Fun Events: October in Switzerland

October is one of my favorite months for hiking in Switzerland. The golden leaves and the snow caped mountain peaks are simply dreamy! And what could be a better way to top the this ultimate autumn experience than hitting some fun traditional Swiss events like the famous Alpine festivals? So lets dive into what this month has to offer!

The list of events:

1st of October

Basel: The Offbeat Jazz Festival Basel 2024– featuring a diverse lineup of “Great Voices,” talented “Pianists in Jazz,” captivating “Cuban Music,” and rhythms from “Mali & South Africa”. As well as exploring the intersection of “Classical Music & Jazz” and the allure of “Oriental Music”. Dates: Till December 8th.

Flims: Balloon Week in Flims from September 28th to October 6th, 2024. With 16 hot-air balloon crews take to the skies, creating a colorful spectacle against the backdrop of the Grisons mountains. Enjoy morning and evening flights, live music, delicious food, and even a Night Glow show.

Thun: The Thun Wasserzauber- a unique music, light, and water show happening daily from September 27th to October 27th. Enjoy two different shows each day, set against the backdrop of the Aare basin, with food and drink stands.

2nd of October

Walzenhausen: A cattle show, featuring traditional costumes and the crowning of the most beautiful and high-performing animals. With local food, a lively atmosphere, and a chance to experience authentic Swiss farming culture.

3rd of October

Zurich: The Zurich Film Festival(ZFF), a major autumn event in the German-speaking world. Offers a platform for emerging filmmakers and promotes exchange between established filmmakers, young talents, and the public through screenings, competitions, and discussions. Dates: October 3rd-13th.

Grindelwald: The Goat Show on Baerplatz, with the animals arriving at noon, offering a chance to admire and interact with these charming creatures.

4th of October

Nyon: Fête de la Vigne– A wine festival with Concerts, light shows, rally and wine tasting. Dates: October 4th-5th.

Döttingen: Winzerfest – One of the biggest wine festivals in the German speaking part of Switzerland. This festival offers a parade, a market, Concerts and wine tasting.

Lugano: An Autumn Festival in Lugano from October 4th to 6th, celebrating the season with local cuisine, Ticino wines, shopping at market stalls, and lively folkloric performances throughout the historic city center.

Hallau: Autumn Festival with live music, wine tasting and a parade. Dates: October 4th-6th.

5th of October

Albeuve: An alpine festival with a parade, local market and traditional music starting at 09:00.

Semsales: The Désalpe in Semsales with a decorated parade between 10:00-16:00.

Lugano: The Swiss Cheese Award Cheese Market- bringing together top cheesemakers from across Switzerland to showcase their finest creations. Taste and purchase a variety of cheeses, with a special focus on the flavorful Ticino Alpkäse AOP, and celebrate the art of traditional cheesemaking. Dates: October 5th-6th.

Lucerne: Lozärner Määs (Lucerne Autumn Fair), a beloved tradition featuring over 100 wooden market huts. Showcasing high-quality goods, a charming lakeside terrace and a thrilling Luna Park. Dates: October 5th-20th.

Ascona: The Autumn Festival- featuring traditional customs, crafts, and culinary delights, with the chestnut as a symbolic ambassador of the region. A typical market will showcase local flavors and handcrafted products.

Lavaux to Payerne: The Lavaux- Payerne Must Trail celebrates the grape harvest with a picturesque horse-drawn wagon procession carrying freshly pressed grapes from Lavaux vineyards to Payerne. Festivities peak on Saturday with an autumn market, musical entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Baar: A Truffle Market, featuring 20 market stalls offering fresh Swiss Burgundy truffles, truffle specialties and a festive atmosphere with live music.

Saignelégier: The festive cattle drive in the canton of Jura. Featuring a dozen groups and wagons celebrating the descent of cattle from the alpine pastures. This free event brings together urban and rural communities for a shared experience of tradition, folklore, and market festivities.

Morat-Fribourg: Join approximately 10,000 participants in the historic Morat-Fribourg run on October 5th-6th, commemorating the 1746 victory of the Swiss Confederates over Charles the Bold.

Heiden: A Cattle show Heiden /Grub.

Fribourg: FriScènes- an annual theater festival held in Fribourg every October, creates a space for amateur and professional theater enthusiasts to connect and engage with the creative world of performing arts. Dates: October 5th-12th.

Berlens: Celebrating the autumn season at the traditional Pumpkin Festival with delicious snacks and a variety of handmade crafts at the market.

6th of October

Elm: The Chäsmärt festival- Celebrate the rich tradition of Glarner alpine cheese at the Chäsmärt festival. With captivating alpine descent of decorated cows around 14:30, unique flavors of various alpine cheeses and lively music.

Switzerland: The Swiss Castle Day- where you can discover different castles and fortresses across Switzerland. Offering special activities and events celebrating the theme of “Music and Celebration.”

Valchava: Festa da racolta (harvest festival), celebrating 500 years of Grisons history, with a colorful parade, a bustling market and a variety of delicious food options.

