Choriner Kiez- und Straßenfest

A Neighbourhood Celebrates Itself

When the stages are set up on the last Saturday in May and Choriner Straße between Schwedter Straße and Pappelallee is closed to traffic, it has almost Volksfest (public festival) status in Prenzlauer Berg: The Choriner Kiez- und Straßenfest has been running since 1999 and has grown out of the civic engagement of the directly adjacent residents. Unlike commercial district festivals of recent years, the Choriner Fest has always remained independent – supported by the residents' association, financed through stall fees and small sponsorships.

The Programme

The concept is a Volksfest (public festival) with a neighbourhood character: Stalls lined up on the street offer bratwurst, crêpes, Vietnamese summer rolls, cold drinks, and cocktails. A main stage in the middle of the street features pop and rock music from local bands, and in the afternoon, there's a programme for children with interactive theatre, face painting, and craft activities. A tombola (raffle) is traditionally organized by the neighbourhood association, with proceeds going towards future festival editions.

The Choriner Kiez

The Choriner Kiez is located in the south of Prenzlauer Berg, in the Pankow district, nestled between Kollwitzplatz, Helmholtzplatz, and Schönhauser Allee. Choriner Straße itself is one of the narrow Gründerzeit (late 19th/early 20th century) streets, whose facades have been largely renovated in recent years. Boutiques, cafés, bakeries, and bars shape everyday life – those who stroll through the neighbourhood on the festival day experience this area in a concentration that is lost in everyday life.

27th Edition in 2026

The longevity of this festival is typical for Berlin: Unlike the big Volksfeste (public festivals), the Choriner Fest and other Kiezfeste (neighbourhood festivals) depend on a few dedicated individuals who keep the format going year after year. The fact that 2026 marks the 27th edition is therefore also a commitment of the neighbourhood to itself – and a success that is by no means a given in times of gentrification discussions.