We’re back again with a summary of all the different festivals taking place across Switzerland in July. From traditional to modern to classical, a huge variety of events means that there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at our list below.
Caliente Festival: June 30 – July 1, Zurich
This is the largest Latin Music Festival in Europe. A mix between a food festival, music festival and n outdoor market. This festival brings Latin America to Switzerland for one big party! Caliente.ch
Reisefieber Sheltenpass: 30 June – 2 July, Shelten
Taking place on the westside of the Sheltenpass, in the canton of Bern, the Reisefieber Scheltenpass is set in the most beautiful location. The festival hosts a number of Swiss acts and DJs, along with artists from the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Norway and many more! Entry is for 18 years and older only.
Montreux Jazz Festival: 30 June – 15 July, Montreux
Founded in 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival is a globally recognised festival which takes place yearly on the shore of Lake Geneva. There is a paid and a free programme spread across the two weeks, with headline artists including Tom Odell, Lionel Richie, Sam Smith, and many, many more. There’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.
Openair Frauenfeld: 6 – 8 July, Frauenfeld
Known as the biggest Hip-Hop festival in Europe, Openair Frauenfeld hosts headliners Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Wizkid and Stormzy. The 3-day ticket plus is still available for CHF 359 on the festivals website.
Rosenfest: 7 – 9 July, Weggis
A traditional festival dating back to the 1920s, a Rose Queen is crowned at the end of the event and a celebration takes place across the weekend which includes live music, food, and fireworks. Tickets can be purchased for CHF 20, with children up to 14 years going free.
Schwing- und Älplerfest auf Rigi Staffel: 9 July, Mt. Rigi
If you’re looking for something a little different then this festival could be for you! Rooted in Swiss tradition, the Rigi wrestlers have been important in the founding of wrestling associations in Switzerland and continue a tradition that has been around hundreds of years. Along with wrestling there is also stone throwing, another traditional alpine event from festivals of the past.
Coop Open Air Kino: 12 July – 20 August, Luzern
The Coop Open Air Cinema returns to the city of Lucerne for another year with a number of films being shown throughout the month. Tickets are available from CHF 18 and films are shown whatever the weather (except storms!). There is also an open air restaurant from 7pm.
Other Coop Open Air Kino events throughout Switzerland: Aarau, Arbon, Bellinzona, Brig, Delémont, Estavayer-le-Lac, Fribourg, Frick, Immensee, Kreuzlingen, Lugano, Martigny, Murten, Schloss Hallwyl, Schloss Heidegg, Uster, Wohlen, Zofingen, Zug – see website for dates and movies.
Gurtenfestival: 12 – 16 July, Bern
Taking place on the Gurten mountain in Bern, the Gurtenfestival hosts a huge array of live acts across a number of stages throughout the week. The only way to get to the festival is by the Gurtenbahn, or by climbing if you fancy a workout!
Moon&Stars: 13 – 22 July, Locarno
The Piazza Grande and Piazza Piccola of Locarno will once again host some well known international artists including OneRepublic, Joss Stone, Eros Ramazzotti, Ricky Martin, and Tom Odell to name a few. Tickets are still available on the website if you would like to head to Locarno and enjoy the unique atmosphere that this festival creates.
The Verbier Festival: 13 – 30 July, Verbier
Classical music in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Verbier Festival takes place every summer in the mountain town of Verbier. The Festival’s mission is “to build a community of exchange between great masters and young artists from all over the world and to be a leader in its field by providing meaningful music education programmes.” A number of performances are sold out but you can still find a few options online.
Basel Tattoo: 14 – 22 July, Basel
Basel Tattoo is a yearly military music event taking place in the heart of Basel and including international military bands, Swiss quality performances and top royal formations. Tickets vary from CHF 59.90 up to CHF 160 depending on the seating category.
Gstaad Menuhin Festival: 14 July – 2 September, Gstaad
The roots and tradition of this festival go back to 1957, when violinist Yehudi Menuhin moved to Gstaad and was inspired by the town’s folklore and music. This year’s programme is titled ‘Humility’ and includes choral and orchestral concerts, chamber music, symphony concert, and lots more.
Paléo Festival: 18- 23 July, Nyon
The festival takes place over six days and six nights, spread across seven stages. It is a “springboard for young talents and a platform for headliners, [and] has gradually opened up to all musical styles, as well as to circus and street arts.” Music genres include blues, French chanson, Funk, Hip-Hop, classical, electronic, pop, reggae and more. Nyon is located between Geneva and Lausanne and is easily accessible by public transport.
Open Air Lumnezia: 21 – 23 July, Val Lumnezia by Degen, Graubünden
In the east of Switzerland surrounded by mountains, the Open Air Lumnezia welcomes 18,000 visitors despite being known as the ‘little big festival’. The line-up includes Robin Schulz, Royal Blood, Die Fantastischen Vier, Franz Ferdinand, Itchy, Breitbild, Stefanie Heinzmann and Sam Himself.
Gauklerfest Interlaken: 28 – 30 July ~ Interlaken
For the 18th time, the Gauklerfest is taking over the streets of Interlaken! The festival includes artists, comedians, acrobats, jugglers, musicians, magicians and clowns showcasing their skills. If you’re looking for a fun-filled, family friendly activity then this is for you.
Flumserberg Open Air: 29 – 31 July, Flumserberg
In the canton of St Gallen, the Flumserberg Open Air takes place against the backdrop of the incredible Swiss mountains. It is often known as the largest pop party in Switzerland, with artists including Wolfgang Frank, DJ Marco MZEE, Andy Borg, Marc Pircher, The Nocks, Trauffer and more.
