Commemorating two decades of Festsaal Kreuzberg festivities
Celebrating Two Decades of Live Music: Festsaal Kreuzberg
Festsaal Kreuzberg, a staple of Berlin's vibrant music scene, is marking its 20th anniversary this October. Originally established in 2000 on Skalitzer Straße, near Kottbusser Tor, the venue has since moved locations but remains a beacon for live music in the city.
The first iteration of Festsaal Kreuzberg was renowned for its industrial charm and cultural openness, serving as a multi-purpose space for concerts, parties, conferences, and cultural events. Its diverse programming, which included rock, pop, alternative, and indie music, attracted a wide range of music lovers. The venue's unique atmosphere, rooted in Kreuzberg’s nightlife and cultural scene, made it a beloved institution in the city[1].
Tragically, the original Festsaal Kreuzberg was destroyed by a fire in 2013. After the devastating loss, the venue was relocated to its current site near the Schleusen canal in Kreuzberg. The new Festsaal Kreuzberg, known as the Festsaal Phoenix, opened in 2017[3].
The new venue retains the spirit of the original, but with some notable differences. The dance floor, once surrounded by a balcony on three sides, providing optimal views of the stage, is now equipped with seats for concert-goers. The grungy aesthetics of the original are absent in the new space, replaced by a more polished design. However, the venue's commitment to live music and diverse programming remains unchanged[2].
One of the original Festsaal Kreuzberg's most memorable performances was by the grunge band, The Jesus Lizard, in 2009. Known for their physical and brutal performances, the band often interacted with the audience, making for a memorable night[4]. The Jesus Lizard, who performed one of their last shows until 2017 at Festsaal Kreuzberg, added to the venue's reputation as a place for unforgettable live music experiences.
As many other venues in Berlin face closure, Festsaal Kreuzberg continues to thrive. With its 20th anniversary event, 20 Jahre Festsaal Kreuzberg, taking place Oct 3-5, the venue is set to celebrate its enduring influence on Berlin's music scene[5]. Whether it's the original or the new space, Festsaal Kreuzberg remains the place for live music in the city.
[1] Berliner Morgenpost [2] Exberliner [3] Berliner Zeitung [4] The Jesus Lizard [5] Festsaal Kreuzberg
Despite the loss of its original venue to a fire in 2013, Festsaal Kreuzberg perpetuates its legacy by offering entertainment featuring music of diverse genres. Remaining a stalwart in Berlin's music scene, it marks its 20th anniversary this October, providing an unforgettable setting for live music experiences such as the memorable performance by The Jesus Lizard in 2009.
