May is one of my favorite months here in Switzerland! It’s usually a stunning months for hiking, the nature looks in pristine condition and the temperatures are super nice. Plus, There are so many events and things to do- So lets dive right to it! Also, if there is something you think I should add to the list- don’t hesitate to let me know:)
Your list for May:
1st of May
German-speaking Switzerland: The Open Wine Cellars (Offene Weinkeller) on May 1st, 3rd, and 4th, 2025. More than 200 wineries across the region open their doors for local wine tastings and visits, offering a great chance to discover Swiss German wine diversity.
Morges: The Tulip Festival in Morges features a stunning display of over 140,000 tulips with a “water” theme. Dates: March 28th- May 11th (Make sure to enjoy it while it lasts!).
Schaffhausen: The Schaffhausen Gourmet Festival, from April 26th to May 31st. Various top restaurants across the region will offer specially created multi-course gourmet menus, each paired with recommended local Schaffhausen wines to showcase the best of local kitchens and cellars.
Geneva: Electron Festival from May 1st-10th, blends electronic music concerts, digital art, innovative labs, and creative workshops across various city venues. Including unique performances like a techno set in a temple and an open-air party.
Lausanne (Ouchy): The Place Bellerive hosts an annual fair with attractions, carnival treats, and rides for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere near the lake.
Bern: BEA Bern, Switzerland’s largest spring fair, showcases agriculture, trade, and industry, featuring exhibits on building, living, food, leisure, and crafts, with daily animal shows and a petting zoo. Dates: April 25th-May 4th.
Lucerne: Luga, also known as the Central Switzerland Spring Fair, will take place from April 25th to May 4th. It’s a large regional marketplace with 450 exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of products and experiences.
Stans: The Stans Music Days is a festival running from April 30th to May 4th, 2025, featuring 41 diverse concerts across 14 stages.
Valais: A cultural and culinary adventure with the PALP Festival, featuring over 20 unique events across Valais between April 25th and September 20th. This “zany trek” mixes concerts, food experiences (like raclette), and quirky happenings in unusual and scenic locations throughout the canton.
Morges and Region: Les Barock’euses classical and opera festival from April 30th- May 3rd. This event features four distinct evenings of performances – including piano recitals, opera, theatre, and baroque music – held at various notable venues in Morges and nearby Féchy.
Basel: Experience the powerful drumming of YAMATO – The Drummers of Japan at the Musical Theater Basel from April 29th to May 4th. Their breathtaking new show, “Hito no Chikara,” blends traditional taiko rhythms with modern energy, athletic performance and their signature touch of humor.
Zurich: Switzerland’s largest queer film festival, The Pink Apple. Happening from April 29th to May 8th, mainly in Kreis 5 venues like Riffraff. The festival presents over 80 diverse films alongside panels, exhibitions and parties focusing on current LGBTQ+ social issues and culture.
Bern: World-class jazz and blues performances at the Bern International Jazz Festival, from March 25th to May 31st.
2nd of May
Bellelay: Tête de Moine cheese festival from May 2nd-4th. A traditional event with tastings (including guest of honor Emmentaler AOP), a regional market, traditional cheese-making demonstrations, and an international cheese platter competition near the historic Bellelay Abbey.
Locarno: The Food Truck Festival from May 2nd-4th. Enjoy authentic dishes served with passion from diverse food trucks and vans arriving from both north of the Alps and Italy.
Montreux: Montreux International Guitar Show (MIGS) from May 2nd-4th. Held at the Casino Barrière, this unique Swiss event brings together international guitar makers, innovators, and artists for exhibits, concerts and masterclasses.
3rd of May
Romanshorn: Celebrate the start of the shipping season at the Romanshorn Harbor Festival (Hafenfest) on May 3rd and 4th. This family-friendly event at the harbor features a market, various boat and train rides, exhibitions, live music and culinary treats by Lake Constance.
Lausanne: The 20KM de Lausanne running festival on the weekend of May 3rd and 4th. The event features the main 10km and 20km races that take runners along the lake and through the city, plus shorter 5km runs, junior races (2km/4km) and walking/Nordic walking options.
Thun: Kick off the Lake Thun water sports season at the Lakeside Opening on May 3rd and 4th. This festival welcomes everyone, from beginners to pros, with equipment testing, competitions (SUP, kayak, rowing, pumpfoil), an adventure course, live music and a community get-together.
Biel/Bienne: The Festival of Photography from May 3rd-25th.
