As an avid traveler, you will never get enough of the central Europe’s hippest travel destinations-Zurich. This beautiful city is always on the go and there’s always something exciting happening around. From its medieval traditions to its vibrant towns and exciting street parades, Zurich is the ultimate festive destination packed with an interesting culture. Discover the electrifying night music shows, fireworks at the shore of Lake Zurich or tease your taste buds with local Swiss delicacies while celebrating old traditions. If you’re not sure when to come to enjoy the festive ambiance in Zurich, then below consider our top list of festivals happening in Switzerland:
1. Zuri Carneval
If you wish to be blown away by the vibrant culture of the Zuri Carneval where you’ll get to see amazing street parades then head to the downtown area of Zurich in January. It doesn’t get any better than mingling with the locals and seeing the do-it-yourself eccentric costumes inspired by goblins, ghosts, and freaky animals. Thanks to the century-old tradition of Zurich that avid travelers and tourists will have the chance to experience live entertainment, bustling funfair and of course get to taste the city’s pre-medieval history. This is a great opportunity to get into the festive season and explore more of the cultural side of the city!
Zuri Carneval
Takes place: March
2. Zurich Pride Festival
Celebrate diversity, LGBT love and a sense of community in Zurich right at the largest town square Sechseläutenplatz and next to Bürkliplatz in the month of June. The Zurich Pride Festival is inspired by the Christopher Street Day (CSD) which is a yearly LGBT celebration across many European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and France. Meet some huge supporters of the LGBT community, national and international artists, and the locals to experience this vibrant occasion which happens once a year.
Zurich Pride Festival
Address: Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich
Website: Zurich Pride Festival
Takes place: June
3. Caliente
Are you yearning for an exotic vibe right in the city of Zurich? Caliente is your answer! This vibrant, fun and rhythmic festival has always been a favorite among the locals and foreigners alike for 23 years. And this year expect more from the renowned Latin artists like Maluma, Joao Bosco, Roberto Fonseca, you name it! Swing on the Caribbean, and Latin music and enjoy the lively ambiance. Sample the most delicious South American dishes from empanadas to yummy ceviche at the market stalls.
Caliente
Website: Caliente
Takes place: July
4. Urban Bike Festival
There is always some kind of innovative expos that take place in the hubbub city of Zurich and the Urban Velo Expo is no doubt one of them. Gather up together with bicycle and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the Urban Bike Festival where bike culture and modern mobility are highlighted. From its virtual urban cycle spaces to its Urban Cyclocross race ground and street food stands there are plenty of interesting things to tease your curious mind. Get into the exciting spirits of gamers by attending the numerous bike-related competitions. And if you wish to chill-out, eat some local delicacies then head to the lifestyle event which you won’t ever regret.
Urban Bike Festival
Address: Schiffbau Zürich, Switzerland
Website: Urban Bike Festival
Takes place: May
Zurich Tour Guide
Iuliia Solodenko
Learned to read at the age of five. Loved fairy tales. For 11 years I studied the cello at the school that Oistrakh graduated from ( I am from Ukraine). My favorite lesson at school is history, it is my only passion. I dreamed to became an archaeologist, but I graduated from the acting faculty and worked as an actress in the theater. In 2008 I moved to Venice. Experience since 2011 in travel... Read more
5. Zurich Spring Festival
When it comes to experiencing the traditional festival in Zurich, the Spring Festival or Sechseläuten (as the locals call it) has to be definitely on your top list. And the reasons are many. But the basis of this festival is to say farewell to harsh winter in the region and welcome the warm temperature, and flower blooms. Since the 16th century, the gigantic Grossmünster bell rang precisely at six in the afternoon to announce the coming of Spring and this tradition is still followed till today. Of course with this announcement locals and visitors as well can expect numerous parades on the street such as the Children’s Parade where about 2000 children are dressed in historical attire to parade on the street. There’s also the Sechseläuten Parade where you’ll get to see about 3500 guild members and horses and music ensembles. But what the center of attraction is none other than the burning of the “Böögg” which resembles a snowman. This symbolizes the beginning of spring.
Zurich Spring Festival
Website: Zurich Spring Festival
Takes place: April
Tip from tour guide
In 2023, Böögg, a slender Swiss snowman, burned, in 37.59 minutes!! The longer the snowman burns, the colder the summer! During Sechseläuten, the guilds parade the city in all their glory, handing out buns, sausages, sweets, flowers, etc., to everyone who wants them. The winemakers pour the wine, and the guild members ride horses around Böögg. Meanwhile, mere mortals walk the streets of Zürich in costumes.
