Bring 180 musicians together and let them collaborate for a week. No PR, no industry pressure – just jamming and cooking up ideas. Then let them perform whatever emerges to a public audience over two days. That’s the ethos of Peoplefestival, a combined residency and weekender at Funkhaus Berlin on 10 & 11.10.2026.
The event is a revival of what was originally Michelberger Music, which originated in 2016 when Nadine and Tom Michelberger of the Michelberger Hotel brought together a circle of musicians for a spontaneous mini festival. Ten years on, People has grown to a weekend of 200 or so shows across eleven studios and stages. There is no official program; you won’t know who is playing until the concert begins. But frankly the caliber of the line-up is such that you aren’t likely to be disappointed.
Adrian Utley (Portishead), composer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, singer-songwriter Ben Howard, Erlend Øye (Kings of Convenience), Bowie bassist Gail Ann Dorsey, Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Bryce and Aaron Dessner (The National) are just some of the names invited. None of it is programmed, and none of the artists is paid to appear. Tickets cover the cost of production only. Will you get to see a concert by an impromptu ten-piece supergroup? Or a gig featuring the voices of your youth? Who knows! But something tells us it’s going to be special.
Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: People Festival
Funkhaus Berlin, Nalepastr.18, 12459 Berlin–Oberschöneweide; map
People Festival 10 & 11.10.2026. Tickets are available on the website.
@peoplefestivalberlin
