September is undoubtedly my favorite month! We are talking about THE month, yes, the one where you have different alpine and cheese festivals here in Switzerland. As usual, you can count on me to sort for you all the events in one place so here we go:
1st of September
Reconvilier: The Foire de Chaindon is a traditional agricultural fair that was once Europe’s largest horse market. The event takes place on the first Monday of September, starting at 17:30, with livestock and vendors filling the streets. Visitors can also enjoy a Sunday program with tractor games and pig races. Dates: Aug 31st to Sep 1st.
Rigi: The 150-year celebration of the Rigi-Scheidegg Railway takes place on Rigi Scheidegg. With steam rides and a special exhibition.
Geneva: The La Batie-Festival, a multi-disciplinary festival featuring new creations in music, dance, and theater from international and national artists. Dates: from August 28 to September 14.
Valais: The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships takes place across eight different destinations in the Valais region. When: from August 30 to September 14.
3rd of September
Zurich: The ZirQus festival, held from September 3-7, celebrates contemporary Swiss circus with shows, workshops, and concerts at the Güterbahnhof circus quarter.
Bern: The Musikfestival Bern, from September 3-7, a contemporary music festival dedicated to the theme of “chain,” featuring concerts and performances that explore musical connections and boundaries. This year’s festival will be held at various venues throughout the city.
Chur: The 6th JazzChurFestival, from September 3-7, featuring both established international and emerging local musicians.
Wetzikon: The ZOM Züri Oberland Mäss from September 3-7, a regional fair that brings together local businesses, products, and services.
Monthey: UCI Pump Track World Championships from September 3-7 as part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships throughout the Valais region.
4th of September
Avenches: The Avenches Tattoo, an international military music festival. Taking place from September 4-6, featuring nearly 500 military and civilian musicians from across Europe.
Bellinzona: The traditional PerBacco! A Harvest Festival, from September 4-7, celebrating local wine culture in the city’s historic center. The event features wine tastings, musical entertainment and various activities.
Nyon: The Nyon Street Food Festival from September 4-7. Offering a wide variety of culinary delights from around the world.
Arosa: The Arosa ClassicCar, an international classic car mountain race from September 4-7.
5th of September
Lugano: The Street Food Festival featuring a variety of food trucks with specialties from around the world. When: from September 5-7.
Ennetbühl Rietbad: The 15th Irish Openair Toggenburg, from September 5-6. An Irish-themed festival in the foothills of the Alps. The event features 13 bands, three stages, original Irish pubs and a medieval market.
Ascona: The Ascona Polo Cup from September 5-7. Featuring 6 teams and more than 80 horses.
La Chaux-de-Fonds: The Jumble sale and Horlofolies is a popular festival with deep roots in the city’s watchmaking history, taking place from September 5-7, 2025. The event offers 3 days of free concerts, street performances and a lively atmosphere.
Lucerne: The Lozärner Oktoberfest, from September 5-20, a Bavarian-themed festival at the Lucerne Exhibition Center. The event offers traditional food, drinks and live music with a different party band performing each weekend.
Jenins: The Jenins Wine Festival is a traditional autumn and wine festival taking place from September 5-7 in the village of Jenins. Visitors can enjoy local fine wines, food and musical entertainment, the event is free to attend.
Uster: The Stadtfest Uster, the largest festival in the Zurich Oberland, to celebrate the city’s 1250th anniversary. When: September 5-7.
Solothurn: The Solothurner Musiktage, a music festival between September 5-6.
6th of September
Gstaad: The Alpine Festival Gstaad Züglete is an absolute must visit event with cows parade adorned with flowers. 09:30-16:00 through the heart of the town. The parade in Gstaad usually doesn’t happen all at once but cows arrive each 30 minutes.
Twann: The Wine route in Twann, from September 6-7, 2025, invites visitors to walk through the vineyards above Lake Biel to taste local wines. A tasting glass is available for CHF 20, and regional food will also be offered.
Schwyz: The Tavolata Schwyz is a unique banquet event that will transform the town center into one long dining table on September 6th, from 11:00 to midnight. Over a dozen local restaurants will serve specialties directly to the tables while street musicians and performers provide entertainment.
Bellinzona: The Alpine Horn Festival of Italian Switzerland, will bring together horn players and enthusiasts at Castelgrande castle. The festival features a horn competition on Saturday and 2 ensemble concerts with 100 alpine horns on Sunday. Dates: September 6-7.
Lausanne: The equissima® Lausanne festival, from September 6-7, an equestrian event designed for all ages, offering a variety of horse-related activities. The festival includes educational workshops, competitions like dressage and show-jumping and a village with stalls and family entertainment.
