Summer, sun, festival!

Steinhausen ZG: waldstock – spectacular open air experience

For three days, the meadow on the edge of the Steinhauser Wald forest transforms into a playground for music fans. In addition to enjoying electronic sounds, indie and urban music, guests can also watch acrobatic shows and films on the big screen.

When: 31 July to 2 August
Target audience: All ages, including families
Good to know: On Saturday afternoon, there's a free adventure course for children. Kids can also print their own t-shirts in a screen printing workshop.
Tip: It's better to travel by public transport, because there are only a few parking spaces near the festival site. Further information: waldstock.ch

Thun BE: Am Schluss

The colourfully illuminated Ferris wheel in the heart of the city is the festival's trademark. The aim: to bring the big, wide world of music to Thun, but also to promote local musicians. The programme ranges from Latin American rhythms to hip hop and dialect music.

When: 23 July to 3 August
Target audience: Adult music fans, since the concerts only start at 8.30pm (the food stands open at 7pm)
Good to know: Admission is free, donations are welcome.
Tip: Nothing planned for 1 August? The British ensemble Dr Meaker will rock the stage with drum & bass on Swiss National Day.
Further information: amschluss.ch

Bivio GR: Open Air Bivio

A magnificent mountain panorama and starry nights to take your breath away. The venue at 1905 metres above sea level will make your heart beat faster. The event, founded in 2020, is particularly attractive thanks to the natural atmosphere and a varied line-up (dialect, indie pop, trap, disco and dreampop).

When: 24 to 26 July
Target audience: Weatherproof nature lovers and campers, children are also welcome.
Good to know: Cars remain in the village and can be parked free of charge in the village car park. From there, it's only a short walk to the festival site. Children up to 12 years are admitted free of charge.
Tip: Arrive as early as possible to get a good spot on the campsite (free choice of pitches). Camping is included in the ticket price.
Further information: openairbivio.ch

Stein am Rhein SH: nordArt theatre festival

Five venues spread across the historic old town attract thousands of theatre fans to Stein am Rhein every year. Whether you prefer classical drama, cabaret, puppet theatre or magic, no-one will ever be bored. In addition to renowned productions, there are also unknown newcomers on show.

When: 6 to 16 August
Target audience: Anyone who loves theatre and cabaret.
Good to know: The festival supports young talent on the Swiss theatre scene and awards the "Jungsegler" prize. There's also a colourful family programme with free offers.
Tip: If the weather is nice, guests can enjoy a tasty meal in the courtyard in front of St. Georgen Monastery or round off the day with a glass of wine.
Further information: festival.nordart.ch

Basel: Em Bebbi sy Jazz

Every year in August, the city becomes a hub dedicated to jazz for a day – and this has been the case since 1984. Some 70,000 visitors make this one of the biggest jazz events in Switzerland. Around 80 bands and artists will be performing this year.

When: 15 August
Target audience: This isn't just for die-hard jazz fans. The programme is wide-ranging, with about different 30 styles, and also delights lovers of indie rock, pop and reggae.
Good to know: There are about 30 venues spread across the old town, 25 of which are open-air stages. Admission is free.
Tip: Guests with an S-Billet for the Tarifverbund Nordwestschweiz (TNW) transport network can travel to Basel and back at a reduced price. Tickets available on the TNW "Tickets" app.
Further information: embebbisyjazz.ch

Saint-Saphorin VD: Jolie vue Festival

The charming Jardin de la Cure and the iconic village church are the venues for this two-day festival. Jolie Vue is known for its intimate concerts, offering ideal conditions for experiencing musicians from pop, funk, world music and other genres up close.

When: 11 to 12 July
Target audience: Anyone who wants to experience music in a small, personal setting.
Good to know: The organisers deliberately focus on regional talent, in terms of both the artists and the food and drink on offer.
Tip: There are only a few parking spaces. Festival goers are kindly asked to take the train.
Further information: jolievuefestival.ch

Fribourg FR: Festival les Georges

This festival, which takes place in the heart of the city, is a lively mix of different musical styles, offering everything from pop and rock to funk and techno. It's almost impossible not to find something you'll like.

When: 14 to19 July
Target audience: Night owls with a penchant for after-parties, as well as families, for whom a separate programme is planned.
Good to know: Young people can take a look behind the scenes of the festival for a day and find out about the world of show business.
Tip: If your name is Georges, you can get in free of charge (upon presentation of your ID card).
Further information: lesgeorges.ch

Genf: OSR on the beach

The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR) swaps Victoria Hall for the beach on Lake Geneva. The programme includes a symphony, a film concert ("An American in Paris") and a Sinatra jazz evening.

When: 21 to 23 August
Target audience: Experienced music lovers and anyone keen to discover classical music but do not dare go to a concert hall.
Good to know: The concerts take place in a relaxed atmosphere right by the lake. Picnics are welcome.
Tip: Take a deckchair or blanket with you. It makes listening more comfortable.
Further information: osr.ch/festival

Charrat VS: Hérisson sous Gazon

"Paléo for children": the comparison is perfect! Singer Henri Dès, who has written more than 200 songs in his long career, gets kids of all ages singing at the largest children's festival in Valais.

When: 30 to 31 August
Target audience: Children between 3 and 12 (and their families)
Good to know: In addition to concerts, the festival offers around 40 workshops on various topics, including baking, comics and folk dance.
Tip: Festival-goers who opt to pay just CHF 1 more for their ticket can support the organisation Zoe4Life, which tackles childhood cancer.
Further information: herisson-sous-gazon.ch

Val-de-Ruz NE: FestiValdeRuz

This festival, which takes place every two years, promotes independent French-language rap. In addition to concerts and DJ competitions, the organisers also offer taster courses in break-dancing and graffiti.

When: 29 to 31 August
Target audience: Absolutely everyone! This festival is committed to the core values of hip-hop: peace, love, unity and having fun.
Good to know: On Friday and Saturday, there are so-called "open-mic" sessions at which anyone can spontaneously take to the stage and perform.
Tip: Free camping pitches are available.
Further information: festivalderuz.ch