Goerzwerk – Dance into May & May Festival

Industrial Architecture, Reimagined

The Goerzwerk is one of Berlin's most exciting industrial monuments: founded in 1897 as an optical workshop by Carl Paul Goerz, later part of Zeiss Ikon, it experienced a period of decay after reunification and has been lovingly revived since the 2010s as a co-working space, market hall, and event venue. Amidst the bright brick ensemble on Goerzallee 299, restaurants, creative offices, a craft bakery, and the Goerzmarkt have emerged.

Dance into May – A Factory Festival, Not a City Festival

The Goerzwerk celebrates the start of May without the big political hustle and bustle of Berlin: no large demonstrations, no major open-air events. Instead, a rural Maypole, live music by the Berlin band Spoof, DJ sets, and the usual Maypole climbing challenge that traditionally tests the agility of the factory community. On May 1st, the Goerz Market follows with an expanded program: live performance by MEL and Band, a flea market with clothing and children's toys, pony rides through the birch grove, henna tattoos, and face painting.

Factory Tours in the Industrial Monument

Highly sought-after: the tours through the historic Goerzwerk. In 2026, like in previous years, they sell out quickly – on-site spots often disappear weeks before the date. Those who want to experience the history of the factory live should secure their Eventbrite tickets in time.

Lichterfelde Between Tradition and Co-working

The Goerzwerk is located in the district of Lichterfelde, Steglitz-Zehlendorf borough, about 100 meters from the Teltowkanal. The mix of factory history and the new Berlin creative economy shapes the character of the area today. The May Festival brings together the tradespeople, the residents, and the day visitors – an unusually relaxed May Festival compared to the downtown events.