestwelten, organizations and initiatives from the fields of politics, health, culture, youth, sport and fetish present themselves.
Around 200 stands provide information, exchange and enjoyment – including numerous bars, food trucks and associations that campaign for queer rights. All with free admission.
What are the Highlights in 2025?
A real highlight is again the talk stage “Das wilde Sofa”, where prominent guests and activists speak on current topics – humorous, honest and committed. In addition, the Rainbow Award will be presented again in 2025, which honors people or initiatives that are particularly committed to the queer community.
The after-parties in the surrounding clubs are also an integral part of the weekend – from electro to pop, there is something for everyone.
Why is the City Festival so Politically Important?
The Lesbian and Gay City Festival is more than just an event – it is a clear sign for human rights, equality and the visibility of queer realities. Especially in times of social tension, it is important to create spaces where queer people feel safe and welcome.
The festival is also a platform for political education, activism and queer pride – in the middle of Berlin, open to everyone.
What is the Best Way to get to the City Festival?
The Nollendorfplatz underground station is the central hub – from there you can reach the festival in just a few steps. We recommend arriving by public transport, as the area is largely closed to cars. There are barrier-free access points for people with limited mobility.
And where to Stay?
Still looking for cozy accommodation? Then the little BIG hotels are the right place for you! Our six hotels in Berlin offer not only rooms but also a great location. Nollendorfplatz is not far by public transport. Especially our Schöneberg hotels Lindemann’s and Fjord Hotel are very close. And the best part? We have a special offer for all city festival visitors who want to stay with us. So, what are you waiting for? Book your room now with the code: queer5 (5% discount for the period 18.07 – 21.07.2025) with us and enjoy the lesbian-gay city festival 2025 to the fullest!
What should You Keep in Mind?
Bring a good mood, open eyes and comfortable shoes – the area is large and there is a lot to discover. Sun protection, drinking water and perhaps a small fan can be helpful in warm weather. Dogs are welcome, but not necessarily recommended due to the noise.
Who is the City Festival for?
Clearly: For everyone! Whether you are part of the community or an ally, a visitor to Berlin or a local – the Lesbian and Gay City Festival Berlin 2025 is a place of encounter, joy and celebration together. And a must for anyone who wants to experience Berlin’s queer culture in its most vibrant form.
