Lausanne Events and Festivals

(Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland)

Countless festivals take place during a year in the life of Lausanne, with many of the best events held during the sunny summer months, such as the Fête de la Musique and the Fête de Lausanne, both of which occur in the month of June. Many popular musical events, operas and ballets are hosted by theatres along the Avenue du Théâtre.

Located on the Rue des Terreaux, the L'Espace Culturel des Terreaux is also a hub of activity and also boasts endless things to do, see and enjoy, entertaining literally thousands of visitors year upon year. Each July and extremely close to Lausanne, the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival takes place and features endless jazz and blues concerts, many of which are staged outside in scenic parks and lakeside settings.

Lausanne Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Swiss Expo - mid-January, many exhibitors from the world of agriculture gather at the Palais de Beaulieu, on the Avenue des Bergières
• Mari Natal Lausanne - late January, a popular fashion show with a strong wedding theme, offering a chance to see some of the most exclusive designs for the coming season's wedding dresses. Held at the Palais de Beaulieu

February

• Prix de Lausanne - early February, young dancers from the world over head to this event, to compete and possibly win a dancing scholarship. This is an opportunity to experience ballroom dancing at its very best

March

• Foire a la Brocante - throughout March, one of Switzerland's leading antiques fairs, held in the Brocante area and attracting crowds of bargain hunters, organised each year by the Syndicat Romand Des Antiquaires
• Planete 2 Roues - throughout March, a gathering of stylish bicycles, motorbikes and cars at the Palais de Beaulieu, including a procession of the most eye-catching vehicles throughout the streets of Old Town Lausanne

April

• Carnaval de Lausanne - throughout April, traditional carnival fun with a definite party atmosphere, crowds head here to enjoy the fast rides, street entertainment, live music and tasty Swiss sausages, which are often flavoured with Emmental cheese
• Cully Jazz Festival - early April, various jazz concerts take place over a total of nine days, with much of the live jazz music based around the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville

May

• Les Tangofolies de Lausanne - mid-May, a celebration of the Argentine tango, with dancing, music and many popular workshops lasting a total of four days and five nights, based around the Casino de Montbenon

June

• Fête de la Biere and des Musiques Festives - throughout June, a traditional summer beer festival at the Place de la Navigation, with over 200 different types of Swiss beers just waiting to be sampled. The Fête de la Biere and des Musiques Festives is also becoming known for its live music and is organised by the Association des Buveurs d'Orges
• Pully Lavaux à l'Heure du Québec - throughout June, a biennial event where French-speaking singers arrive from Canada to perform to huge crowds in the nearby municipalities of both Pully and Lutry. Be sure to book your seats well in advance
• Entrée Libre Pour un Eté (Free Entrance for the Summer) - mid-June to late September, lasting almost three months and always a big hit with those holidaying in Lausanne during the summer. Various free entertainment is staged, including live music, games and partying. Many of the city's restaurants also participate and create special festival menus
• Fête de la Musique - mid-June, lasting just one day, this really is an event not to miss. Around 1,000 different groups perform at venues throughout the city, including many open-air concerts. Expect to see performances ranging from folk music and jazz, to classical music, rock and pop
• Fête de Lausanne - late June / throughout July, Swiss family entertainment for all ages, with plenty of live music, street entertainment, theatrical performances and many fun events to participate in

July

• Athletissima - mid-July, various track and field events attract world-class athletes, who compete at the city's acclaimed Olympic Stadium (Stade de la Pontaise)
• Montreux Jazz Festival - throughout July, less than 30 km / 19 miles from Lausanne, this is one of the biggest and most prestigious jazz events on the planet, attracting literally hundreds of thousands of visitors
• Festival de la Cité - early July, an established cultural event first held here some 40 years ago and lasting around nine days, featuring everything from classical music to street entertainment
• Outdoor Movies by the Lake - mid-July, based by the waterfront in Ouchy, a chance to enjoy blockbuster movies on a big scale, in an unusual outdoor setting

August

• Pully For Noise Festival - mid-August, held over three days on the city's easterly outskirts of Pully, with many loud rock bands and an enticing party atmosphere

September

• Nuit des Musees (Night of the Museums) - late September, thousands of visitors flock to 20+ museums and galleries around Lausanne, which stay open until the early hours of the morning and feature free admission. You can be sure to enjoy a host of special events and activities as you tour the various museums
• Baby Planet - late September, a family fair for new parents at the Palais de Beaulieu, including a popular photographic studio and designer baby clothing

October

• Underground Film and Music Festival - mid-October, crowds flock to Lausanne each October to enjoy this selection of experimental movies, cartoons, documentaries and unusual short films, often produced by up-and-coming Swiss filmmakers
• Lausanne Marathon - mid-October, a range of different running races through the streets of the city, passing crowds of cheering spectators and many beautiful landmarks
• Animalia - mid-October, pet lovers everywhere head to the Palais de Beaulieu for this celebration of animals, with dogs, cats, exotic birds and many small pets
• Jazz Onze+ Festival - late October, lasting five days, with leading global jazz artists performing at various central venues

November

• Metropop - early November, with countless pop concerts and club nights featuring well-known DJs, appealing to the younger crowd

December

• New Year's Eve - December 31st, various parties take place all over Lausanne, both public and private. At midnight, look out for the numerous fireworks and join in the celebrations