10. Böhmische Tage Babelsberg

An Anniversary for Bohemian Babelsberg

The neighbourhood festival Böhmische Tage Babelsberg will take place for the tenth time in 2026. From May 29 to 31, around 26 locations in the historic weavers' quarter will open their doors — courtyards, weavers' settlements, the Friedrichskirche and Bethlehemkirche churches, the AWO cultural centre, the Weberhaus Museum, the Thalia cinema, the Hans Otto Theatre location, the Panzerhalle studio house, and the Griebnitzsee university campus. The organiser is the Aktionsgemeinschaft Babelsberg e.V., supported by the state capital Potsdam.

Bohemian Roots in Brandenburg

Babelsberg, now part of Potsdam in the state of Brandenburg and a district-free city, was founded in 1751 as the weavers' colony Nowawes — populated by Protestant religious refugees from Bohemia. Frederick II settled spinners and weavers, and the Reformed Friedrichskirche was built in 1753. This Bohemian identity continues to shape the quarter to this day, visible in the typical weavers' houses around the Weberplatz. The Böhmische Tage directly builds on this heritage: Bohemian classical music, stories of migration and faith, music from Prague and Brno.

2026 Programme — 48 Free Events

The programme includes around 48 free events: courtyard concerts with the brass band and the Kiezorchester Babelsberg, a classical concert in the Friedrichskirche, readings on Bohemian history (Franz Benda, Frederick II's court musician), guided tours through the weavers' colony, exhibitions by local artists in open studios, children's activities with a flea market, yoga in the park, film screenings at the Thalia cinema, and gospel concerts. Bäckerei Fahland will host a wholemeal bread workshop, and the observatory will offer public solar observations — a cross-section of neighbourhood life and district identity.

Babelsberg Beyond the Film Studio

You might know Babelsberg from the Filmpark or the film university — the Böhmische Tage will show you the other side: the established weavers' quarter with its small-scale architecture, vibrant art scene, and Reformed religious history. Three days of neighbourhood culture, free of charge and without large stages, but with enormous thematic depth — perfect for a weekend visit to Potsdam.