Berlin tends to quieten down in the winter. The beer garden benches are packed away or else covered in snow. The parks are for walking through, not sitting in. However we have found a couple of events this January to keep you amused.
International Green Week Berlin
Website: Grünewoche
15th – 24th January
International Green Week has been on Berlin’s event calendar since 1926. It is the world’s largest fair for food and agriculture, held in a gargantuan conference centre in the west of Berlin.
Around 1,500 exhibitors present typical regional products and services to both trade visitors and public alike. Stands from around the globe offer samples of their produce so expect of a lot of nibbling. If you are feeling like a million samples aren’t gonna cut it, then there is also food hall where dishes larger than a mouthful can be bought.
As well as regional food producers, there are many stands promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming techniques. Every year a different country is officially partnered with the event to showcase it’s typical specialities, this year the country of choice is Morocco.
106th Berlin Six Day Race
Website: Berlin Six Day Race
28th January – 2nd February
The Berlin Six Day Race is an indoor-track cycling event which attracts around 75,000 people to the city. This kind of track racing dates back to the 1900s, in fact the first race in Berlin was held in a hall at Zoologischer Garten in 1909.
Professional and amateur racing cyclists compete in the Velodrom, over the course of 6 days. Races include the international ‘pacemaker race’, sprint and derby. In each competition world champions compete with amateurs, making for some exciting viewing.
To cool things up DJs play between each race, this is Berlin we are talking about after all.
Berlin Fashion Week
Website: Berlin Fashion Week
18th – 21st January
Fashion descends on Germany’s capital for an entire week, twice a year. January’s Fashion Week provides the summer trends, whilst July’s Fashion Week the winter offerings.
The past few years have been particularly focused on issues of sustainability and ‘fashion’ sourced in an environmentally-friendly and socially responsible manner. There are many events dotted all over the city; trade fairs, fashion shows and their subsequent after-parties, so check out the website to find the one’s you are interested in.
Interestingly it is estimated that the Berlin Fashion Show brings the city around €120 million per season.