Ballenberg Open-Air Museum: Experience the vibrant spirit of Ticino at Ballenberg with a special event showcasing the region’s unique culture, cuisine, and music. Enjoy delicious risotto, polenta, and other specialties in authentic “grotti” settings, browse through the Ticino market stalls, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Giswil: Witness the 38th Alpenbarttreffen (Alpine Beard Meeting), a unique beauty contest where real men showcase their natural full beards in two categories: “Vollbart naturale International” and “Vollbart naturale Älpler”.

Maienfeld/Bad Ragaz: International Horse Races- a family-friendly fun at the Maienfeld/Bad Ragaz, set against the stunning autumnal backdrop of Switzerland’s only natural racecourse.

9th of October

Appenzell: The Appenzell Goat Show on Brauereiplatz, where an expert jury will select the most beautiful goats in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. Little side note: the goats don’t seem to be decorated.

10th of October

St. Gallen: OLMA- Switzerland’s most popular public fair, with over 300,000 visitors annually. Highlights include the beloved “Säuli” piglet races, a grand parade, and the chance to admire various animals in the arena and stables.

11th of October

Cheyres: A Grape harvest festival- With a parade, bars, music and dancing. Dates: October 11th-13th.

Bern: A wine fair with around 2000 different wines between September 11th- 20th.

Zurich: Art International Zurich at Kongresshaus Zurich. With a diverse range of artworks from international galleries and artists, conversations with the creators, and the latest trends in the art scene. Dates: 11th-13th

12th of October

Lenk im Simmental: The Lenk Alp Festival- featuring beautifully adorned cows, a lively farmers’ market, and captivating folk music performances. Celebrate the return of the herds and enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with local delicacies and Swiss customs.

Bern: The Bern Cheese Festival- where cheesemakers from the region proudly showcase their finest creations on the historic Waisenhausplatz. Experience a festive atmosphere with folklore performances, a cow milking competition, and a delightful festival restaurant.

Glarus: Alpine Festival- The Glarus Cantonal Autumn Cattle Show. Where approximately 300 beautifully adorned cows and other livestock will be showcased. Witness the traditional Alpabzug (alpine descent), horse-drawn carriage rides and participate in the excitement as the “Miss Glaris” (most beautiful cow) is crowned.

Laax: The Miss Arena Alva and Fall Market at the rocksresort. Where a “Miss” is crowned among the cows, communities compete in tug-of-war, and Swiss traditions are celebrated. Enjoy a market filled with homemade goods, crafts for kids, and a festive atmosphere.

Hundwil: The Appenzell cattle shows, where farmers proudly present their finest cows, adorned in festive decorations, for judging and awards.

Ascona: The traditional Chestnut Festival- with the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air and a thematic market invites you to explore local products and handicrafts in the picturesque Borgo district.

Val Müstair: The Flax Brachete tradition at the Tessanda hand weaving mill. Experience traditional flax processing techniques, explore a market with unique linen and flax products, and enjoy local delicacies in a festive atmosphere celebrating this time-honored tradition.

Fully: Fête de la Châtaigne in Fully, a must-visit autumn gathering celebrating craftsmanship and local flavors. With delicious chestnut dishes, diverse offerings of the Wine Village and Artisan Street and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Ascona-Locarno: The Ascona-Locarno Run- where you can experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore in its autumn splendor. Choose your ideal distance, from the 5 km Sunset Run to the 21 km Half Marathon, and enjoy the scenic routes through iconic locations like the Piazza Grande and Ascona’s lakefront promenade.

16th of October

Lausanne: The LUFF -Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival, known for its unconventional and original programming that challenges and inspires audiences. Dates: October 16th-20th.

17th of October

Châtel-St-Denis: The Bénichon festival, a joyous tradition filled with feasting on local specialties, dancing to folk music, a colorful parade, a craft market, and a lively atmosphere. Dates: October 17th-20th.

Moghegno: A centuries-old tradition of chestnut drying and preservation at the Moghegno grà. Where the working group demonstrates the meticulous process of loading and unloading chestnuts in the traditional way, offering a glimpse into the vital role this practice has played in the valley’s history.

Basel: The Baloise Session- a concert experience at an intimate indoor festival, reminiscent of the legendary music clubs of New York, featuring a diverse lineup of world-class musicians performing in a cozy, candlelit setting.

18th of October

Geneva: La Globale Locale, a 100% made-in-Geneva talent scouting festival. Discover local artists across 14 clubs, concert halls, bars, and cafes offering an eclectic program of exhibitions, performances, and concerts. Dates: October 18th-20th.

Romainmôtier: “Les Sonnailles” in Romainmôtier, a gathering of breeders and Swiss cowbell enthusiasts. This event showcases over 80 exhibitors displaying their exceptional cowbells and local products. Enjoy a modern take on agriculture and local traditions, and indulge in the expertise of bakers, butchers, and cheesemakers.