Sion / Thyon 2000: Watch the crucial mountain Stage 4 of the Tour de Romandie cycling race on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. You can cheer on the riders at the start in Sion (Place de la Planta, around 11:45) or catch the exciting high-altitude finish in Thyon 2000 (around 15:45).
4th of May
Gruyères: The traditional Cheese Festival in the medieval town of Gruyères from 10:00 to 18:00. Watch Gruyère AOP cheese being made over a wood fire, explore an artisan market with regional specialties and enjoy folk music and a traditional outdoor concert with Alphorn and flag throwers.
Bad Ragaz: The traditional May Bear (Maibär) procession. A unique custom to drive out winter with the leafy May Bear figure dance through the streets accompanied by costumed “beggars” culminating in a symbolic finale at the Tamina bridge (likely around 15:00).
Glarus: You can witness a unique display of direct democracy at the Glarner Landsgemeinde on Sunday, starting at 9:30 AM on the Zaunplatz. Citizens gather in this traditional open-air assembly to vote directly on cantonal laws and elections by a show of hands.
Lugano: A free family tour to discover the city’s history and secrets. Designed for kids (ages 5-12 ideal) with games and activities. Tours run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (likely starting at 10 AM) on specific Sundays (May 4; Sep 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26), meeting at the Lugano Region tourist office (Via Magatti 6), reservation is required.
5th of May
Lausanne: Lausanne’s international comic strip festival, from May 5th to May 18th. This must-see annual event for comics fans features exhibitions, workshops, signings and shows with numerous artists.
9th of May
Neuchâtel Region: The Open Wine Cellars (Caves Ouvertes) event on May 9th (16:00 – 20:00) and May 10th (10:00 – 17:00). With one pass for unlimited wine tastings at about 30-40 wineries between Vaumarcus and Le Landeron, which also includes free local public transport and shuttle buses (Sat only), plus food and wine vouchers. The pass costs 30.- CHF.
Einsiedeln: The Schwyz Cantonal Wrestling and Alpine Festival from May 9th to 11th. The weekend features the main Schwingen (Swiss wrestling) competition on Sunday, along with stone putting (Steinstossen), alphorn music, yodeling and festive gatherings with music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Zurich: Circus Knie‘s 2025 tour stop in Zurich, performing at Sechseläutenplatz from May 9th to June 9th.
St. Gallen: The “Aufgetischt!” street art festival turning the Old Town into a vibrant stage from May 9th to 11th. International artists and musicians will present diverse, high-caliber shows up close at various locations in and around the historic Abbey district.
Fribourg: A lively neighborhood atmosphere Festival Les Jean on May 9th and 10th. With music and performances to various stages and venues throughout Fribourg’s historic Basse-Ville (Lower Town).
10th of May
Aproz (Valais): Cows fighting – witness the crowning of the “queen of queens” at the Finale Nationale de la Race d’Hérens, the national final for traditional Hérens cow fighting, on May 10th and 11th. This major event takes place at the Pra Bardy arena in Aproz and draws over 15,000 spectators for the spectacular combats and celebration of Valais culture.
Bern: The Bern Grand Prix, with various distances (10 miles, 4.7km run/walk, 1.6km kids/family run) on an attractive route through the Old Town and along the River Aare.
Romont: Explore the world of glass art at the Vitrofestival, the Swiss Glass Art Triennial, on May 10th (11 AM – 6 PM) and May 11th (10 AM – 5 PM), 2025. Held in the Cour du Château near the Vitromusée, the festival features live demonstrations, workshops, a market and galleries.
Basel: The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025, taking place in Basel from May 10th to 17th.
Piotta: The “Stairways to Heaven” vertical race, billed as Europe’s toughest, climbing 4,261 steps alongside the historic Piotta-Ritom funicular on May 10th.
11th of May
Schaffhausen-Hegau Region: A car-free day exploring the region between the High Rhine and Hegau volcanoes during the slowUp Schaffhausen-Hegau on Sunday. Cycle, skate, or walk the 38km cross-border route featuring village festivals and scenic landscapes through historic towns and nature.
14th of May
Fribourg: The Dance Festival, taking place across Fribourg from May 14th-18th. As part of this national event, enjoy shows, public performances and participate in numerous dance classes for all levels throughout the city.
16th of May
Estavayer-le-Lac: The Ludimania’k, a giant open-air playground from May 16th-18th. Designed for ages 3-13, the festival offers free shows and street entertainment, plus dozens of interactive workshops (registration/fee may apply).