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6. Zurich Festival
Happening every two years, Zurich Festival welcomes locals and visitors around the world to commemorate art during the whole month of June in Zurich. This is a festival where you can enjoy music, art, and theater all at once! With the close collaboration of various cultural and art institutions such as Rietberg and Kunsthaus Museum, Zurich Opera House and Schauspielhaus (municipal theater), visitors will surely feel amazed by the range of cultural programs. Head to your preferred venues where you’ll get to assist spectacular performances including art exhibitions.
Zurich Festival
Takes place: July [held every three years]
7. Zurich Film Festival
Get your ticket for the most-anticipated Zurich Film Festival this year where talented filmmakers from around the globe will be awarded at this special event. Film enthusiasts will be able to see great film actors and emerging filmmakers. Awards will be presented into different categories namely: International Feature Film, International Documentary Film and Focus on Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. This festival has been celebrated in Zurich since 2005 and it still upholds the tradition of art and glamor.
Zurich Film Festival
Address: Bederstrasse 51, CH-8002 Zürich
Website: Zurich Film Festival
Takes place: September to October
8. Jazznojazz
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Jazznojazz- the Zurich Jazz Festival celebrates Jazz and Soul music at Gessnerallee theater and ZKB club. For years Jazznojazz has been a real delight for both young and old generations who wait for this event with much anticipation. Legend artists like Charles Lloyd know perfectly how to capture their audience. But there’s also Tony Allen who over 50 years has won many hearts by his Afrobeat drumming. Audiences can buy their day and festival passes in advance just to avoid disappointment.
Jazznojazz
Website: Jazznojazz
Takes place: November
9. Kunst Zurich
October in Zurich, more precisely at the former ABB halls located near Oerlikon Train Station, becomes an inspiring haven for artists. Meet experienced collectors and contemporary artists who know perfectly how to express through their paintings. Stroll around 50 art exhibition galleries and connect with your preferred artist. From sumptuous painting canvas to sublime sculptures and captivating multimedia art experience the unique Kunst Zurich (art fair) in Swiss-style.
Kunst Zurich
Address: ABB-Halle 550, Ricarda-Huch-Strasse, 8050 Zürich Oerlikon
Website: Kunst Zurich
Takes place: February
10. New Year's Magic
Looking to celebrate your New Year Eve in a unique way? Then head to Switzerland. Celebrate the Silvesterzauber (New Year’s Magic) right in the city of Zurich with much excitement and pomp with the locals. Meet fun-loving people, try local food from different food stands, or chill out with a delicious cocktail and party with your favorite people around in Bellevue and Bürkliplatz. And before it gets too crowded head to Zurich’s lakeshore to witness the best fireworks display!
New Year's Magic
Website: New Year’s Magic
Takes place: December or January
11. Street Parade
Get fully into the ambiance of love, peace, and tolerance at one of the largest annual events in Zurich this August. The Street Parade is all about coming together to celebrate techno parade, and contemplate amazing display of colorful houses. The parade starts from Utoquai at Seefeld and heads to Hafendamm via Bellevue. Those who wish to get into the food, culture and new meet-ups then don’t forget to attend the after-parties event that happen at Mythenquai, Bellevue, Bürkliplatz, Rentenanstalt, and Limmatquai until midnight.
Street Parade
Website: Street Parade
Takes place: August
Tip from tour guide
The Street Parade first took place on September 5, 1992. Its creator, Marek Krynski, called it “A demonstration of love, peace, freedom, generosity and tolerance." 1,000 participants were present. BY the next few years, the number of participants will continue to increase.
In 1994, there were already 20 thousand participants despite the police ban due to the scale of the event. The first music collection was also released, and it was entitled: Energy 94 Streetparade - The Disc.
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12. Knabenschiessen
There’s always some surprising event going on when you visit Zurich, and one of the many is the Knabenschiessen which dates back to the 17th century. Knabenschiessen is a rifle shooting event where teenagers aged between 13 and 17, both boys and girls, take part to show their shooting skills. Each September many locals and foreign visitors come to attend this fun competition at the shooting range of Albisgüetli which lies at the slope of Uetliberg. The event serves as a good opportunity to enjoy the region’s culinary delights and get to know about its local products at the many market stands.
