July in Switzerland is a month packed with events! From different summer festivals to traditional events and alpine sports, there is something for everybody. Whether you’re into music, sports, or cultural celebrations, I got you covered!
So lets dive into the list of events:
1st of July
Zermatt: Goats’ Tour- a herd of about 70 blackneck goats walks through the Bahnhofstrasse each morning and evening. Hours: 09:00 and 16:30. Dates: June 28th- August 15th.
Lausanne: The Festival de la Cité- with theatre, music, dance, circus and installations in different locations in the city. It’s a free summer event, running from July 1st to 6th, 2025.
St. Gallen: The Culture Festival St. Gallen is a meeting point for music and culture lovers in Eastern Switzerland. Dates: July 1st to 19th.
Zermatt: The Zermatt Open-Air Theatre brings back “The Matterhorn Story” on the Riffelberg. Against the legendary backdrop of the Matterhorn, with the dramatic tale of the first ascent of the mountain and its impact on Zermatt. Performances run from June 27th to August 23rd.
Ascona: JazzAscona transforms the picturesque lakefront into a vibrant jazz festival from June 26th to July 5th.
Brienz: The International Wood Sculpture Symposium. This event, steeped in Brienz’s rich woodcarving tradition, offers live demonstrations, a festival restaurant, and a free evening program with music. Admission is free. Dates: July 1st – 5th.
Lausanne: The FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 from June 28th to July 6th, 2025.
Ticino: The FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championship will bring over 6,000 participants and 350 teams from more than 40 countries to Ticino, making it the largest international basketball event ever hosted in Switzerland. From June 27th to July 6th.
2nd of July
Zurich: The Zurich city lake crossing- Zurich’s largest swimming event for good swimmers: During the lake crossing, up to 9,000 people cover the secured, 1,500 m long route from the Mythenquai lido to Tiefenbrunnen.
Switzerland: The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is a major international football tournament with 16 national teams competing across eight Swiss cities. This exciting event kicks off on July 2nd, 2025, with matches held in locations like Basel and Bern, and the final taking place in Basel. Dates: 2-27.07.
Grindelwald: The Street Festival in Grindelwald. The main street becomes a festival street from 20:00 until midnight with several bars, live music, activities and various shows.
Gstaad: The Swatch Beach Pro Gstaad- Among the top athletes, the tournament is considered the most beautiful tournament in the world – perhaps thanks to the alpine surroundings. Dates: 2-6.07.
3rd of July
Seedorf (UR): The 118th Central Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival brings together the best Central Swiss wrestlers and guests for an important showdown before the national festival. Dates: July 3rd-6th, 2025.
Lucerne: The Lucerne International Organ Festival at the Hofkirche St. Leodegar, featuring outstanding organists from across Europe. The festival runs from July 3rd to July 12th.
Nyon: The Open Air Jazz Festival Rive Jazzy with all styles of jazz from New Orleans to blues/rock. Dates: From July 3rd to August 10th.
St. Moritz: The Festival da Jazz in St. Moritz – jazz in the stunning backdrop of the Alps. Dates: 3-27.07.
4th of July
Montreux: The Montreux Jazz Festival– one of the highlights of summer in Switzerland! Each year, nearly 250,000 music lovers flock to this iconic Festival. Drawn in by its stunning setting, amazing acoustics, and a good amount of free performances. Dates: July 4th-19th
Weggis: The Weggis Roses Festival- A summer festival with live music, Countless bars, snacks and entertainment stands. Plus, Fireworks on Saturday night at 22:30. Dates: July 4th-6th.
Zurich: Caliente- The Latin Music Festival- A colorful festival in Zurich for lovers of Latin American music, cuisine and culture. Dates: 4-6.07.
Altstätten: The Nordostschweizer Jodlerfest– a celebration of Swiss tradition, with around 3,000 yodelers, flag throwers, and alphorn players along with 35,000 visitors to the charming town of Altstätten. This festival, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the local yodeling club, features competitions, a large craft market on Saturday, and culminates on Sunday with a festive procession through the old town. Dates: July 4th – 6th, 2025.
