Zurich Events and Festivals

(Zurich, Switzerland)

Throughout the year in Zurich, many traditional Swiss festivals take place, as well as many lively events, concerts and carnivals. Located along the Wallisellenstrasse, the Hallenstadion is now one of Zurich's leading arenas and home to many of the city's biggest festivals, concerts, conferences and other events, housing a total of more than 13,000 guests.

There are always plenty of things to do and see at the Zurich Kongresshaus on the Gotthardstrasse, a large convention centre with a capacity of 3,000 and a beautiful lakeside setting. The Kongresshaus regularly hosts fashion shows, markets, fairs, food festivals and live music, while for sport events, head to the Saalsporthalle on the Giesshübelstrasse.


For some of the best theatrical productions in Zurich, the Theater 11 Zürich-Oerlikon on the Thurgauerstrasse is the place to be and not only boasts breathtaking architecture and excellent seating, but is often home to Broadway musicals .

Zurich Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• CSI Zürich - throughout January, an international equestrian event attracting in excess of 50,000 visitors, who come to the Hallenstadion arena to enjoy the horse jumping and related activities

February

• Fespo Zurich - early February, a bustling trade fair specialising in travel, tourism, holidays, cruises and sports, attracting many leading tour operators and trade stands
• Fasnacht - mid-February, carnival time arrives in Zurich, complete with costumes, parades and music

March

• Zürich West - early March to early April, a popular guided tour around the many interesting lanes within the westerly district of Kreis 5, lasting around two hours. This is a chance to learn more about some of the area's most historic buildings and structures

April

• Easter Celebrations - early April, religious ceremonies take place at many of the city's churches

May

• Warmer Mai Gay Festival (May Gay) - throughout May, a range of gay-related events take place all through the month of May and include sports, live music, entertainment and endless parties

June

• Verein Gay Pride Christopher Street Day - throughout June, one of Switzerland's biggest and most significant gay pride events, with a parade along the streets surrounding the Helvetiaplatz and many flamboyant costumes
• Ironman Triathlon - throughout June, athletes compete in three events - swimming, cycling and running
• Zürcher Festspiele (Zurich Arts Festival) - throughout June, a time for both music and culture, with musical events, theatrical performances and many different exhibitions of art
• Swiss Inline Cup - throughout June, an international skating championship held close to Zurich, in the nearby village of Schindellegi
• Caliente - mid-June, attracting some 50,000 visitors, who come to enjoy the live Latino music, dancing, colourful costumes and Caribbean-style food
• Zurich Festival - mid-June to mid-July, promoting various aspects of Swiss culture and an important part of the city's summer festivities since the mid-1990s

July

• Orange Cinema Open-Air Screenings - July and August, an outdoor cinema is set up at Zurichhorn, next to the lake shore, screening many movie favourites and always well attended

August

• National Day - August 1st, a public holiday throughout Switzerland, with live music, partying and fireworks
• Zurich Street Parade - throughout August, held over an entire weekend and known for its street parties around the Hafendamm Enge, lively processions starting at the Mythenquai, and stunning laser show, which takes place outside of the Opera House. This has grown to be one of the biggest festivals of its kind in the whole of Switzerland and was first held in 1992
• Zürcher Theater Spektakel (Theaterspektakel) - mid-August to early September, many lesser-known actors are given the rare opportunity to take to the stage at many of the city's most noteworthy theatres and similar venues
• Mediaeval Spectacle - late August, held every two years in Zurich and famed for its sword fighting, acrobatics, medieval costumes and hearty Swiss fare

September

• Circus Monti - throughout September, circus fun for all the family at the Kasernenareal, with clowns, trapeze artists and many other circus favourites
• Weltklasse Zurich - early September, athletes compete at the Letzigrund Stadium in this well-supported track and field event
• Knabenschiessen - early September, a historic market on the Schiessplatz Albisgütli, with plenty of hot food, fairground rides and entertainment, originating as far back as the 1500s
• FreeSTYLE.CH - mid-September, a major alternative sporting event for mainly youths, expect to see everything from skateboarding and snowboarding, to skiing and even BMX stunts, held alongside Lake Zurich and worth coming for the scenery alone
• Live on Ice - late September to early January, heralding the forthcoming winter celebrations, a large ice rink is opened at the Swiss National Museum (Schweizerisches Landesmuseum), which is located along the Museumstrasse

October

• Züri Metzgete - early October, a historic cycle race which is now almost 100 years old and takes in much of the beautiful scenery alongside Zurich Lake itself
• Zurich Open (European Indoor Tennis Championships) - mid-October, an opportunity to watch some famous tennis players competing for big prize money at the Hallenstadion, along the Wallisellenstrasse
• European Biggest Pumpkin Championship - mid-October, marvel at many simply enormous pumpkins at Jucker Farmart. Be sure to bring your camera to take a photograph of these giant vegetables
• Jazznojazz - late October to mid-November, lovers of the blues should not miss the Zurich Jazznojazz concerts, which are held at various central venues and run each year by the All Blues Konzert organisation

November

• Expovina - early to mid-November, one of the largest wine tasting events currently in existence, held on the Bürkliplatz in central Zurich and features literally thousands of wines from throughout the world
• Palazzo - mid-November to late December, an unusual event always attracts crowds of thousands, who come to experience the mirrored tent and live entertainment, with jugglers, performing clowns and popular magic shows
• Circus Conelli - mid-November to early January, something for children and families staying in Zurich, the Circus Conelli is a familiar sight at this time of the year and always erects its big top on the Stadthausquai, close to the Bürkliplatz
• Christmas Collectors Fair - late November to late December, with many antiques dealers selling everything from silver jewellery to colourful oil paintings, period furniture to ceramics and vases
• WhiskyShip - late November to early December, a chance to enjoy a huge selection of both cigars and malt whiskies, on board a number of docked ships around the harbour
• Zurich Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt / Zürcher Christkindlimarkt) - late November to early December, lasting almost two weeks and the perfect place to purchase some inexpensive stocking fillers and locally made Swiss handicrafts, taking place at the Hirschenplatz

December

• Lichterschwimmen on the Limmat - late December, visitors gather at the Stadthausquai, alongside the River Limmat, to witness the lighting of the candles and enjoy the hot Swiss food
• Christmas Church Concert by the Amadeus Choir - late December, festive music performed at the St. Peter and Paul Church each year, by the Amadeus Choir
• Santa Claus Parade (Samichlaus-Umzug) - late December, dating back to the middle of the 20th century, expect to see countless people dressed as Santa Claus, parading down the streets of Seefeld in aid of charity
• Singing Christmas Tree - throughout December, a traditional seasonal celebration in Zurich, with choirs singing within the city's Werdmühleplatz area
• Silvesterzauber der Zürcher Hoteliers - December 31st, street parties see in the new year and draws crowds of more than 100,000, who come to enjoy the hot food and marvel at the breathtaking fireworks