The city is full of life this September, with a great mix of cultural events, traditional festivals, and fun local markets. Here is a look at what’s happening around Zurich this month.
Rundfunk Festival: If you’re looking to enjoy the last days of summer at the Landesmuseum courtyard. This free festival runs until September 6th, with music and a great atmosphere for a relaxed evening.
Zurich Design Weeks From September 4th to 14th, design takes over the city. You’ll find a wide range of exhibitions, workshops, and talks at various locations. Highlights include the Design Biennale in the Old Botanical Garden and the “Poster Safari,” which displays large-format posters in public spaces.
Unterdorf Fäscht: From September 5th to 7th, the Unterdorf neighborhood comes alive with this lively street festival, featuring local food, music, and a great atmosphere.
The Long Night of the Museums On the evening of September 6th, over 50 museums and cultural institutions open their doors until 2 a.m. With a single ticket, you get access to all participating venues and public transport within Zone 110, making it easy to explore the city’s culture after dark.
Tag des kinos 2025 with entry to the Cinema around Switzerland for CHF 7.- for a ticket (A real steal!) on September 7th.
Lila.queer.festival: From September 11th to 13th, this festival celebrates the queer community with a program full of events, parties, and cultural highlights.
Knabenschiessen This traditional folk festival runs from September 13th to 15th at the Albisgütli. It’s a massive fair with rides, games, and food stalls that draws people from all over.
The pumpkin Exhibition: There are 2 close to Zurich, one is in the Juckerhof Seegräben, this one is paid and cost around 10-12 CHF depending on the day of the week. Alternatively you can visit the one at Bächlihof Jona which is free of admission.
Musikfestival Oerlikon: On September 20th and 21st, head to Oerlikon for a lively music festival, bringing a great mix of artists and good vibes.
Zurich Film Festival: The city’s film festival kicks off on September 25th and runs into October. Over 11 days, you can watch a diverse selection of international films and maybe even spot a few stars.
Open House Zurich On September 27th and 28th, you have a unique chance to go behind the scenes of Zurich’s most interesting buildings. Private homes and public spaces that are normally closed to the public open their doors, giving you a new perspective on the city’s architecture.
Autumn Highlights
Pumpkin Exhibition at Jucker Farm A seasonal favorite! The famous pumpkin exhibition at Jucker Farm starts on September 20th. Go see impressive pumpkin sculptures (this year’s theme is “LET’S PLAY!”), enjoy pumpkin-themed food, and pick out your own pumpkins to take home.
Themed Tram Rides: For a different kind of experience, hop on one of the special VBZ event trams. You can enjoy a Ticino-Aperitivo-Tram for drinks and snacks, a Sushi-Tram for a unique meal, or a Breakfast-Tram for a morning ride with a view. These run on various dates throughout the month, so be sure to check the schedule.
