Berlin is a hedonistic town. There are great cultural events all year round, but the city really comes alive once the weather starts to improve in May. There is a bevy of festivals and parades that continue through until August, as Berliners make the most of their city at its most hospitable. Of course, that’s not to say they don’t leave the house all winter, and there’s a slew of top-notch indoor events in January and February. Some are quirky Berlin at its best – such as the digital art and music festival, the Transmediale (below). Others, such as the Berlinale, are world famous. But don’t just focus on the big events. The best thing about Berlin is that you never know when you’ll run across some small local happening that will turn out to be the best time you’ll have all year.