Neuchâtel: The Fantastic Film Festival – Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF). Dates: 4-12.07.
Wildhaus: OpenAir Wildhaus from July 4th-5th.
Zermatt: The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon offers an exceptional alpine running adventure from St. Niklaus to Riffelberg and an Ultra Marathon extending to Gornergrat. The event weekend kicks off with family entertainment and concerts in Zermatt and spectators can follow the race from a special “Mobile Grandstand” train.
Zernez (Engadin): The 19th Engadin Cycle Marathon– a highlight for cycling enthusiasts, through the beautiful Engadin mountains. This ultimate cycling challenge spans 3 days, covers 221 kilometers, and includes over 4000 meters of altitude, leading from Zernez over impressive mountain routes and high passes. Dates: July 4th – 6th, 2025.
Valbirse: The Trial Bike World Cup bringing together the world’s best trial bike athletes for a thrilling spectacle.
5th of July
Geneva: La Tour Geneva Triathlon features seven race formats in the heart of downtown Geneva for triathletes of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re experienced in triathlon, new to the sport, or simply looking for a challenge, there’s a race format for you. Dates: 5-6.07
Steckborn: Summer Night Festival- with fireworks display on the Untersee.
Davos: Davos Klosters Sounds Good- The New Orleans Jazz Festival in the Alps. Dates: 5-12.07.
Grindelwald: The Eiger Music Festival with a variety of artists.
Verbier: ENDURO2 Verbier– a three-day mountain biking competition from July 5th- 7th.
Zernez: Engadin Cycle Marathon – The “La Cuorta” of the Engadin Cycle Marathon.
Le Sentier: The Tour du Lac de Joux is a running and walking competition offering various distances around the beautiful Lac de Joux.
6th of July
Langnau i.E.: The Emmental Wrestling Festival, a week before the Bernese Cantonal Wrestling Festival, brings traditional Swiss wrestling to Langnau. Dates: July 6th.
Sempachersee: CKW Sempachersee Triathlon- The fastest triathlon in Switzerland. With the backdrop of Lake Sempach and Central Switzerland’s local mountains, the Rigi and Pilatus.
8th of July
Biel / Bienne: Pod’Ring- The summer festival in Biel’s old town is the cultural week of the region. With concerts, literature and theatre performances and kids activities. Dates: 8-12.07.
9th of July
Grindelwald: Eigertour Hike & Fly is taking place in Grindelwald in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Dates: 9-12.07.
10th of July
Geneva: CinéTransat- Free open air film screenings by the lake with refreshments and deckchair rental. When: from the 10th of July till the 17th of August.
Lugano: The Lugano LongLake Festival transforms the city’s summer into an outdoor spectacle, offering a mix of free concerts, street art, theatre, cabaret, family events and themed markets every evening. Dates: from July 10th to 27th.
Lugano: Estival Jazz is a free open-air music festival held in the heart of the city in the picturesque Piazza della Riforma. While rooted in jazz, it features a wide range of international artists spanning rock, funk, world music and more. Dates: July 10th-12th.
Frauenfeld: Openair Frauenfeld is one of Europe’s biggest hip-hop festival taking place from July 10th – 12th.
Locarno: Moon&Stars is a pop and rock music festival in the Piazza Grande, where international stars perform for over 65,000 spectators. Just behind it, the free Food&Music Street offers bars, food trucks and live concerts. Dates: July 10th-20th.
Crans-Montana: Am Stram Gram is a free family festival in the mountains, specifically designed for children with a variety of engaging activities like circus acts, theatre, creative workshops, and outdoor games. Dates: from July 10th to 13th.
11th of July
Basel: The Tattoo Festival – the world’s second-largest open-air military tattoo, featuring spectacular music and show formations from around the globe. Dates: July 11th-19th.
St-Ursanne: Les Médiévales is a must visit medieval festival held every odd year, transforming the town with historical re-enactments, entertainment and activities. Entry is free for children under 16. Dates: July 11th – 13th.
Cheyres: Festi’Cheyres– a free summer festival on Cheyres beach with concerts and delicious food. Also featuring activities like a volleyball tournament, yoga, and workshops. Dates: July 11th-13th.