Knabenschiessen
Website: Knabenschiessen
Takes place: September
13. Niederdorf Old Town Festival
Explore the quaint-looking Niederdorf, Zurich’s most-visited Old Town in the month of August to learn about the traditional culture. Popularly known as “Dörfli”, this old town exhibits old-school cobblestone streets, old stores, clubs and pubs for entertaining nights. This pedestrian zone runs across Niederdorf and Oberdorf extending to Bellevue. Come and have fun during the Old Town festival this year where you’ll get to experience the lively ambiance of Niederdorf packed with food stalls, markets, music stages, shows, and attractions!
Niederdorf Old Town Festival
Website: Niederdorf Old Town Festival
Takes place: August
14. Fasnacht
Fasnacht is Zurich’s most-awaited festive moment where everyone gets all excited! And if you’re visiting this Swiss city in March then you should surely plan to attend this festival. Fasnacht harks back to pre-Christian winter celebration where events such as this one were organized to scare away the Winter’s evil spirits. Today, it’s all about coming together and putting the most intriguing and spooky costumes inspired by ghosts. At the same time, visitors get to listen to traditional ‘Guggenmusik’- whereby the music is intentionally produced out of tune!
Fasnacht
Takes place: March
15. Food Zürich
This unique food event happens in the middle of the buzzing city where local amateur and professional Swiss cooks work together to bring the best out of their cooking talent! For 11 days visitors around the world can discover over 100 cooking events in Zurich and learn more about the amazing culinary history and culture. The events include cookery courses, kitchen battles, food tastings, urban gardening and guided-tour of the Zurich gastro scene. Take this wonderful chance to sample some of the amazing Swiss delicacies including a range of local wine.
Food Zürich
Website: Food Zürich
Takes place: September
16. Live at Sunset Festival [Event has passed]
What started back in 1996 in the courtyard of Landesmuseum today the ‘Live at Sunset Festival’ is regarded with much pride and joy. The frequent audiences of this festival can’t wait to attend the upcoming edition. Yet, the Live at Sunset Festival should still be on the list of festivals to attend in Zurich. We recommend to combine a lovely dinner at Sunset Restaurant or book a stay at The Dolder Grand’s to experience the 17-day music festival. With an amazing crowd of music fans, enjoy several concerts of your choice with great artists such as Lionel Richie, Stephan Eicher, and Sting.
Live at Sunset Festival
Website: Live at Sunset Festival
Takes place: July
17. Langstrasse Festival [Event has passed]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You know when you’re in Langstrasse things can get pretty wild. Once a former red-light district today a hubbub of party animals, Langstrasse offers nights packed with music events. And the Langstrasse Festival has always exceeded expectations! Just jaunt around Langstrass in the month of August and you will find many food spots serving improvised cuisines, cocktails along with live music. Listen to a bit of blues, country, pop or even Latin music that will take you on a musical journey.
Langstrasse Festival
Takes place: August
18. S. John's Day in Künsnacht
Contributed by Tour Guide, Iuliia Solodenko
About 1,500 men participate in this show, which approximately 30,000 viewers come to watch every year.
Once pagan ancestors, non-Christian Swiss chased wild spirits and did it with a lot of chaos and noise, which was not approved of by the authorities and even less by the church. But no bans could stop them. As a result, in the 19th century, the procession was “Christianized” and for the first time, the episcopal miters appeared in the procession. In the 20s of the 20th century, the procession was turned into a well-organized parade of six stages:
- The first are men who click with long two-handed whips for sheep (about a month before that, every young man capable of holding a whip in his hands, spends all his spare time perfecting his craft, and the characteristic sound hangs over the surroundings).
- Next go the men to Iffelen or Infuln, in glowing headdresses, a mix of bishop meters and stained glass windows, up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) high.
- Behind them is St. Nicholas with four servants in black robes and hoods known as Shmutlis, who hand out cakes.
- They are followed by a brass band playing the traditional Klaus song, and another large band ringing the trichelen—a giant version of cow bells.
- At the end of the procession, there are men blowing cow horns.
The celebration ends in local taverns.
Zurich: Europe’s top festival destination
This year Zurich should be on the top of your list of travel destinations! With our list of top festivals choose your preferred time to visit the city of Zurich to celebrate their traditions this year.
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