One of the biggest “problems” with living in Berlin is that there always seem to be too many things going on at any given time. Just during the upcoming weekend, there are close to 100 events happening around Berlin — and these below are on our short list. Keep in mind, these are only the special events that caught my eye…and on top of that, there’s also tons of museum, historical sites and other things to see and explore.

• Gauklerfest – A “Gaukler” is basically a street performer, and this festival has been going on for the last 22 years. It’s a festival that goes for about 1.5 weeks, and features all sorts of musical acts, small circus acts, street performers of all kinds (from dancers to stilt walkers to jugglers and so forth) and food. We’ve heard that over the years it’s started to lose some of its charm and “real life” feeling — but we’re probably going to go check it out anyway. And the area of Berlin where it’s located, right near where the castle of Berlin once stood, is really incredible.
  Location: Schinkel Platz in Berlin Mitte
  
• Free rooftop session with Paul Van Dyk — This is one of those events that makes us wish we were single or had family nearby. Cause getting to see a world famous DJ in a tiny (awesome) location like this is something you just can’t put a price on. But alas, I don’t think they’d like it much if we showed up with an almost 4-year-old at the door… My guess is that people will be lining up LONG before the doors open at 3pm!
• 16. Traditionelles Herbstfest auf der Hauptstraße – I don’t have a clue what one could expect here (because the event planners website is AWFUL — so bad I won’t even share it with you), but usually a street festival in Germany involves a flea market with items geared to the appropriate season, perhaps some musical performances from local acts, plenty of sausages and other things off the grill, beer and a good time.
  Location: Berlin-Schöneberg, between Kaiser-. Wilhelm-Platz und Dominicusstraße. Sa, So 10:00 – 22:00, Mo 10:00 – 20:00
• Pyronale 2012 – Pyronale is kinda like the Olympics of Fireworks. Six teams of incredible pyrotechnitions get together and duke it out in the sky during this two-day evening event. We would really love to go check this out, but unfortunately Mackenzie still considers fireworks to be way too loud, although pretty. 😉 With tickets starting at €22 per day, it’s one of of the more expensive events on this list…but considering just how many fireworks they set off and the amount of planning that goes into this — plus the sheer amount of awesome that must be present, I think that price is more than fair.
  Location: Olympiastadion, Berlin
  
• Berlin Festival – Indie & Electro music festival. Since the only bands we have actually heard of that are performing are The Killers and Franz Ferdinand, we’re going to have to skip this one. But we do have friends coming in from Frankfurt for it and it’s definitely a big deal.
  Location:  Templehof Airport
• WEBMU – For any expat bloggers out there who are living in Germany and happen to be reading this post, every year, about this time, something called the Whiney Expat Bloggers Meet Up occurs — this year, it’s in Berlin. We’re unfortunately not going to be able to attend, but about 20 expats (mostly Americans) will be descending on Berlin and doing their best to take over the city. It’s usually a really great time with plenty of fun and interesting people.
  Location: Around Berlin
• Folsom Europe (Warning: This link is not work friendly!) — If you’re a bit more into the BDSM scene, there’s even something for you. And virtually at our back door. I have to admit that while walking the dog this morning and running a few errands, I ran into a few people on the street that must have been here to attend this. I’m just glad I heard about it happening or I might have wandered down the wrong road and right into the middle of the street fest. 🙂
  Location: Varies but mostly in Berlin Schöneberg

What are your plans for the weekend??