Andermatt: The Andermatt Freedom Ride transforms the Swiss Alps into a biker’s mecca, offering days filled with “freedom, horsepower, and pure biker spirit.” This event promises legendary sound, breathtaking routes through majestic mountain landscapes and a passionate community, with activities on and off the road. Dates: July 11th – 13t.
Willisau: Städtli Sommer Willisau is a local summer festival from July 11th-12th.
Vallemaggia: Vallemaggia Magic Blues– an open-air festival from July 11th – August 7th.
La Fouly: The Trail Verbier Saint-Bernard by UTMB– an alpine trail running adventure from July 11th-13th.
12th of July
Zurich: Opera for All transforms Sechseläutenplatz into a vibrant open-air venue for a free live broadcast from the Zurich Opera House. This popular event invites everyone to bring their own chairs, blankets, and picnics for an atmospheric summer evening of entertainment. Date: July 12th.
Gais (Appenzellerland): The Appenzeller Kantonal Schwingfest 2025– a traditional Swiss wrestling festival from 12-13.07.
Saas-Fee: The 40th Cantonal Alphorn players’ festival gathers around 100 alphorn players in traditional costumes to perform melodies amidst the stunning 4000-meter peaks.
Neuchâtel: The Fête Romande de lutte Suisse is a traditional Swiss wrestling festival. The event includes a regional wrestling festival for young wrestlers on Saturday, leading up to the main “Fête Romande” on Sunday. Dates: July 12th – 13th.
Biel: The International Chess Festival with more than 700 players and some of the world’s best chess masters. It offers a variety of tournaments for all levels, including a unique “triathlon” format for elite players. Dates: July 12th – 25th.
Switzerland: The Swiss Hiking Night is an opportunity to take part in guided hiking tours across Switzerland. Dates:12-13.07.
Anzère: The Course de côte automobile Ayent-Anzère is a legendary 3.5 km car race from Ayent to Anzère, featuring over 200 drivers competing in the Swiss Mountain Championship. Dates: July 12th – 13th.
Gstaad: The EFG Swiss Open Gstaad– a prestigious international tennis tournament from July 12th – 20th.
13th of July
Rigi Staffel: The Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival– a traditional event with wrestlers, alpine herdsmen and dairymen for a day of sport and festivities amidst a fantastic natural backdrop.
Langnau i.E: The Bernese Cantonal Wrestling Festival, a traditional wrestling event.
14th of July
Geneva: Free of charge Sunrise musical shows on the Pâquis pier. From the 14th of July till the 17th of August.
Fribourg: Festival Les Georges, an urban music festival held on Place Georges-Python, attracting over 20,000 spectators with a diverse program of pop, rock, folk, jazz, chanson, and electro. Dates: July 14th – 19th.
15th of July
Bönigen: “See you 2025” on the lake transforms Bönigen into a festival site featuring alphorn sounds, flag waving, folk music, llamas, ponies, alpine games and a cake buffet.
Lucerne: The Premium Athletics Meeting is a top-tier international track and field event held at the Allmend athletics stadium, where around 400 elite athletes from over 40 countries, including the best Swiss competitors, compete in various disciplines.
Sion: Sion sous les étoiles is a music festival, with international and national pop, rock, metal, and rap artists. Held at the Plaine de Tourbillon, it offers a festive atmosphere with food and merchandise stands and DJ after-parties. Dates: July 15th – 19th.
16th of July
Wabern (Bern): The Gurten Festival is a pop, rock, and hip-hop festival that attracts nearly 80,000 music lovers to Bern’s Gurten mountain. The festival runs from July 16th – 19th.
Verbier: The Verbier Festival is a classical music event in the heart of the Swiss Alps from July 16th – August 3rd.
Grindelwald: The Eiger Ultra Trail, a challenging trail running event in the Jungfrau Region, offering a 101km route with 6700 meters of elevation gain, passing iconic locations like Grosse Scheidegg, Schynige Platte, and under the Eiger North Face. Inspired by the Eiger myth, it provides a unique mountain ambiance for participants. Dates: July 16th – 20th.
