Berlin nightlife is often framed through loss; rising rents, closing clubs and the fading of a once-mythic era. But from the ground up, a different story is unfolding. For Berlin-based DJ and curator Meriem S, host of ‘Roots and Beats’ on Refuge Worldwide and co-founder of the CALABADDIES collective, the city’s nightlife isn’t disappearing so much as it’s being reshaped. Led by queer, FLINTA, Black, SWANA and trans communities, Berlin’s most vital dancefloors today are built on care, resistance and collective joy. Temporary spaces that prioritise safety, representation and connection over legacy or scale.
This is Meriem S’s definitive guide to the collectives and parties at the heart of Berlin’s thriving grassroots cultural movements.
An exciting backdrop
Meriem S: “Berlin nightlife is changing and not in the way people are talking about. As rents rise and venues close, collectives that have always existed at the margins, like queer, FLINTA, Black, SWANA and trans communities, are building something entirely different. They’re not trying to revive a Berlin old spirit. Rather, they’re creating something that reflects them.
I’ve seen how music can be a space for care, connection and resistance. This story isn’t just about music; it’s rather about who gets to feel seen, safe and celebrated through music and on the dancefloor.
Throughout the city, grassroots and purpose-driven collectives are reimagining what nightlife looks and feels like. Daytime non-profit parties inspired by The Loft focused on communities, shared meals and long musical journeys. They don’t always have permanent venues, not because they don’t want them, but because affordable spaces are disappearing from the city.
Many venues are closing or too expensive for small organizers. Still, these communities keep creating temporary space for joy, solidarity and community. They’re also challenging what inclusivity really means. Big clubs and venues call themselves open, but that in practice is not always true. You can see that by who’s booked, who’s at the door, who feels safe and who gets paid fairly. ”
The best parties and collectives
saHHara
“Representing the Maghreb community and beyond, saHHara is a collective mixing North African sounds with queer joy and radical hospitality.”
CALABADDIES
“CALABADDIES is a FLINTA to the front collective that builds dancefloors full of warmth and energy. For us, accessibility and representation come first.
Endless Groove
A loft-inspired non-profit party hosted by EDO and Moe El Amin, Endless Groove brings a completely different rhythm to the dancefloor.”
PDA
“PDA is an underground Disco and Punk party led by Jonah and Tam Tam, built on community love and an anti-mainstream spirit.”
Body Language
“A femme-led collective, Body Language is creating safer, more caring spaces in Berlin nightlife.”
Nightlife with intention
“Many of these collectives, while throwing their parties, are also raising funds for global causes, from Sudan to Congo to Palestine, proving that nightlife can be both joyful and political. They keep tickets fair and offer solidarity pricing and make sure that no one is left out for financial reasons.
They’re not profit-led, they’re intention-led. This is nightlife as community work, built with purpose, care and love. What’s happening here isn’t a trend; it’s a movement. A collective act of creation by those who are never centered in the city mainstream scene. These are spaces built by and for communities who have always made culture even when the system didn’t make room for them.”
Follow Meriem S on Instagram.