ORWOhaus Festival

ORWOhaus – Berlin's Self-Managed Musicians' House

The ORWOhaus on Frank-Zappa-Straße in Marzahn is Berlin's most unusual musicians' house. Originally an industrial building of the East German film manufacturer ORWO, the building was occupied by musicians in 2005, later taken over by ORWOhaus e.V. and transformed into one of Europe's largest self-managed musicians' centers. Today, the house hosts 105 rehearsal rooms, around 200 bands, and approximately 800 musicians – from all genres, from singer-songwriters to death metal combos. There are studios, concert halls, workshops, and a bar.

The Festival – Since 2007

The ORWOhaus Festival emerged from the house's ethos in 2007: a two-day open-air event on the house's own grounds, organized by the musicians for themselves and their audience. The stage is set up directly in front of the industrial building, with bands from the house playing alongside guests from the Berlin music scene and national acts. The program mixes genres without ideological constraints – Rock next to Rap, Punk next to Live Karaoke, Crank Wave next to Hip Hop.

2026 – 19th Edition, New Motto

The 19th edition in 2026 runs under the motto "Past is Future – Home Of Music" and will again take place on the second weekend in July. Confirmed acts include Audio88 & Yassin (Berlin Rap), Bluthund (Punk), Ostberlin Androgyn, Rakete Tschaikowski, Tante Anne (Live Karaoke), MC Mo, Sirp Kayne, Tulpe (Rock), Arsen (Power Rock), Gorelem (Rock'N'Roll), Mini Van (Crank Wave), Laisor, MC Waldschrat, Noisympathy, and Deadheadz. A total of around 1,500 visitors per weekend.

Family-Friendly and Accessible

Unlike most Berlin festivals, the ORWOhaus Festival is explicitly family-friendly: children under 14 are free, the outdoor area offers space for play, and the event runs from daytime into the late evening – not as a nightclub set. Tent sites for overnight guests are provided upon request.