17th of July
Lucerne: Lucerne Live, a family-friendly music festival around the lake basin, offering free open-air concerts, a vibrant atmosphere with food and market stalls and special ticketed headliner concerts at the KKL Luzern. Dates: July 17th – 26th.
18th of July
Saas-Fee: SaasFeestival- in front of a beautiful scenery. Dates: July 18th to August 8th.
Gstaad: The Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy, a classical music event from July 18th – September 6th.
19th of July
Weissenstein: The Weissenstein Schwinget is a traditional Swiss wrestling festival on the Weissenstein mountain, offering an unforgettable view over the Mittelland and to the Bernese Alps.
Anzère: The Tour des Alpages is Valais’ second-largest mountain race, offering stunning alpine trails and breathtaking views of the Valaisan peaks.
Flims: Swissalpine is a traditional mountain running event in the Flims Laax region.
Bourg-St-Pierre: The Trail du Vélan is a challenging 100% nature trail running event with breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses.
22nd of July
Nyon Paleo Festival: One of the most important open-air festivals in Europe, the Paléo covers an 84-hectare site with 7 stages, more than 200 stands and over fifty bars.
Langnau i.E: The 33rd Langnau Jazz Nights is an international jazz festival in the Emmental with diverse food options. Dates: July 22nd – 26th.
23rd of July
Château-d’Oex: A unique family event, the Festival au Pays des Enfants offers street entertainment, indoor shows, fun workshops and games for all ages. Dates: 23-27.07.
24th of July
Degen: Open Air Lumnezia is a charming summer music festival amidst the beautiful Val Lumnezia. It features both international and national acts from July 24th – 26th.
Avenches: The FEI Eventing Nations Cup is a equestrian competition bringing the world’s best riders to Avenches to compete in three demanding disciplines: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event at IENA is one of the eight annual Nations Cup rounds, and it offers a rich program of entertainment for visitors, including activities for children and an exhibitors’ village. Dates: July 24th – 27th.
25th of July
Nendaz: The International Alphorn Festival brings together around 100 alphorn players for its unique competition and traditional ambience. Dates: July 25th – 27th.
Locarno: The Lights and Shadows is a summer event in Locarno-Muralto that offers entertainment, music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display. Dates: 25-27.07.
Küssnacht am Rigi: A festival with various bands, DJs and performances, food and drinks, fireworks, a Luna park and more.
Interlaken: The International Jugglers’ Festival with international street art, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, musicians, magicians and clowns performing their tricks and shows directly on the streets. Dates: July 25th – 27th.
Rorschach: Strandfestwochen Rorschach is a family-friendly summer festival held directly on Lake Constance, featuring bands on the harbor stage. The event also includes a wakeboard show, a lively harbor bar and activities like Sunset Yoga and a Ping Pong World Championship. Dates: July 25th – August 29th.
Davos: The Davos X-Trails between July 25th – 26th.
26th of July
Geneva: Stayin’Alive Lake parade- A wild musical parade with an after party including food stalls, activities for kids, concerts and performances.
St. Moritz: The Engadin Festival presents world-class classical music, featuring artists like Martha Argerich from July 26th – August 8th.
Klosters: Klosters Music 2025 is a classical music festival featuring renowned international artists and debuts from July 26th – August 3rd.
27th of July
Brünig: The Brünigschwinget, a traditional Swiss wrestling festival where 20 wrestlers from Northwestern Switzerland compete against 50 Bernese and 50 Central Swiss wrestlers for the coveted Brünig crowns.
Fälensee: Berggasthaus Bollenwees- Traditional alpine festival at the Bollenwees mountain inn with festive service and musical entertainment by various Appenzell formations.
Davos: Sertig Swiss wrestling 2025 is the oldest wrestling festival in the Canton of Grisons, offering a traditional Swiss wrestling spectacle amidst a gorgeous mountain backdrop at the end of the Sertig Valley.
Flumserberg: The Schlager Open Air Flumserberg is a music festival combining pop stars and Swiss rock on the large Allmend. While the main concert day for Schlager is July 31st, the festival spans several days with free parties in the marquee, with the Swiss Rock day on August 2nd. Dates: July 30th – August 2nd.
