What's new in Berlin in 2009

BERLIN - Berlin marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in October, but there are plenty of other cultural events going on as well. Here are a few of them:

• "Long Night of Museums," when 100 museums open their doors from 6 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 and Aug. 29. With one ticket, patrons get admission to all participating venues and events and a shuttle bus to take them around; http://www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de.

• The 59th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), Feb. 5-15, with up to 400 films screened, many of them European premieres; http://www.berlinale.de.

• Extended Opera and Theater Night, April 25, when half-hour events are offered from 7 p.m. until 10 a.m. on 60 Berlin stages. Shuttle buses will carry visitors from theater to theater on seven different routes. The starting point and meeting spot is the Bebelplatz with an open-air stage, central box office, and information stand; http://www.kulturprojekte-berlin.de.

• Berlin International Beer Festival, Aug. 7-9, when Karl-Marx-Allee turns into the world's longest beer garden and bar, with 190 breweries from 72 countries offering beer along a milelong stretch.

• Real Berlin Marathon, Sept. 19-20, a 42-kilometer run that attracts athletes from around the world.

• Festival of Lights, Oct. 13-25, with fireworks, lightseeing tours, illuminated buildings and light shows.