Cabaret Performer Fifi Fantôme, Photo Credit: Markus Vicari
Berlin and cabaret have shaken, shimmied and sashayed their way through history hand-in-hand since anyone can remember. What started as a political artistic movement back in 1901 has continued on, gracing countless Berlin stages with its performative presence. The city has never stopped being a hub for colourful, creative, boundary-pushing performances, and the tradition marches on. From burlesque to striptease, drag performances to circus-ready antics, these are the best upcoming cabaret events in Berlin. We update our listings regularly, so check in the next time you’re looking for a night of fantastic, frivolous fun.
Kabaret: the Queer Berlin Musical
For fans of Cabaret the musical, Tipsy Bear is hosting a night full of queer cabaret fun! With live music, drag, burlesque, stripping, circus and performances, the event promises to be jam-packed full of the best of cabaret.
Tipsy Bear, May 24, starts 19:30, details
TipBerlin and The Berliner Party
Charlie Bouquet
Not that we needed an excuse, but there are two reasons to celebrate: our sister magazine tipBerlin hits 300k Instagram followers, and we’ll just have dropped our 250th issue (not bad, huh?). So naturally, we’re throwing a party. Expect fire performances from cabaret sweetheart Charlie Bouquett and DJs Mark Reeder and Amy Dabbs to keep things burning on the dance floor. Go ahead and book Friday off. We will.
Former Kingsize Bar, May 28, starts 20:00, details
The Sublime Kabarett
Image credit: Darren Black
A vivid show blending circus artistry, drag and comedy, The Sublime Kabarett is The Sublime Society‘s recurring queer-friendly, adults-only event hosted by Charlie Bouquett, which sees a plethora of international artists gather in a former women’s prison in Lichterfelde, The Knast, to show off their talents.
The Knast, May 30, starts 20:00, details
Circus Elusion
Master of ceremonies Evilyn Frantic invites the weird, the wonderful and the downright bizarre to the freakiest show in town. Part cabaret, part circus sideshow, this anything-goes spectacle promises jaw-dropping stunts and bodies pushed to their limits. Expect to gasp, gawk and question whether you should really be watching.
Tipsy Bear, Jun 06, starts 19:30, details
Cabaret Cravache – The Light Juggler
Subtitled Shades of Selves, our colourful identities are the theme of the event – a theme Cabaret Cravache wants us to explore through consensual play and interactions of all sorts. The Light Juggler invites you not only to join the show, but to be the show.
Ballhaus Berlin, Jun 12, starts 18:30, details
CARAVAN OBSCURA by THE VELVET CREEPERS
The Velvet Creepers, photo credit: Andrey Kezzyn
The Velvet Creepers’ circus show celebrates a night of magical circus nostalgia. Described as “Weimar cabaret on acid meets Berlin queer club culture”, their shows are always a delicious mix of hedonism and heart-stopping turns. It’s a night where anything can happen – and usually does.
Beauty and the Beard
Queen Justmean brings a hairytale of freedom, pride and body acceptance to Tipsy Bear at the end of June in a drag, cabaret and comedy show that defies the idealisation of perfectly smooth bodies. Hair and beards are celebrated here, as unshaven human beings of all genders take the stage in truly body-positive spirit.
Tipsy Bear, Jun 26, starts 19:30, details
Boheme Sauvage on the Spree
Photo Credit: Heinrich von Schimmer
If you really want to experience the golden age, specifically 1920s Berlin, this night is a homage to everything Weimar Republic. Think The Great Gatsby meets Cabaret and you’ll be close to home. Everyone dresses to impress, so pull out your best threads and dance ’til dawn! This time the celebration will take place on a boat for some fun in the sun!
Steamer Kaiser Friedrich, Jul 04, starts 19:30, details