Music in the alleyways

Summer is the perfect time for music, with bass booming from speakers all over Switzerland – from the alleyways of Chur to the meadows set against Appenzell’s striking mountain backdrop. This summer, the Migros Culture Percentage is once again supporting smaller music events in addition to major festivals.

Buskers Chur

Countless “Buskers” festivals take place all around the world every year. The city of Chur will again provide a vibrant stage for contemporary street artists this year – for the ninth time. Over two days, musicians, acrobats and jugglers will be performing a wide variety of contemporary art forms for the audience to enjoy, including music, comedy, artistry, theatre and magic for everyone – and all at an affordable price. A festival of encounters for the whole family – right on the street and right up close.

When: 7 and 8 June 2024

Where: Chur Old Town

Genre: various music genres, theatre, dance, acrobatics

Price: voluntary contributions, including the festival wristband and programme booklet (CHF 20 for patrons, CHF 10 for adults, CHF 5 for children, cash for buskers)

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Rock Am Weier

For almost a quarter of a century, the Weierwiese at the foot of the Old Town in Wil has been transformed into a mini music mecca. The name of the festival might lead you to believe that it’s mainly rock musicians who play here. But you’d be wrong, as around 15 bands covering a wide variety of genres – folk, pop and much more – will be performing. In addition to hosting international acts, the free festival also provides a stage for four or five local musicians. Families and children are also catered for. In the afternoon, little ones can show off their musical talents at “Kids on Stage”.

When: 14 and 15 June

Where: Wil, St. Gallen

Genre: various

Price: free

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Fête de la Musique

“Bienvenue à l'été!” For the 33rd time, the city of Geneva is welcoming in the summer by staging its very own music festival. Held over three days, the festival gives the audience an opportunity to discover the diverse and exciting local music scene throughout the city – from Place de Neuve to the Bastion to the Old Town. Be it indoor or outdoor performances, the whole festival is free.

When: 21, 22 and 23 June 2024

Where: Geneva Old Town and surrounding areas

Genre: various

Price: free

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Summerblues Basel – s Glaibasler Bluesfecht

Kleinbasel is transformed into Switzerland’s biggest open-air blues festival on the last Friday in June. Over 30 bands will be playing “Blues uf der Gass” (blues in the alleyways) on seven stages for almost 50 hours – and it’s all for free.

When: 28 June 2024

Where: Kleinbasel

Genre: blues

Price: free

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Winterthurer Musikfestwochen

This 12-day music festival transforms Winterthur’s Old Town into the country’s music hotspot. In addition to the local acts and international artists performing on Steinberggasse and Kirchplatz every day, there is also a host of cabaret acts, street music artists and up-and-coming bands just waiting to be discovered. Most of the concerts put on by almost 30 acts are free.

When: 7–18 August 2024

Where: Winterthur Old Town

Genre: various

Price: varies from concert to concert

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Spettacolo

In mid-August, over 50 artists from all over the world transform Brunnen’s lakeside promenade into Central Switzerland’s largest street performance festival. Every two years, organiser Kultur Brunnen books artists to perform on five open-air stages and in two circus tents. Tightrope-walking fortune tellers, acrobats and pantomime comedians create an atmospheric spectacle on this most special of weekends.

When: 16, 17 and 18 August 2024

Where: Brunnen, Schwyz

Genre: performing arts

Price: free, cash for buskers

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