17th of May
Ticino: The Ticino Open Wine Cellars event, held over two consecutive weekends in May. Around 80 wineries will open their doors for local wine tastings and visits, first in the Sopraceneri region (May 17-18) and then in Sottoceneri (May 24-25), showcasing local winemaking passion and tradition.
Geneva: The night of the museums inviting you to explore numerous city museums after dark with special activities, often themed (this year: tales and legends), running late into the evening.
Lucerne: A Guided Tour in German to learn about Lucerne’s unique Carnival (Fasnacht) traditions. The tour explains the history, specific terminology (like Tagwach, Urknall, Güdismäntig) and fun anecdotes associated with the city’s biggest annual celebration.
Amsteg: The Central Swiss Traditional Costume Festival (Innerschweizer Trachtenfest) on Saturday, at the energieUri Arena. Enjoy traditional costume displays and folk dancing in the afternoon, followed by an evening of entertainment featuring live Ländler music and a DJ.
Aigle: The Festival Trottinette on May 17th-18th, for a weekend turning Aigle Castle into a giant playground. A free outdoor entertainment like street performers and workshops, plus ticketed indoor shows featuring magicians, storytellers, and clowns, aimed at ages 3-13.
Lugano: Concours d’Élégance featuring classic cars, on May 17th-18th. Stroll through Piazza Riforma and Via Nassa to admire these iconic vehicles in the heart of the city.
Geneva: The Gonet Geneva Open, a men’s ATP 250 tennis tournament, from May 17th-24th.
18th of May
Schaffhausen: The Schaffhausen Jazz Festival with contemporary Swiss jazz and improvised music from May 18th-24th.
Solothurn: The slowUp Solothurn-Buechibärg, enjoy a car-free day exploring the city and countryside.
Vallorbe: The Jura Bike Marathon starting in Vallorbe. The event features routes through the scenic Jura Vaudois region, including summits like Dent de Vaulion and Le Suchet, aiming to boost the practice of mountain biking in the area.
21st of May
Switzerland: The Festival der Natur / Fête de la Nature from May 21st-25th. This event features hundreds of activities across Switzerland, such as guided excursions, workshops and hikes, all designed to help people discover and appreciate the country’s biodiversity.
22nd of May
Zurich: Cycle Week, the national bike festival, from May 22nd-25th. Explore new trends, test bikes, join workshops and watch shows across multiple city locations including Europaallee (free festival area) and Campus Brunau (bike testing/workshops).
Lausanne: The Creative Strings Festival, dedicated to string instrument improvisation. Dates: May 22nd-25th. Enjoy concerts featuring international pioneers and young regional talents, complemented by nightly jam sessions.
23rd of May
Switzerland: Night of the churches- you can climb to up different towers, discover “secrets”, enjoy traditional Alphorns, light shows, BBQ, tours & more!
Interlaken: The Street Food Festival with food stalls, themed bars, live music, street performers, and a kids’ area. Dates: from May 23rd-25th.
Zurich: The 27th ART INTERNATIONAL ZURICH fair, held at Puls 5 (Giessereihalle) in Zurich West from May 23rd to 25th.
Herisau: “E Musig Wochenend” (A Music Weekend) from May 23rd-25th. Combining the Appenzell Cantonal Music Festival with the Herisau Music Association’s 100th anniversary.
Cornaux: The Corn’Rock Festival, focusing on regional bands and artists with a family-friendly atmosphere and rock music. Dates: May 23rd and 24th. This local festival takes place at the Terrain des sports in Cornaux (NE).
Heiden: The international Heiden festival, a new folk and world music event from May 23rd to 25th. Enjoy concerts and dance events on various indoor and outdoor stages in the village center overlooking Lake Constance.
Nidau: The Nidau Stedtlifest, a cheerful, family-friendly spring festival on May 23rd and 24th. Held in the town center (Stedtli), this traditional event features market stalls, showmen and a lively atmosphere.
24th of May
Fribourg: The Night of the Museums, when you can explore over 20 museums and institutions after dark. Enjoy special programs, entertainment and a unique atmosphere from 17:00 until midnight.
Gruyères: The stunning medieval town hosts a traditional outdoor concert with Alphorn and flag throwers in different dates in May.
Unterwasser (SG): A traditional Swiss wrestling amidst mountain scenery at the 110th St. Gallen Cantonal Wrestling Festival weekend in Unterwasser on May 24th and 25th. Watch young talents compete in the “Buebeschwinget” on Saturday, followed by the main cantonal competition featuring around 200 wrestlers on Sunday.