19th of October

Lucerne: The Lucerne Cheese Festival, Central Switzerland’s largest cheese market. Discover a wide array of cheeses, from hidden gems to renowned classics like Sbrinz AOP and Emmentaler AOP, all while enjoying a diverse program of events and learning about the rich history of Swiss cheese at the Swiss Cheese Chalet and the Cheese Sound Tower.

Bern: Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, a free audiovisual spectacle that transforms the Parliament Building into a giant screen, showcasing a 30-minute light show multiple times each evening from Tuesday to Sunday. Dates: October 19th-23rd.

Linthal: The Glarner Älpler- und Bauernchilbi –Alpine & Farmers’ Festival on October 19th and 20th. With traditional yodelling, a bustling market with local products, live music, and a captivating folklore parade.

Saignelégier: Join over 500 riders at the Marché-Concours in Saignelégier for a unique 25 km equestrian adventure through the stunning landscapes. Enjoy a day filled with challenges, games, and a festive atmosphere, complete with live music, food, and drinks.

Tschlin/ Ramosch: A mountain beer festival with a scenic 11.6km hike through the Engadin mountains. Sampling over 25 mountain beers along the way. The journey culminates in a lively festival in Ramosch, featuring a concert by the band VolXRoX, delicious food, and more beer tastings.

Basel: The Swiss Indoors- where you can witness world-class tennis, the third-largest indoor tournament on the ATP Tour and a proud tradition for decades. Dates: October 19th-27th.

20th of October

Flumserberg: The Alpine Cheese Market with cows racing, where local alpine dairies showcase their finest cheeses. Witness the unique Swiss Cow Grand Prix, cows racing, live entertainment and delicious food.

22nd of October

Zurich: “Zürich liest” – a major annual book festival held in Zurich and the surrounding region every October. The festival offers a diverse program for all ages and interests, including international and Swiss authors, readings, discussions, and workshops, creating a vibrant space for literary exploration and discovery. Dates: October 22nd-27th.

23rd of October

Vevey: The Vevey International Funny Film Festival, showcasing the best in international comedy with screenings, meet-and-greets, and special evening events featuring renowned guests. Dates: October 23rd-27th.

24th of October

Valais: The legendary Rallye International du Valais, invites you to witness thrilling motorsport action as top drivers navigate the breathtaking mountain roads of the canton. Dates: October 24th-26th.

25th of October

Twann: Trüelete – A vintage wine festival with local wine tasting, culinary specialties. The festival also features a market, a wine fountain, a relay race, a tombola, activities for the children and a small Luna Park. Dates: September 25th-27th.

Bern: The “Films for the Earth” Festival- From October 25th to November 1st, will showcase powerful environmental documentaries at the Cinématte in Bern, inspiring action and raising awareness about critical issues facing our planet.

26th of October

Basel: The Basel Autumn Fair, the oldest and largest amusement fair in Switzerland. With thrilling rides, traditional market stalls and delicious food. Dates: October 26th- November 10th.

Muotathal: The Muotathal Alpine Cheese Market- with over 40 exhibitors will showcase their cheese specialties, including alpine cheese, goat’s cheese, and sheep’s cheese. Don’t miss the tastings, raffles, and delicious food stands!

Appenzell: The Appenzell Cheese Festival- celebrating the region’s renowned cheesemaking traditions. Enjoy a lively market with tastings, live cheesemaking demonstrations and local music.

Biel/Bienne: The Onion Day in Biel/Bienne, where Neumarktplatz transforms into a bustling hub of celebration, showcasing the region’s unique onion traditions and culinary delights.

Muzzano: The second edition of the Insubria Rowing Cup. Aiming to unite the rowing communities from Lake Mezzola to Lake Orta in a celebration of sport and shared heritage. The event features a thrilling Match Race on Saturday and a classic Olympic-distance regatta on Sunday, with the Ticino 2024 Championships integrated into the competition.

27th of October

Lausanne: Lausanne Marathon, a world-renowned event with various distances for all levels, winding through the city, along Lake Geneva, and through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. Experience a friendly atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of personal challenge in the Olympic capital.

Lucerne: The SwissCityMarathon Lucerne – a scenic run through the heart of Lucerne. With a variety of distances, surrounded by breathtaking views and supported by enthusiastic crowds and live music along the route.

Ollon: The Autumn Musical d’Ollon (AMO)- with six exceptional free concerts featuring renowned artists and a diverse program, all within the charming setting of the Temple d’Ollon.

31st of October

La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle: The biennal of watchmaker’s heritage day. Delve into the heart of Swiss watchmaking with exclusive access to the workshops and factories where iconic timepieces are crafted. Explore these UNESCO World Heritage towns, renowned for their unique watchmaking heritage, and discover the passion and artistry behind each creation.

Lausanne: The Lausanne Art Fair, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary art from over 80 international galleries. Discover emerging talents and established artists, engage with gallery owners, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Dates: October 31st- November 3rd.

Have fun!