Vaduz: The Vaduz 2025 Festival of Pleasure, from September 6-14, a gourmet festival where top chefs with Michelin stars and Gault Millau points will serve their creations at the Town Hall Square. Admission to the main event is free, with exclusive events also taking place at local restaurants and stores.
Flanthey: The Le Temps du Cornalin festival celebrates the Valais region’s oldest red wine with tastings, live music and local food.
Aarberg: The Seeländisches Jodlertreffen, a yodeling meeting and 50th-anniversary celebration. The event features performances by yodeling clubs and alphorn players starting at 13:30, with food and drinks.
Locarno: The Triathlon Locarno, from September 6-7, features a variety of races for all levels of athletes, from kids to professionals, set on Lake Maggiore.
7th of September
Surselva: Alpine Festivals: Alpabzüge in Naustgel & Obersaxen Mundaun- details should follow.
St. Gallen: The Stägestadt Day, celebrates the city’s public staircases with free concerts, performances, and guided tours.
11th of September
Ascona: The international CSI Ascona show jumping competition from September 11-14. The event features some of the world’s best riders and is free to attend on all days.
Zermatt: The Zermatt Music Festival & Academy from September 11-21. A classical music festival featuring young musicians and international stars throughout the village.
12th of September
Zurich: The Afro Summer Jam presents Landiwiese Openair, from September 12-14. A festival celebrating international culture, music and community at the Landiwiese lakeside location. The event features live music, dance, a fashion show and food.
Saillon: The Saillon Medieval Festival from September 12-14, transforms the village into a medieval world with 700 artists.
Zurich: The Radar, Festival For New Music from September 12-13. Showcasing up-and-coming national and international artists in an intimate club atmosphere. The event takes place at several venues around the Langstrasse area, giving you the chance to discover headliners.
Ecuvillens: The Bénichon and Tradition festival, from September 12-14. A traditional celebration of Fribourg’s gastronomic and festive culture. The event, held in the village of Ecuvillens, is free to enter and features a craft market and local food and drink.
Basel: The Flâneur Festival on September 12-13, transforms the city into a stage for urban art, music, and performances. The event is free and will take place in various locations throughout the city center.
La Neuveville: A Wine festival from September 12-14, featuring local wines, culinary specialties and various concerts.
Lenzburg: The Medieval market from September 12-14 at Lenzburg Castle. Featuring historical stalls, crafts, and entertainment like falconry.
Gstaad: The Country Night Gstaad is a country music festival, bringing major stars to the stage for a full western experience.
13th of September
Zurich: The Knabenschiessen is one of Zurich’s largest folk festivals. Dates: September 13-15, at Albisgütli. The event, which has a long tradition, is a rifle shooting competition for boys and girls from the canton and also features a large fair with rides, market stalls, and food.
Müstair: An Alpine Festival to celebrate the return of the cattle after the summer on the Alps. Between 10:00-16:00.
Brigels / Breil: The Scargada, a traditional alpine procession on September 13. With around 600 festively decorated animals celebrated at the “Plaun Rueun” meadow and features a festival restaurant, music, and activities for children.
Wassen UR: The Alpabzug Wassen is a traditional alpine procession on September 13th. With magnificently decorated animals return from the mountains. The event is free and you can expect a village festival with food, music and a local market from 9:00-16:00.
Hofstetten bei Brienz: The Alpabzug Hofstetten- a traditional alpine procession on September 13th. Where festively decorated cows return from the Gummenalp. The procession, which is free to watch, goes through the village and ends at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, where there will be a festival with music, food and family entertainment.
Klosters: The Alpine Parade in Klosters Monbiel on September 13th. A traditional cattle drive where festively decorated animals return from the high alpine pastures. The event takes place at the Monbiel Parkplatz.
Sierre: The Marche des Cépages is a popular wine walk on September 13. Where visitors can enjoy wine and food at 50 different stops. The event runs from 09:00-19:00, with a one-day ticket costing CHF 40 which includes a tasting glass and various vouchers for food and wine.
Ollon VD: The Tour of the vineyards of Ollon from September 13-14, is a walking tour where visitors can meet local winemakers and taste their products. For CHF 20, you can purchase a tasting glass that includes free shuttle transport between the vineyards and unlimited wine tastings.
Switzerland: The European Heritage Days on September 13-14 includes guided tours and special access to historical sites across all regions, with a program available online.
Yverdon-les-Bains: The Yverdon-les-Bains Triathlon from September 13-14.
14th of September
Spiez: The Spiezer Läset-Sunntig is a traditional Harvest festival celebrating the start of the grape harvest with a large parade, folk music, and concerts.
Lausanne: The Red Bull Tandem Splash is a wild cycling event where two-person teams on a single bike navigate a challenging urban course.
