7 of the best festivals in Switzerland: unmissable events for 2025

You love a good festival. We do too.

If Switzerland isn’t on your festival radar for 2025, you’re about to rethink your plans. Get ready for music, dance, tradition, and celebration, all set against some of the world’s most breathtaking backdrops.

Why festivals in Switzerland are world-class

Switzerland's festival scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Picture alpine villages buzzing with folk and world music, while city squares echo with the sounds of summer concerts and street fairs.

From the grandeur of classical music at historic venues to the cutting-edge beats of electronic parties in unexpected places, every season offers something unique.

Sauvage OFF at Zurich Airport

September 13 | Zurich Airport | Zurich

Sauvage OFF at Zurich Airport 2025

Sa., 6. Sep., 14:00 • Zürich Flughafen, CH

Get ready for one of the most original events in Switzerland – Sauvage OFF takes over Zurich Airport for a night where club culture meets the thrill of travel.

Imagine dancing beneath hangars and boarding gates as international DJs and artists turn the terminals into one big dancefloor.

This late-summer event draws locals, travelers, and music fans looking for something truly different.

Verve Andermatt

December 5-6 | Andermatt | Uri

Verve Andermatt is your ticket to world music, jazz, and mountain magic.

Each August, the alpine village of Andermatt hosts top musicians, jazz legends, and emerging artists for a weekend of unforgettable concerts and cultural events.

The sound of saxophones, trumpets, and folk music fills the air as the mountains set the perfect scene.

Festivalgoers can explore art exhibitions, street performances, and food markets, making it a full celebration of local life. Verve Andermatt captures the spirit of Swiss festivals: friendly, intimate, and set against a backdrop you’ll never forget.

Shankra Festival Switzerland

July 9–13 | Lostallo | Grisons

Shankra Festival Switzerland 2025

9.–13. Juli • Shankra Festival, CH

If you want to immerse yourself in world music and nature, Shankra Festival is a must. Held in the scenic region of Grisons, this five-day celebration draws fans of psychedelic trance, dance, and creative community from across the globe. Surrounded by forests and mountains, festivalgoers enjoy non-stop music, vibrant art installations, and a unique sense of belonging.

Workshops, healing areas, and chill-out spaces mean there’s something for every mood. Shankra is about more than just music – it’s about life, connection, and experiencing the magic of Switzerland’s great outdoors.

Zurich Openair Festival

August 22–30 | Glattbrugg | Zurich

Zürich Openair 2025

22.–30. Aug. • Festivalgelände Glattbrugg, CH

Zurich Openair Festival is a highlight of the Swiss summer, bringing together some of the world’s best electronic, indie, and pop acts just minutes from Zurich’s city center.

Over four vibrant days and nights, this festival transforms Glattbrugg into a playground of sound, with massive stages, dazzling lights, and an international crowd ready to dance till sunrise.

From cutting-edge electronic music to global indie headliners, Zurich Openair always serves up a genre-bending lineup. The atmosphere is electric, and the festival site offers plenty of space to relax, explore art installations, or enjoy street food between sets.

If you want to experience Zurich’s creative side, make this event a part of your festival journey. Tickets go fast every year, so keep an eye on TicketSwap for official resale options if you miss the first drop.

Missed it? Set a ticket alert for 2026!

Caprices Festival

April 10-12 and 17-19 | Crans-Montana | Valais

There’s nothing like dancing above the clouds, and Caprices Festival proves it every spring. This electronic music celebration transforms the resort town of Crans-Montana into a two-weekend party, featuring world-famous DJs, spectacular stage design, and stunning mountain views.

Caprices is famous for its state-of-the-art sound systems and sunrise sets, attracting dance music fans from across Switzerland and beyond. The atmosphere is electric, with performances stretching from ski slopes to alpine forests.

Springtime in the Alps never sounded so good.

Terrazza Horse Park Festival

June 26-27 | Horse Park | Dielsdorf

Terrazza Horse Park Festival is where summer energy and music meet open-air adventure. This event blends dance, pop, and electronic music with equestrian shows, food trucks, and family-friendly fun, all set in the beautiful countryside near Zurich.

Expect big stages, dazzling performances, and a crowd ready to celebrate the best of summer. It’s an event for everyone – from music lovers to horse enthusiasts and families looking for an unforgettable weekend.

You’ll find yourself dancing as the sun sets, making new friends, and soaking in the vibes that only Switzerland can offer.

Openair Frauenfeld

July 9-11 | Grosse Allmend | Frauenfeld

When it comes to hip hop, Openair Frauenfeld is the biggest festival in Switzerland and one of the most legendary in Europe.

Each July, this massive event takes over Frauenfeld’s fields with a world-class lineup of international artists, headlining MCs, and non-stop beats.

Fans flock from all over the world for three days of music, dance, and unforgettable energy. It’s not just the music – expect food trucks, street art, dance battles, and a true festival community. If you want to see Switzerland at its most vibrant, Openair Frauenfeld is a must-attend.

FAQs

What is the famous festival in Switzerland?

The Montreux Jazz Festival is the most famous festival, attracting music lovers and artists from all over the world every July. Another iconic event is the onion market (Zibelemärit) in Bern, a vibrant folk festival that takes place on the fourth Monday in November and is celebrated for its cultural significance and festive atmosphere.

What is the biggest music festival in Switzerland?

Openair Frauenfeld is Switzerland’s biggest music and the largest hip hop festival in Europe, featuring top international acts and drawing huge crowds each summer. It is also known for its rock performances, making it a major highlight of the Swiss music scene.

When do most festivals happen in Switzerland?

Most festivals in Switzerland take place in the summer, from June to August, but there are unique events throughout the year. Many major events are held over several weeks, with some lasting six days or even eleven days. Notable festivals also occur in March (Fasnacht, which follows Ash Wednesday), September (cattle descents), November (onion market), late June (Street Artists Festival), and mid July (end of Montreux Jazz Festival). Some events, like the Street Parade, take place over six days.

Are Swiss festivals expensive?

Prices can vary. Some city fairs and parades are free, while large music festivals and classical events may require tickets. For example, the Fête de l'Escalade in Geneva features free parades and historical reenactments. Booking early often helps you save money.

Are there family-friendly festivals in Switzerland?

Yes, many festivals offer activities for all ages - look for summer folk festivals, Christmas markets, and events with kids’ areas or workshops. Many events feature activities on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and during the last week of August.

How do I get tickets for sold-out events?

Check official festival sites and trusted reselling platforms like TicketSwap for last-minute tickets and safe resales. Some festival's tickets are only available for a few weeks before the event, so plan ahead.

What should I pack for a mountain festival?

Bring layers for changing weather, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and something warm for evenings. At events like Basel Fasnacht, which starts at six o'clock in the freezing cold, the city clock signals the beginning of festivities, so be prepared for early mornings. Some festivals also take place on a frozen lake, so extra warm clothing is essential. Don’t forget your festival spirit!

Can you explore more than one festival in a week?

Absolutely. Thanks to Switzerland’s compact size and excellent trains, it’s easy to visit several towns and festivals in a single week. Some festivals, like the Eidgenössisches Jodelfest, are held in a different city each year, offering a unique experience every time.

Expect the unexpected

Festivals in Switzerland bring together music, art, tradition, and adventure in every season. From the hip hop beats of Openair Frauenfeld to the jazz legend of Montreux and the cultural magic of Swiss National Day, there’s something here for everyone.

See you on the dancefloor – or by the lake – very soon.