Switzerland is not only home to breathtaking landscapes, but it also hosts vibrant festivals across the country throughout the year. If you are visiting Switzerland and want to learn about the culture and celebrate like a local, don’t miss out on its festivals.
If you’re planning a trip between spring and winter, many cultural events can be easily incorporated into your itinerary. This guide covers the best Swiss festivals you can attend in 2025, from music events to food festivals to the most beautiful Christmas markets.
Morges Tulip Festival – Lake Geneva
The Morges Tulip Festival is held in Morges’ Parc de l’Indépendance, a park running straight alongside Lake Geneva. Each year, over 100,000 tulips are planted in beautiful patterns. With the lake and Alps in the background, visitors can stroll freely through the park and take in the views of the flowers. Small food vendors and neighbourhood events, such as family crafts and music, are held on weekends. Those looking for a laid-back outdoor experience during the spring bloom will love this free festival.
When: March 18 to May 11, 2025
For more details, visit the official Morges Tulip Festival page.
Montreux Jazz Festival – Montreux
The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most well-known music festivals in Europe. Although jazz was the festival’s primary focus at first, today’s lineup features a wide range of musical genres, including rock, pop, soul, electronic, and hip-hop. Numerous smaller concerts are held in pubs, boats, and outdoor areas close to the lake, but the main events are hosted at places like the Auditorium Stravinski. Along with concerts and jam sessions in public spaces, the event attracts artists from around the world. The whole town is filled with music during the festival, even if you don’t purchase tickets.
When: July 4 – 19, 2025
For more details, visit the official Montreux Jazz Festival page.
Paléo Festival – Nyon
The Paléo Festival takes place on a sizable open field near Geneva, just outside the town of Nyon. It is Switzerland’s largest outdoor music festival. International and Swiss musicians from various genres, including pop, rock, indie, and world music, are on the lineup. In addition to music, there are market areas, food zones featuring international cuisine, and the “Village du Monde,” which highlights a different region’s culture each year. The Maghreb is anticipated to be the featured region in 2025. Even at full capacity, the festival is well-run, and visitors can camp on the grounds. For those seeking a multi-day festival experience, this is a perfect option.
When: July 22 – 27, 2025
For more details, visit the official Paléo Festival page.
Gauklerfestival – Interlaken
Performers from all over the world come to Interlaken for the Gauklerfestival, a street performance event. The town centre becomes an open stage for performers such as acrobats, musicians, fire breathers, and jugglers. This festival features a laid-back, walk-through setup and is free to attend. There isn’t a set seating arrangement or timetable to adhere to. In addition to enjoying food vendors and outdoor seating, many guests pause, watch, and switch between performances. Families will enjoy the event, and the setting is particularly picturesque with views of the mountains.
When: July 25- 27, 2025
For more details, visit the official Gauklerfestival page.
Locarno Film Festival – Locarno
The Locarno Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in Europe, which takes place in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The main attraction is Piazza Grande, an outdoor plaza where more than 8,000 people can watch movies on a big screen. Both indoor and outdoor movie theatres screen the program’s selection of independent and foreign films. In contrast to more upscale festivals like Cannes, Locarno offers a serene, cultural environment. You can buy a pass that will give you access to all the screening events on the chosen date.
When: August 6 – 16, 2025
For more details, visit the official Locarno Film Festival page.
Zürich Street Parade – Zürich
Zürich Street Parade is one of the largest electronic music gatherings in Europe. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Zürich’s lake area to celebrate the event. People dance along the route and in public squares as DJS perform live sets from Love Mobiles, which are mobile sound trucks that travel through the streets. Everyone is welcome to attend the parade, which promotes freedom, unity, and peace. The festival is free to attend. However, you can donate directly to the event if you wish.
When: August 9, 2025
For more details, visit the official Zürich Street Parade page.
Street Food Festival – Lugano
Each summer, Lugano’s lakefront turns into an open-air food market during the Street Food Festival. There is a lineup of food trucks with everything from across the planet. Whether you are a vegetarian or a flexitarian, you are sure to find something appetising here to suit your taste. There is also music and entertainment, which is suitable for all ages. If you are spending a weekend in Lugano, this is a fun way to enjoy an evening and also learn about the local culture.
When: September 5 – 7, 2025
For more details, visit the official Street Food Lugano Festival page.
Zibelemärit (Onion Market) – Bern
Bern’s old town hosts the traditional Zibelemärit market and festival every year. During the event, onions and garlic, frequently braided into ornamental bundles, are brought by local farmers. There are also many food stalls serving hot wine, onion soup, and onion pies. The streets are crowded with people early in the morning who are looking at local crafts and shopping. Children are playing, and confetti is being thrown as the event gets livelier by mid-morning. The market officially starts at around 6:00 am and ends in the evening. This festival is one of a kind and is free to attend.
When: November 24, 2025
For more details, visit the official Zibelemärit (Onion Market) page.
Grape Harvest Festival – Praz
Every autumn, the lakeside village of Praz in the canton of Fribourg celebrates the grape harvest season with a festive weekend that brings the whole community together. The Grape Harvest Festival has been running for generations and still holds onto its local roots. It is centred around the region’s winemaking traditions, but you do not have to be a wine expert to enjoy it. Local wineries open their cellars, and the streets fill with music, food stands, and visitors making their way from one tasting to the next.
When: September 20 & 21, 2025
For more details, visit the official Grape Harvest Festival page.
Christmas Markets – Various Cities
Christmas markets are held in many Swiss cities and towns from late November to December. These cosy markets are known for their charming atmosphere, regional foods, and handcrafted gifts. With more than 150 stalls, Basel’s market, which is held in the old town, is frequently regarded as the best in the country. There are several markets in Zürich, including Christkindlimarkt, the largest indoor market in Europe, which features more than 100 stalls.
If you are in Montreux, you can get on the train that takes you to Santa’s House at Rochers-de-Naye. The train journey is about half an hour and offers breathtaking views along the way. Other notable Christmas markets can be found in Geneva, Baden, Bern, and Lucerne.
These markets are open most days until Christmas Eve and admission is free.
When: From late November to December 24, 2025
Whether you’re planning a summer trip or a winter escape, adding a local festival to your Switzerland itinerary is a great way to see a different side of the country. These events aren’t just for tourists; they’re part of everyday life for locals, and that’s what makes them special.
You don’t need to attend everything on the list, but even catching one or two can really add something memorable to your trip. From street parades to wine tastings and Christmas markets, there’s always something going on in Switzerland. Check the dates, see what lines up with your plans, and enjoy learning more about Swiss culture while you’re there.