Ferden: The church consecration is a traditional celebration featuring a parade of the “Herrgottsgrenadiere,” local men in historical mercenary uniforms. A procession will take place at 9:30, with a flag parade scheduled for 14:00.
18th of September
Ebnat-Kappel: The Balloon Days Toggenburg from September 18-21. A hot air balloon festival featuring unforgettable balloon flights and a “Night Glow” spectacle. The event also offers live music, catering and a dedicated children’s afternoon.
Sion / Sitten: The Semaine du Goût Valais from September 18-28. A festival celebrating local food with a wide range of events across the canton. The program includes over 100 markets, festivals and tastings.
Avenches: The IENA Cheval Passion, from September 18-21, is a new equestrian festival celebrating the horse with competitions, exhibitions and family-friendly activities.
Ascona: The SunIce Festival with a new summer edition from September 18-20 at the Lido Ascona.
19th September
Sumiswald i.E.: The Emmental alpine descent celebrates the return of summer cattle with a traditional procession through the villages of Sumiswald and Wasen. The event is free and features around 850 cows which are festively decorated with flowers and bells.
Sigriswil: Chästeilet Justistal- One of the more unique alpine festivals with tons of cheese and a cows parade.
Fribourg: The Festival of traditional breweries, from September 19-20. Celebrates craft beer with breweries from Fribourg and other regions.
Brig: The Streetfood Festival Brig, from September 19-21 offers specialties from 25 countries. The event features a tasting bar, live music and a children’s area.
Aarau: The Bachfischet, a traditional Swiss custom with a parade of homemade lanterns through the old town. The event is followed by a fireworks display and a festival in the Schachen.
Payerne: The Poulpe Festival from September 19-20 transform the city center with a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, circus and street theater. The event is free and features food trucks, bars and wandering artists.
St. Moritz: The Bernina Gran Turismo from September 19-21 is a classic car hillclimb featuring historic cars from the pre-war era to the 1990s.
20th of September
Urnäsch: An alpine festival with the alpine dairymen parade through the village between 09:00-13:00. Circuit: Municipal office – Appenzellerstrasse – Werkhof Furt – Municipal office. There is also a farmer’s market located at the Kronenplatz. You might even see the Säulirennen – which is pigs races at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00.
Grächen: The Alpine cattle drive with sheep awards celebrates the return of livestock with a traditional procession at the school square. The event begins at 9:00 and features the arrival of Hérens cows and Valais black-nosed sheep, a sheep awards ceremony and a sheep parade through the village.
Biasca: The Ticino Cantonal Swiss Wrestling Festival.
Flims: The Alpabzug Flimsterstein, a traditional alpine procession where around 200 festively decorated cows and calves are brought down from the mountains. The event, which takes place in the Bargis high valley, has an admission cost of CHF 10, which includes a support wristband.
Blatten-Belalp: The Eringer Alp descent, a traditional procession with festively decorated cows. The free event, held at the valley station in Blatten, also features a market, traditional music and a “Belalp Alpine Queen” coronation.
Geneva: The Fête des Vendanges de Russin from September 20-21 is a popular grape harvest festival held in the village of Russin. With local wines, food, concerts and entertainment.
Praz: The Grape harvest festival, from September 20-21 is a celebration in the charming village of Praz. The event includes concerts and processions and costs CHF 10 for adults, while children under 12 can enter for free.
Gryon: The Gryon Desalpe festival is a folk festival celebrating the return of livestock from alpine pastures.
Anzère: The Rock ta désalpe de Serin is a festive event that will be held at the Hôtel Restaurant de la Poste. The event will feature raclette, a craft market, a canteen bar, children’s entertainment, and live alpine horn music.
Vaduz: The Liechtensteiner Winzerfest for wine lovers to enjoy the best wines from across the country. The festival is a popular celebration of the local harvest, taking place on the covered Town Hall Square.
Liestal: The Truffle market is an event that brings truffle experts and enthusiasts to the old town of Liestal. It is one of only seven truffle markets in Switzerland.
Bellinzona: The Japan Matsuri from September 20-21 is a festival that brings Japanese culture to life with a mix of tradition and modernity. The event features activities, including martial arts, cosplay, video games, food and bonsai exhibitions.
Winterthur: The Kulturnacht Winterthur, a festival where cultural institutions and local artists offer a diverse program until midnight.
Schaffhausen-Hegau: The Museum Night is an event where museums, galleries, and other venues in the Schaffhausen-Hegau region stay open late. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops and culinary delights in both Swiss and German municipalities.
Lucerne: The World Band Festival Lucerne from September 20-28 is a music festival for wind bands that takes place at the KKL Lucerne. The festival hosts around 1,000 artists from all over the world and offers a unique variety of musical genres.
