
Events we think you’ll like…

Buskers Bern
Buskers Bern is an annual street performance festival held in Bern, Switzerland. The festival features a diverse array of performers, including musicians, acrobats, magicians, dancers, and other street artists, who showcase their talents in the city’s public spaces. With performances happening throughout the historic city center, the festival creates a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Buskers Bern is a celebration of creativity, providing free, family-friendly entertainment while also fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange. It is a unique way to experience Bern's artistic and dynamic spirit.

Schwägalp-Schwinget
The Schwägalp-Schwinget is an annual Swiss wrestling event held at Schwägalp, located at the foot of the majestic Mount Säntis in eastern Switzerland. This festival celebrates Schwingen, the traditional Swiss style of wrestling, where competitors aim to throw their opponents onto the ground using specific techniques. The event attracts top Swiss wrestlers, along with spectators who enjoy the exciting matches in a beautiful Alpine setting. In addition to the wrestling, Schwägalp-Schwinget includes live music, local food, and other traditional Swiss festivities, making it a vibrant celebration of Swiss culture and heritage.

European Heritage Days
European Heritage Days is an annual event held across Europe on the third weekend of September, offering free access to historical sites, museums, monuments, and government buildings that are usually closed to the public. Launched in 1984, the event highlights cultural heritage through guided tours, special exhibitions, and interactive workshops, allowing visitors to explore everything from medieval castles to private mansions and iconic landmarks. It’s a unique opportunity to discover hidden treasures, learn about history, and celebrate Europe’s rich cultural legacy.

Wengen Chästeilet
The Wengen Chästeilet is a traditional Swiss festival held annually in Wengen, Switzerland. The event celebrates the return of cattle from the high mountain pastures, where they have spent the summer grazing. As part of the festivities, local farmers and herders bring their cows down from the mountains, decorated with flowers and bells, and the community gathers to share and distribute the cheese made during the summer months. The Chästeilet includes cheese tastings, music, and cultural activities, creating a lively atmosphere that highlights Swiss alpine traditions and the importance of farming and dairy production in the region.

Martinstag
Martinstag (St. Martin’s Day) is a beloved autumn festival celebrated across Germany, Austria, and parts of Central Europe on November 11th, honoring Saint Martin of Tours, known for his compassion and humility. The holiday is marked by lantern processions led by children, bonfires, and the reenactment of Saint Martin’s legendary act of sharing his cloak with a beggar. Traditional foods like roast goose and sweet pastries are served, while towns and villages glow with handmade lanterns and folkloric charm. It’s a heartwarming celebration of kindness, community, and the changing season.

Zibelemärit
Zibelemärit (Onion Market) is an annual festival held in Bern, Switzerland. The event is a celebration of onions and the region's agricultural traditions. During the festival, the streets of Bern are lined with colorful stalls selling a wide variety of onion-related products, including decorative onion wreaths, onion-based food, and local crafts. The market also features live music, parades, and performances, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. Zibelemärit attracts thousands of visitors each year, offering a unique cultural experience that celebrates Swiss heritage and the importance of local produce.

Fête de l'Escalade
Fête de l'Escalade is an annual festival held in Geneva, Switzerland, celebrating the city's victory over a surprise attack by the Duke of Savoy’s troops in 1602. The event commemorates the people of Geneva’s successful defense of the city, symbolized by the scaling of the city walls (hence the name "Escalade"). The festival features parades, historical reenactments, music, and the traditional "marmite" (a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan vegetables) that represents the boiling oil used to defend the city. Locals dress in period costumes, and there are festive activities throughout the Old Town, making the Fête de l'Escalade a vibrant celebration of Geneva's history and independence.

Sechseläuten
Sechseläuten is an annual spring festival held in Zurich, Switzerland, celebrating the arrival of spring. The festival features a lively mix of traditional events, including parades, live music, folk dances, and local food and drink. Carnival rides, games, and attractions are set up for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of Zurich. A key highlight of the festival is the dramatic burning of a snowman, known as Böögg, which symbolizes the end of winter and the welcoming of spring.

European Night of Museums
The European Night of Museums is an annual event held across Europe, when museums and cultural institutions open their doors to the public for free or at a reduced price, offering special events, exhibits, and activities that are often not available during regular hours. The event aims to make culture and history more accessible and engaging by offering unique experiences such as guided tours, workshops, live performances, and interactive displays. It attracts thousands of visitors across various cities, providing a chance to explore the art, history, and heritage of Europe in a festive and dynamic atmosphere.

International Alphorn Festival of Nendez
The International Alphorn Festival of Nendaz is an annual event held in Nendaz, Switzerland, celebrating the tradition of the Swiss Alphorn. The festival gathers Alphorn players from around the world for a series of performances, competitions, and collaborative concerts. Set against the stunning Alpine backdrop of Nendaz, the event features traditional Swiss music and the distinctive sounds of the Alphorn. Visitors can enjoy concerts, parades, and exhibitions, as well as participate in workshops and cultural activities. The festival highlights the cultural significance of the Alphorn and offers a unique celebration of Swiss heritage in a beautiful mountain setting.

Rigi Schwinget
Rigi Schwinget is an annual Swiss wrestling festival held on Mount Rigi, also known as the "Queen of the Mountains," in central Switzerland. The event celebrates the traditional Swiss sport of Schwingen, a form of alpine wrestling, where competitors aim to throw their opponent onto the ground using specific techniques. The festival attracts top wrestlers from across the country, along with spectators who enjoy the thrilling matches in a beautiful mountain setting. In addition to the wrestling competition, Rigi Schwinget often features traditional Swiss music, food, and festivities, making it a celebration of Swiss heritage and culture in a stunning alpine environment.

Festival Artisti di Strada
Festival Artisti di Strada in Ascona, Switzerland, is an annual street arts festival held in the picturesque lakeside town. The festival transforms Ascona’s charming streets and squares into vibrant stages, featuring performances by a diverse range of street artists, including musicians, dancers, magicians, acrobats, and theater groups. With a focus on creativity and outdoor entertainment, the festival attracts both local and international performers, offering free, family-friendly performances throughout the town. The Festival Artisti di Strada in Ascona is a lively celebration of public art, turning the town into a dynamic cultural hub for visitors and residents alike.

Fête du Fromage à Gruyères
The Fête du Fromage à Gruyères is an annual cheese festival held in Gruyères, Switzerland. It celebrates the region's famous Gruyère cheese, showcasing its rich heritage and craftsmanship. The festival features a range of activities, including cheese tastings, cooking demonstrations, and traditional Swiss music and dancing. Visitors can enjoy watching the cheese-making process, as well as explore markets selling local produce and handicrafts. A highlight of the festival is the procession of decorated floats, often featuring the iconic cowbells and other symbols of Swiss rural culture.