SO36: Kreuzberg's legendary club - history, diversity and lived inclusion

A look back: the eventful history of SO36

SO36 is much more than just a club: it is a symbol of Kreuzberg's rebellious spirit. Founded in the late 1970s, the club quickly became the center of Berlin's punk and squatter scene. People have always met here to party, discuss and protest. The walls of SO36 could fill books. No sooner said than done: the third edition of the book "SO36 - Das Buch", which tells the eventful history of this unique place, is now available. It also makes a great present under the Christmas tree.

Political location and cultural epicenter

From the very beginning, SO36 was more than just a stage for music. The club sees itself as a political place where DIY culture and social movements are at home. Demos, information events and neighborhood gatherings have always taken place here. SO36 remains a place where social debates are held and solidarity is put into practice.

A program that breathes diversity

Whether it's a punk concert, queer party, roller disco, reading, Balkan or Latin night - the program at SO36 is as colourful as Kreuzberg itself. The organizers attach great importance to non-discriminatory celebrations and inclusive coexistence. In 2025, SO36 was awarded the Applaus Prize as the best live music venue and for inclusion. Further proof of how important openness and accessibility are taken here.

SO36 proves that club culture can be more than just music and partying: it is a lively, inclusive place that takes on social responsibility and constantly finds new ways to create community.

Community, openness and cross-generational parties

The audience at SO36 ranges from five to 75 years old: The Roller Kidz do their rounds at the roller disco, while at the 80s party a 75-year-old can be seen shaking a leg. The club is a meeting place for a wide variety of scenes and generations. A place in Berlin where everyone can really party.

SO36 sees itself not only as a venue, but also as a lively social space where friendships are formed, networks are established and new ideas are born. Many visitors have been coming regularly for years and now bring their children or even grandchildren with them. The openness to all generations is not just a nice by-product, but a living concept. SO36 remains a place where the diversity of the city is reflected and where everyone finds a place, regardless of age, origin or scene affiliation.

Cult status far beyond Berlin

SO36 has long enjoyed an international reputation. Many bands from all over the world perform here and anyone who has ever been on stage still raves about it years later. For many artists, a performance at SO36 is an accolade.

The location is known far beyond the borders of Berlin. For many bands and artists from all over the world, a performance at SO36 is an absolute highlight of their career - the club is often described as "legendary". From iconic punk bands from the early days to up-and-coming acts from a wide range of genres: SO36 stands for musical diversity and openness.

International tours regularly stop here because artists know that they will find an enthusiastic, diverse and critical audience at SO36. The special atmosphere, the mixture of history, authenticity and rebellious spirit, leaves a lasting impression - many acts report that they still rave about their performance at SO36 years later.

The fact that SO36 appears time and again in international music magazines, documentaries and tour diaries underlines its cult status: the club is an integral part of the global music and club landscape - and always remains unmistakably Berlin.

Today and in the future: sustainability and local roots

Even after more than four decades, SO36 still has its finger on the pulse. The club is committed to sustainable club culture, organizes a regular event for the neighbourhood with the "Nachtflohmarkt" and remains deeply rooted in the district with information events and neighbourhood meetings. The future? It is actively shaped here - together, in solidarity and always a little different.

SO36 is much more than just a music club: it is a living piece of Berlin's contemporary history and a mirror of social movements. This is where political commitment meets exuberant party culture, where generations, scenes and identities come together. Whether punk concerts, queer parties or neighborhood gatherings: SO36 remains an open space for experimentation, exchange and solidarity. Anyone who wants to know how diverse, inclusive and creative Berlin really can be will find the answer at SO36 - yesterday, today and in the future.

Tip: The third edition of "SO36 - Das Buch " is now available for all those who want to delve even deeper!