Ostberlin Poetry Slam Open Air

Berlin's most relaxed slam event

Poetry slam is ubiquitous in Berlin: every week, writers compete against each other in half a dozen bars and on stages, measured by the audience's applause meter. What sets the Ostberlin Poetry Slam Open Air apart from weekday slams is the setting: the natural theatre of the Friedrichshagen open-air cinema on Lake Müggel, an open-air courtyard under old trees, with cinema seats, long benches, and a bar. Located in the Friedrichshagen district (Treptow-Köpenick borough), the theatre has been a Berlin summer classic for decades.

Seven slammers, one audience verdict

The format is classic poetry slam: seven slammers from Berlin, Brandenburg, and all over Germany, each brings their own text, the audience votes after each round. The winner is decided by the volume of applause, and in the end, the audience crowns the winner of the evening. The evening is traditionally hosted by Ortwin Bader-Iskraut and Jesko Habert, who, with their collective "Kiezpoeten Berlin", are among the defining figures of the Berlin slam scene.

11th edition 2026

The event has been a firm fixture in Friedrichshagen's summer calendar since 2015. The 11th edition will take place in 2026. The date, June 13, 2026, traditionally falls between the open-air cinema's season opening (mid-May) and the main film season. It starts at 7 PM – those who want a good seat should arrive a little earlier.

Can be combined with Lake Müggel

Friedrichshagen is located on the north shore of Lake Müggel, Berlin's largest lake. Those who want to extend their day can swim, paddle, or stroll through the former waterworks and the old brewery before the slam – Friedrichshagen is one of the most atmospheric corners of the Treptow-Köpenick borough. After the slam, the compact gastronomy along Müggelseedamm awaits with restaurants and beer gardens.