AL.FESTIVAL x Refuge Worldwide 2026

We’re counting down! It’s less than two weeks until the seventh and biggest edition of AL.FESTIVAL. Refuge Worldwide is once again on board as an official festival collaborator. Here’s a look at what awaits you!

On October 5th, we start with five days of live radio shows at Niemetzstraße: AL.FESTIVAL invites, Monday to Friday at 16:00-17:00. Tune in from wherever you are, or come by the Refuge Worldwide space at Niemetzstrasse to hangout.

From Tuesday, the first workshop will take place - Ableton Live introduction course and implementation of Arabic tunings and scales. On the following Thursday and Friday, workshops are hosted in English by SMOKAHOLIC, Ableton Live Production, Recording & Engineering.

AL.Berlin | Acid Halal

17 Sep 2026

Friday evening sees everyone together for a film screening at Niemetzstraße. The evening centres on Salamiyah, Lady of the Land, a documentary by Syrian Cassette Archives that journeys through the musical life of Salamiyah, a city in central Syria shaped by song, memory, and centuries of cultural exchange.

Following the screening, filmmaker and Syrian Cassette Archives co-founder Yamen Mekdad will be joined by researchers and cultural practitioners for a panel discussion exploring archives as acts of cultural resistance. The discussion will be moderated by SyriaUntold, an independent media platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering critical conversations on culture, identity, and social justice.

Entrance fee on Friday is 4,80€ (find tickets here).

The AL.FESTIVAL grand finale then goes down again at Festsaal Kreuzberg on Saturday 10th October, with four stages including live concerts, club music, and unique performances. Artists include Natacha Atlas and Samy Bishai, who have built a musical transcendence of Arabic vocal and classical traditions, immersing in contemporary experimentation.

Refuge Worldwide will host the stage in the Festsaal Biergarten, with sets from modú, Noise Diva, amuleto manuela, and Syrian Cassette Archive.

If you feel like participating yourself at the festival, ADIRA are back with their iconic queer pop karaoke, while independent artists, publishers, designers, and initiatives are surrounded by delicious food options at the festival bazaar.

Tickets are here.