SESH

Kater, often referred to as Kater Blau in its latest incarnation, is a renowned nightclub in Berlin, Germany, famous for its roots in the city’s thriving electronic music scene and its role in sustaining the spirit of bohemian Berlin nightlife. The venue owes its origins to the now-legendary Bar25, which opened in 2004 along the banks of the Spree River in Friedrichshain. Bar25 was celebrated for its marathon parties, whimsical decor, and all-encompassing embrace of creativity, performance, and hedonism.

After its closure in 2010 due to redevelopment pressures, the founders quickly pivoted and established KaterHolzig in 2011 on the other side of the Spree, continuing the same ethos but with a slightly evolved aesthetic and layout. When KaterHolzig’s fate similarly succumbed to urban development in 2014, the crew created Kater Blau, once more returning to the Friedrichshain water’s edge, near the original Bar25 location. Kater Blau retains the colorful, art-filled, and open-minded atmosphere that marked its predecessors, becoming a haven for Berliners and international travelers alike.

Over the years, Kater has earned a reputation not only as a party venue but as a cultural institution that fosters innovative music, groundbreaking parties, and a sense of inclusiveness rare even in Berlin. Its irregular architecture, riverside outdoor area, and all-hours schedule have made it a unique part of the city’s nightlife. Kater’s crowd is eclectic and creative, embodying Berlin’s permissive party culture, with parties often stretching deep into the afternoon or beyond.

Ownership changes and structural evolution coincided with the venue’s adaptation to legal and urban pressures, yet its legacy as a symbol of the city’s post-wall creative freedom has endured. Notable artists who have performed at Kater and its predecessors include international DJs such as Seth Troxler, Ricardo Villalobos, Dixon, and Acid Pauli, as well as local stalwarts like Mira, Dirty Doering, Chris Tietjen, and Britta Arnold. The club has also played host to live acts, collaborative performances, and spontaneous back-to-back DJ sets that exemplify Berlin’s dynamic underground scene.