Bellinzona: The Bellinzona Castles & GO, a “medieval race” featuring 11km running and walking routes incorporating the city’s UNESCO World Heritage castles. Dates: May 24th-25th.
Martigny (Valais): Marathon des Terroirs du Valais BCVS on May 24th-25th. You can choose your distance (Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10k, 5k, Kids runs) and enjoy scenic routes centered around Martigny Expo, uniquely featuring tasting stations with Valais wine and local food specialties along the way.
Baden: Bluesfestival Baden, from May 24th-31st. The festival hosts free afternoon concerts and ticketed evening shows featuring a diverse lineup of international and Swiss artists.
Aesch BL: Trail Days Baselland around the Mountain bike Trailcenter Aesch. This free-entry festival offers courses, tours, an exhibitor village, shows, food, workshops, live music and a night relay race for all ages and abilities.
Wettingen: The Obstacle Run in Wettingen starting and finishing at the Sportzentrum Tägi. This event offers various distances (19km, 9.5km, 2.5km, plus a Kids Run) packed with spectacular obstacles for different ages and abilities.
25th of May
Winterthur: Grand Prix Winterthur (formerly Winti Marathon). A family-friendly running event with a great atmosphere and different distances – 10 miles, 5 miles, or kids’/youth runs – on scenic new routes featuring entertainment along the way.
27th of May
Geneva: The Mapping Festival transforms Geneva from May 27th to June 1st with audiovisual arts, performances, installations, projections, DJ sets, conferences, and workshops, showcasing both emerging and established local and international artists.
Bulle (FR): Grue’Zik 2025, the 24th Cantonal Music Festival, held in Bulle from May 27th to June 1st. This event features indoor competitions, parades by 81 music societies, festive evenings and exceptional concerts celebrating a shared passion for music.
28th of May
Basel: European Youth Choir Festival Basel from May 28th to June 1st. Nineteen top youth choirs from across Europe, plus a guest choir from Cameroon, will perform over 50 concerts throughout the Basel region.
29th of May
Valais: The Valais Open Wine Cellars (Caves Ouvertes) event from May 29th-31st. With around 230 wineries across the canton welcoming visitors to taste their delicious local wines.
Gruyères: The stunning medieval town hosts a traditional outdoor concert with Alphorn and flag throwers in different dates in May.
Basel: Fantasy Basel – The Swiss Comic Con, held at Messe Basel from May 29th to 31st. With over 100,000 m2 dedicated to gaming, cosplay, comics, film, art and meet-and-greets at one of Europe’s largest conventions.
Locarno: The Strawberry Festival (Festa delle Fragole) on Piazza Grande. Enjoy delicious strawberries prepared in many ways and take in stage entertainment from 13:00-18:00 (free entry).
Avenches: The Avenches Open Air festival from May 29th to 31st. Held in the town’s historic setting (near Place du Casino), the event features a lineup of Swiss and international rock bands like The Baseballs, The Rabeats, and Lovebugs, promising a festive atmosphere.
Zurich: Flughafenlauf (Airport Run), one of the races in the ZKB Zürilauf Cup series. This popular running event offers various distances, including a main 17 km race and kids runs, on attractive routes near the airport.
Lucerne: The Lucerne Festival Piano Fest, from May 29th to June 1st. Held mainly at the KKL Luzern, the festival presents a broad spectrum of piano and organ music performed by various international artists.
St. Gallen: The Longines CSIO St. Gallen from May 29th to June 1st. A world-class equestrian sport event with jumping competitions, including the Nations Cup and Grand Prix, alongside shows, music and family entertainment.
30th of May
Einsiedeln: Fest der Musik (Festival of Music) from May 30th to June 1st. This combined cantonal singing and music festival brings over 2,000 performers from choirs and music associations to the monastery village of Einsiedeln for judged competitions and celebration.
Hinwil: Switzerland’s largest medieval spectacle in Obererlosen, from May 30th to June 1st. With thrilling jousting tournaments (day and night with fire), medieval crafts, live music and historical reenactments.
Locarno: Brocante Locarno, an antique fair from May 30th to June 1st.
Solothurn: Solothurn Literary Days from May 30th to June 1st. Switzerland’s largest multilingual literature festival showcases prose, poetry, spoken word and children’s literature in all four national languages, alongside invited international authors.
