Meet Berlin’s neighbours through music, dance and CrossKultur
by 
Babylon Radio
Listen nowA Korean fan dance, Indonesian bamboo music or an afternoon making music with your neighbours: CrossKultur offers several ways to get beyond your usual Berlin routine this November. The festival brings local communities together across Tempelhof-Schöneberg, with activities you can join as well as performances to watch.
The district’s 2026 announcement lists more than 50 events at over 20 locations, beginning with the opening night on 13 November and continuing until 13 December. The festival programme says admission to all events is free.
Begin with a night about neighbours
The opening takes place in the Willy-Brandt-Saal at Rathaus Schöneberg, John-F.-Kennedy-Platz 1, on Friday 13 November. Doors open at 17:30 and the programme starts at 18:00. No registration is needed.
Writer Martin Hyun brings stories from a book about neighbourhood life written with Wladimir Kaminer. Afterwards, visitors can try Korean fan-dance techniques, contribute ideas for good neighbourly relations and join an ink-painting workshop with artist Himwa. CandomBerlin provides the musical opening, with Paula Essam hosting the evening.
For someone new to the area, the appeal is having something to do together. You do not have to turn up with an established group of friends to enjoy a reading, watch the music or try a creative activity.
Try a movement workshop or listen to bamboo music
On Saturday 14 November, the Pencak Silat workshop runs from 14:00 to 16:30 at the Haus der Indonesischen Kulturen. This Indonesian martial art combines movement and body awareness with cultural traditions. The session introduces basic techniques, footwork and partner exercises, alongside its expressive side.
The organisers say both beginners and people with experience can take part. Places are limited, and registration is requested by email to kulturhaus@indonesian-embassy.de. Check for a confirmed place before planning your afternoon around it.
At 19:00, the same venue hosts the Angklung Orchestra Berlin. An angklung is a bamboo instrument from West Java. Each instrument produces a single note, so the ensemble builds melodies through coordinated playing. The programme combines traditional Indonesian music with classical and modern pieces.
The venue is at Theodor-Francke-Straße 11. Both event listings mark it as unsuitable for wheelchair access, which is worth checking before choosing this stop.
If you would rather make music than watch a performance, Klangwelt Java offers a beginner gamelan workshop at the same venue on Saturday 21 November, from 16:00 to 18:00. Xin Wei Thow leads participants through playing traditional instruments together, exploring melodies and rhythms. No previous experience is required, and the organisers say English knowledge is helpful. Places are limited, with registration through the same email address.
Make Sunday a shared musical afternoon
On Sunday 15 November, Vielfalt live – wir sind Klang brings the Leo Kestenberg Music School’s work into the Willy-Brandt-Saal. The public afternoon runs from 15:00 to 18:30, with a concert, workshops, discussions, a community orchestra and an open stage.
The school describes the event as a meeting day for everyone, with its own ensembles and guests from the district. It offers a different way to discover local music: through the people learning and making it, rather than only through established concert venues.
Choose the visit that suits you
If you have just one evening, the opening night offers music, stories and creative activities in one place. Or choose a workshop that gives you something new to try. Use the individual listing to check the address, booking arrangements and access information. The festival’s free admission does not mean every workshop has unlimited places. If you need a particular language for a discussion or workshop, ask the organiser before attending; the programme does not promise English throughout.
CrossKultur is an invitation to spend time with the communities around you. Whether you choose a performance or try a new skill, a shared activity can be an enjoyable first step towards knowing your neighbourhood better.