21st of September
Crans-Montana: Désalpe from the Corbyre mountain pasture. A beautiful descent of cattle from the pastures to the center of Crans-Montana with cow parade, stalls of food, beverages and cheese.
Ovronnaz: The Fromage & Cime festival is an event dedicated to raclette and alpine cheeses. It brings together over a dozen local cheese-makers to the resort of Ovronnaz, where an expert panel will award the “Fromage & Cime d’Or” to the best cheese.
Arnex s/Orbe: The Gourmet stroll is a 5 km walk through the vineyards of the Côtes de l’Orbe, organized by local winegrowers. The event offers wine tasting and a full menu with regional specialties at various stops along the route.
Bad Zurzach: The Papa Moll-Fest is a family festival featuring a diverse program for children.
22nd of September
Jaun: Sheep fair and désalpe (Alpine festival) in Jaun.
23rd of September
Einsiedeln: The Livestock exhibition is a traditional event where over 1,000 animals are judged for beauty and performance. The exhibition, held at the Brüelwiese next to the monastery, features a festival restaurant, musical entertainment and a parade through the village at 13:45.
Herisau: The Herisau cattle show.
24th of September
Trogen: The Trogen cattle show is a traditional farmers event.
25th of September
Zurich: The Zurich Film Festival from September 25th to October 5th showcases films from promising new filmmakers. The main festival hub is at Sechseläutenplatz.
Appenzell: Different Alpine festivals and cattle shows in Appenzell can be found in this list.
26th of September
Neuchâtel: The Grape Harvest Festival from September 26-28 is an amazing harvest festival with a stunning grand floral parade.
Chur: The Schlagerparade Chur from September 26-27 celebrates pop music with a free parade of decorated “Hossamobiles” on Saturday.
Thun: The Wasserzauber Thun (Thun Water Magic) from September 26th to October 26th, is a daily, free event featuring two different water shows. The shows take place in the Aare basin in the city center at 19:30 and 21:15.
Basel: The PDC Swiss Darts Trophy takes place from September 26-28.
Martigny: Foire du Valais takes place from September 26th to October 5th. The event is a cultural and economic fair with 400 exhibitors and 50 concerts and shows.
27th of September
Charmey: Désalpe- The Alpine festival with a colorful parade. You can also expect a local market, flag throwing, farm animals, horse rides for kids and alphorns.
Schüpfheim: The Entlebucher Alpabfahrt is a large alpine procession where around 300 cattle and herdsmen return from their summer pastures. The event includes a folk festival with yodeling, alphorns, a regional produce market and a parade.
St-Cergue: The Désalpe in the charming village of St-Cergue welcomes you to watch their beautifully decorated cows. This is a great place to visit if you’re located in Geneva’s area.
Les Charbonnières: The Fête du Vacherin Mont-d’Or celebrates the start of the season for this super delicious local soft cheese. The event is free and includes a local produce market with over 60 producers, a parade of herds and traditional music.
Kerns: The Alpabfahrt Kerns is a traditional and alpine procession through the village. The event is free and will take place between 10:00-14:00 with market stalls with local food and products.
Wengen: The Chästeilet Wengen from September 27-28 is a festival celebrating the ceremonial distribution of cheese shares. The event is free and includes a large fair with live music on Saturday, and on Sunday it features folklore music, a gourmet market, and a stone-throwing competition.
Flims: The 52nd International Alpine Hot Air Balloon Week from September 27th to October 5th. A festival featuring 15 crews from different countries launching their balloons. The event is free to attend and includes a “Night Glow” spectacle, live music, a children’s afternoon and the option to take a balloon ride over the mountains.
Weggis: The Cattle Show and Autumn Market is a local celebration with a parade on the village square.
Plaffeien: An alpine festival to celebrate the return of cattle. With around 1000 animals arriving over the course of the whole day.
Lignières: The Désalpe festival with a market, cows procession and music.
Erlach: The Erlacher Läset-Sunntige takes place from September 27th to October 5th, It’s a local festival celebrating the grape harvest in the medieval town center. The event features a colorful parade, culinary delights, musical entertainment and local wines.
Courtételle: The Festival Terroir Suisse from September 27-28, 2025, is a competition where local producers have their goods evaluated by a jury of consumers and experts.
Löhningen: The Trottenfest from September 27-28 is a traditional local wine festival that offers visitors a chance to see decorated village fountains and enjoy local food and drink.
28th of September
Zurich: The 20th slowUp Zürichsee transforms a 42 km route around the lake into a car-free festival for all ages.
3 Comments
Amazing! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you.
With pleasure!