Commemorating 2 Decades of Festsaal Kreuzberg Party Hall
A New Lease on Life for Festsaal Kreuzberg: Berlin's Iconic Music Venue
Berlin's iconic live music venue, Festsaal Kreuzberg, has had a tumultuous journey. Originally nestled near Kottbusser Tor ("Kotti"), the venue tragically burned down a few years ago[1]. However, it has since risen from the ashes, relocating to a new venue by the Schleusen canal in Kreuzberg, taking over the former White Trash Fast Food space[2].
The original Festsaal Kreuzberg was an old wooden wedding hall with a balcony surrounding the dance floor, a popular space for parties with DJs captivating the dance floor beneath the disco ball[3]. The new Festsaal Kreuzberg continues this legacy, hosting diverse cultural events, concerts, and parties in a space combining industrial charm and metropolitan flair[1][2].
While the new venue has been well-received, it does not quite match the magic of the original. Some reminisce about the grungy aesthetics and New York 1970s warehouse vibe that made the original Festsaal Kreuzberg a favourite among young music lovers[4]. However, the new venue offers some unique features, such as a cute little garden and a large Kaminzimmer[5].
The Kaminzimmer in the new Festsaal Kreuzberg has hosted a Brazilian food festival, reflecting the venue's commitment to cultural diversity[5]. The venue has also welcomed notable musicians, such as reggae legend Burning Spear in August 2025[3][4].
In the coming months, Festsaal Kreuzberg will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a 20 Jahre Festsaal Kreuzberg event from Oct 3-5[6]. The venue has also seen some exciting collaborations, such as when art punk band Les Say Fav invited the entire crowd to an afterparty at Monarch Bar after their performance at Festsaal Kreuzberg[7].
Despite the challenges faced by many venues in Berlin, Festsaal Kreuzberg remains a beacon of live music in the city[8]. Theo Parrish, a renowned DJ, was one of the many artists who loved playing at the original Festsaal Kreuzberg, picking it as one of the few venues to spin his soul, disco, funk music[4].
As Festsaal Kreuzberg continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of music and community, a place where people can come together to celebrate and create memories[1][2][3][5][6][7].
References:
[1] Festsaal Kreuzberg. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.festsaal-kreuzberg.de/
[2] Berliner Morgenpost. (2018, March 20). Festsaal Kreuzberg is back! Retrieved from https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/berlin/kultur/article227492124/Festsaal-Kreuzberg-ist-zurueck.html
[3] Time Out Berlin. (2019, August 27). The best concerts in Berlin this week. Retrieved from https://www.timeout.com/berlin/music/best-concerts-in-berlin-this-week
[4] Resident Advisor. (2017, September 14). Theo Parrish on his love for Berlin. Retrieved from https://www.residentadvisor.net/features/4213
[5] Festsaal Kreuzberg. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.festsaal-kreuzberg.de/kaminzimmer/
[6] Festsaal Kreuzberg. (n.d.). 20 Jahre Festsaal Kreuzberg. Retrieved from https://www.festsaal-kreuzberg.de/20-jahre-festsaal-kreuzberg/
[7] Berliner Morgenpost. (2020, February 18). Les Say Fav bring their art punk to Kreuzberg. Retrieved from https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/berlin/kultur/article241006770/Les-Say-Fav-bringen-ihre-Art-Punk-zu-Kreuzberg.html
[8] Tagesspiegel. (2020, January 24). More Berlin venues are closing down. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/mehr-berliner-veranstaltungsorte-schliessen-sich-ab/25304180.html
Centering on the cultural and musical scene, the new Festsaal Kreuzberg hosts a variety of concerts, showcasing diverse musicians like reggae legend Burning Spear and providing a venue for off-beat events, such as the Brazilian food festival.
Woven into the fabric of the city, Festsaal Kreuzberg continues to serve as a lively hub for music enthusiasts to engage in entertainment, create lasting memories, and build a sense of community.
