Once a year, the Red Town Hall opens its doors to representatives from the worlds of politics, business, culture, academia, sport and the media. On 7 July 2026, around 4,000 guests gathered around the Red Town Hall under the motto ‘Experience the Future’. The focus was on personal interaction, recognising civic engagement and fostering connections between different sectors of society. In the spirit of innovation, creativity and social cohesion, the Governing Mayor opened the festivities in what was likely to be his final speech in this capacity, emphasising Berlin’s role as a cosmopolitan, dynamic and innovative metropolis.
As well as providing numerous opportunities to make contacts, the Courtyard Festival offered a varied programme featuring musical performances, culinary specialities and cultural presentations by Berlin-based initiatives and institutions. Many guests used the evening to strengthen existing ties and forge new networks. The Courtyard Festival combines a tradition of statehood with modern capital city politics and, every year, sends a clear signal in favour of dialogue, cohesion and social harmony.