Berlin really knows how to celebrate and whenever you plan to travel to Berlin there is sure to be some sort of festival taking place. Here is just a small selection of some of the annual events that have made Berlin their home.

February
Founded in 1951, the Berlin International Film Festival is one of the world's largest, attracting many big name stars. The festival, held at "Berlinale Palast", plays host to a large number of world premieres and attracts top class filmmakers and directors from all over the world.

February/March
Until relatively recently Spandau, located in West Berlin , was the location of a prison where Nazi war criminal Rudolph Hess was the sole occupant. Today, it is known as the location for the Spandau Spring Festival. By day there is a huge funfair offering water rides, roller coasters and go-karts and in the evening you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

May
Berlin has hosted the German Open Tennis Tournament since 1979. Whether you are a tennis fan or not, come along to soak up the atmosphere as you watch some of the biggest names in women's tennis today.

May is also when the majority of beach bars in the city open, offering a sandy alternative to the regular city drinking spots. They are dotted around various parts of the city, though the most popular are those behind the "East Side Gallery" on Mühlenstrasse. All are open until the autumn.

June
Thousands of people descend on the district of Kreuzberg during June for the four-day Carnival of Cultures, a vibrant multi-national parade accompanied by an assortment of food and drink stalls and a variety of entertainment from all over the world.

On June 21, you won't be able to miss the sounds of the Fête de la Musique, when professional and amateur musicians come together to perform music of all kinds in the streets and venues across the city. The festival was born in France back in 1982; since then, over 100 cities across the world celebrate the Fête de la Musique on the day of the summer solstice. There are always plenty of free events held in the streets, squares, public parks, playgrounds, cafés and bars of the city.

June/July
If you are in Berlin during the end of June or beginning of July, then pop along to the German-French Fair. The fair, which claims to be one of the largest in Germany , is a celebration of Germany 's friendship with France and provides a perfect opportunity to sample some delicious French and German speciality foods.

July
In mid-July the massive Love Parade crams into the Tiergarten with fabulously decorated floats and extravagantly dressed people celebrating to a pounding techno soundtrack.

August
The International Dance Festival arrives in Berlin in August. As well as watching productions performed by contemporary dancers from around the world, there will be the opportunity to participate in a number of workshops.

September
The Berlin Marathon takes place in the city every September. If you're not here to participate, join the scores of spectators that gather to cheer the athletes on their 42km way.

October
On October 3 each year the streets surrounding the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag are transformed into a street party to celebrate the reunification of Germany in Deutschlands Fest. Admission is free to the one-day event, where you can hear national and international music ranging from classical to rock and pop.

November
If you plan your trip in November then make sure it coincides with the four days of excellent live music that is JazzFest Berlin . Since its inception in 1964, JazzFest Berlin has become one of the leading festivals for contemporary jazz in Europe , attracting musicians from across the globe.

December
Several Chris tmas markets take place around the city in the weeks leading up to Chris tmas, selling festive decorations, handicrafts and mulled wine. Two of the largest and most atmospheric are on Schlossplatz and Gendarmenmarkt, which have large Chris tmas trees and plenty of festive cheer. Head for Potsdamer Platz or Alexanderplatz for ice-skating.

New Year's Eve in the city is celebrated in style in the Tiergarten between the Brandenburg Gate and the Siegessäule with a spectacular fireworks display, live music and DJs ensuring a lively party until the early hours of the morning.