CTM Festival 2026 – Festival for Adventurous Music and Art Berlin, Germany
Overview
CTM Festival 2026 marks the 27th edition of Berlin’s premier event for adventurous music and art, a ten-day journey into the fringes of contemporary sound culture. Under the theme “dissonate < > resonate,” the festival explores the charged fields where musical frequencies meet, clash, and converge, mirroring the complexities of our modern reality. It is a world-renowned platform that bridges the gap between experimental club culture, academic research, and cutting-edge audiovisual performances, drawing a global community of artists and thinkers to the German capital.
The festival is uniquely spread across Berlin’s most iconic cultural venues, transforming spaces like the legendary Berghain, Radialsystem, and the Volksbühne into laboratories for sonic exploration. Attendees can expect a dense program that includes world premieres, commissioned works, and collaborative performances that blend raw noise with experimental vocals and traditional heritage with digital innovation. CTM is not just a music festival; it is a critical discourse platform that uses sound to navigate social, political, and ecological shifts, making it a cornerstone of the international experimental scene.
Event Highlights
- Thematic Immersion: The 2026 theme “dissonate < > resonate” guides every performance, focusing on the tension between harmony and distortion through spectral textures and tonal ruptures.
- Iconic Berlin Venues: The program utilizes legendary spaces, including the world-famous Berghain club for high-intensity nights and the Radialsystem for intimate concerts and discursive panels.
- Exclusive Premieres: Features unique commissioned works such as the “Resynthesising the Traditional” lab and the Kyiv-Berlin collaboration “Disturbed Ground,” which translates seismic war data into vibration and sound.
- Global Artist Roster: A massive lineup featuring diverse talent like the doom-drone duo Earth, the ten-piece Growlers Choir of metal vocalists, and electronic pioneers from Seoul, Kyiv, and Lagos.
Why Attend
This festival is a must-attend for those who view music as a form of intellectual and sensory adventure rather than mere entertainment. It is designed for fans of experimental electronics, industrial noise, and forward-thinking club music who want to experience the absolute cutting edge of the genre. The event attracts a highly dedicated, international audience of artists, researchers, and cultural critics, providing an unparalleled networking opportunity within the global experimental arts community.
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If you are a traveler looking for an authentic Berlin experience that goes beyond typical tourism, CTM offers a deep dive into the city’s legendary subterranean culture. The festival’s integration with the “transmediale” art and digital culture event makes it an ideal choice for those interested in the intersection of technology and creativity. It is particularly recommended for adventurous listeners who are not afraid of challenging sounds and who value a festival that prioritizes artistic risk-taking and social awareness.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: January 23 – February 1, 2026.
- Event Duration: A ten-day multi-venue festival featuring evening concerts, late-night club programs, and daytime workshops and talks.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Berlin, Germany.
- Venue: Various Venues (including Radialsystem, Berghain, Volksbühne, and Haus der Visionäre).
- Google Maps Address: Holzmarktstraße 33, 10243 Berlin, Germany.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Passes and individual tickets are sold via the official CTM Festival website and the transmediale online shop.
- Admission Type: Options include the CTM Full Pass, Weekend Passes, and “Connect” Passes for access to both CTM and transmediale.
- Ticket Pricing: Festival passes are priced between approximately $175 for Early Bird to $205 for a standard Full Pass; Weekend passes range from $110 to $135.
- Price Range: The minimum price for a weekend pass is approximately $110 and the maximum for a full festival pass is $205.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: CTM does not offer traditional VIP seating; however, Supporter Passes are available for $148 to help subsidize lower-cost access for others.
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Contact Information
- Email: contact@ctm-festival.de
- Phone: +49 30 44041830
- Website: https://www.ctm-festival.de/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/CTMFestival
- https://www.instagram.com/ctmfestival
- https://twitter.com/CTMFestival
- https://t.me/ctmfestival
- https://soundcloud.com/ctm-festival
- https://www.youtube.com/user/DISKCTM
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Berlin Brandenburg (BER), 25 km from central venues (about 30 to 45 minutes by train or taxi).
- Public Transport: Use S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, or S9 to Ostbahnhof (5-minute walk to Radialsystem) or U-Bahn U8 to Jannowitzbrücke for approximately $4.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from BER Airport to Friedrichshain cost approximately $55 to $75; apps like Free Now, Uber, and Bolt are the most common rideshare options.
- Parking: Parking is extremely limited in Berlin Mitte and Friedrichshain; it is recommended to use public transport or park at the BER Airport long-term lots.
- Other Access: Berlin is very bike-friendly; many attendees use Nextbike or Jelbi bike-sharing services to commute between venues like Berghain and Radialsystem.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery (4-star, 0.5 km, stylish with gallery views, about $140 to $220 per night); Boutique Hotel Chateau Royal (5-star, 3 km, artistic luxury in Mitte about $280 to $450 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Ibis Berlin City Ost (3-star, 0.4 km, official partner hotel near Radialsystem, about $95 to $150 per night); Locke at East Side Gallery (Apart-hotel, 0.6 km, modern with kitchens about $120 to $180 per night).
- Budget Stays: Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz (Hostel, 1.5 km, social and central, about $45 to $90 per night); Schulz Hotel Berlin Wall (3-star, 0.5 km, affordable and modern right by Ostbahnhof about $75 to $120 per night).
Reviews
- The most intellectually stimulating music festival in Europe where the sound challenges you as much as the art.
- Seeing a live performance in the cavernous halls of Berghain during CTM is a bucket-list experience for any electronic fan.
- I loved how the festival takes over the whole city and allows you to discover incredible venues you would never find as a tourist.
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FAQ's
What is the age requirement for CTM Festival?
Most events at CTM Festival are restricted to ages 18 and over, particularly those held at nightclub venues like Berghain or RSO. Some daytime exhibitions and concerts at venues like Radialsystem may be open to younger audiences, but a legal guardian is usually required. Always bring a valid photo ID, as security at Berlin venues is very strict regarding age verification for entry and alcohol sales.
Are the festival passes valid for all events?
While a Full Pass covers the majority of the program, some specialized workshops or high-demand "Opening" and "Closing" concerts may require a separate ticket. Events held in collaboration with transmediale might also have specific access rules depending on whether you hold a CTM Pass or a Connect Pass. It is important to check the individual event listing on the schedule to see if your pass type covers entry or requires a reservation.
How do I exchange my online ticket for a festival wristband?
Online ticket confirmations must be exchanged for a physical wristband at the CTM Infocounter, usually located at the Radialsystem venue. The Infocounter typically opens on the first day of the festival and has set operating hours throughout the week. You will need to present your digital QR code and a matching ID to receive your pass, which must be worn for the duration of the event.
Is there a specific dress code for the club events like Berghain?
CTM attendees generally dress in dark, artistic, or avant-garde styles, though the festival is more focused on the music than the "door policy" aesthetics. However, for events at Berghain, the venue’s house rules still apply, and security reserves the right to refuse entry if capacity is reached or for safety reasons. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as venues are spread across the city and involves a lot of walking or standing during long performance sets.
Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
Many of the main venues like Radialsystem and Volksbühne are fully accessible; however, some underground or industrial spaces may have limited access. Individuals with a disability who require a personal assistant can often apply for a complimentary "Companion" pass by contacting the organizers in advance. If you have specific mobility needs, it is best to email the festival office directly so they can provide the best possible arrival and seating information.