Payerne: SlowUp la Broye is a car-free event that transforms a 30km route between Estavayer-le-Lac and Payerne into a free zone for cyclists, walkers, and scooter users. Participants can enjoy the pristine landscapes, local products, and regional specialties at a leisurely pace.
Täsch: The Täschalp Run with Alpine Festival combines a mountain run with a traditional alpine celebration. The 8.9 km course starts in Täsch and finishes on Täschalp, with runners, folk runners, and Nordic walkers climbing 916m. The event includes a mass, food and musical entertainment.
29th of July
Grimentz: Festi’Val d’Anniviers, a classical music festival in the charming mountain village of Grimentz, with concerts taking place in the local church. Dates: July 29th – August 3rd.
30th of July
Schaffhausen: Stars in Town, a charming music festival with music, diverse street food and cozy bars. Dates: July 30th – August 9th.
Estavayer-le-Lac: The Estivale Open Air, a music festivals, offering a magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel from July 30th – August 2nd.
31th of July
Basel: Basel celebrates the Swiss National Day with a big fireworks display on the Rhine. From 17:00-02:00 you will find around 100 stalls on the two banks of the Rhine will ensure an atmospheric city festival.
Neuhausen am Rheinfall: Great Rhine Falls Fireworks- at around 21:45 The Rhine Falls offer a magnificent spectacle of fireworks.
Lausanne: The Swiss National Day usually span from July 31st to August 1st, at the Place de la Navigation in lakeside Ouchy. These often include musical performances, food stalls, entertainment and a fireworks display over the lake. Note: While the text on the page refers to 2024 dates, it is on the official Lausanne tourism site for the event, and 2025 will follow)
Zurich: Swiss National Day- you can enjoy a traditional Farmer’s Brunch at various farms (booking essential via Swiss Farmers, or take a special boat cruise on Lake Zurich (Unique Cruises).
Geneva: Geneva celebrates Swiss National Day on August 1st, with fun activities organized by the city. The program will follow closer to the date.
Bern: The Swiss National Day– The city offers a diverse program with musical entertainment and traditional yodeling concerts. Details for 2025 will be updated closer to the date.
Lucerne: The Swiss National Day, on Europaplatz, starting usually from 4 PM with live music, children’s entertainment, regional delicacies, and an official ceremony. On August 1st, there are typically various local celebrations around Lake Lucerne, including boat cruises and events in nearby towns like Brunnen and Weggis, often featuring fireworks.
Interlaken: The Swiss National Day, with spectacular paraglider fly-in with canton flags, a large folklore parade and a folk festival. The evening culminates with a children’s lantern parade, bonfires on the surrounding mountains and a grand fireworks display over the Höhematte meadow.
Altstätten SG: The Swiss National Day Medieval Festival – The Mittelalterspektakel anno 1291. With knights, jugglers and magicians all focused on the Swiss Confederation’s origins. It features a grand jousting tournament (including by torchlight), a large medieval market with nearly 100 stands and a diverse food mile. A special highlight on August 1st is a large medieval bonfire. Dates: July 31st – August 3rd, 2025.
Ascona: Offers unique August 1st celebrations, featuring “dancing fountains” on August 1st. With water and light effects synchronized to music. The festivities start on July 31st with a preview show.
Fribourg: The national day celebrations are not updated yet but you ca already look at farm brunches.
Basel: Electronic Music Tension Festival- the biggest and most important event in the field of electronic music.
Zermatt: The Swiss National Day is celebrated from July 31st to August 1st with a street party, food and entertainment on July 31st, followed by a national celebration at Leisee Lake on August 1st with speeches and traditional music.
Bulle: The Swiss National Day celebration featuring a free event with animations and regional meals, bars and a bouncy castle for children.
Nidau: Lakelive Festival offers a blend of music, sport and culture. This active festival promotes creativity and modern lifestyles in a beautiful lakeside setting, encouraging movement and connection with nature. Dates: July 31st – August 9th, 2025.
