October is right around the corner, not surprisingly, it is one of my absolutely favorite months. I mean how can you not fall in love with the changing colors, stunning scenery, perfect hiking weather and cozy city vibes. Plus, there are just SO many things to do and I am here to shed the light on what’s hopefully an inspiring list of events to spice up your month.
So let’s dive right into it, shall we?
1st of October
Appenzell: Different traditional Cattle Shows around the Canton, you can find the different dates in the link.
Zurich: The Zurich Film Festival(ZFF) is a major autumn event taking place from September 25th to October 5th.
Zurich: The Sparkling Wine Festival in the Ameron Bellerive au Lac by Lake Zurich. It’s a TOP-CLASS sparkling wine tasting event with unlimited wine tasting included in the ticket. I created a Giveaway about it which you can participate in. Otherwise this code: SWF25_JD will give you a discount of CHF 20.- of your ticket (I don’t get a commission from that btw, it was just nice of them to offer)
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.
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.
Thun: The Thun Wasserzauber- a unique music, light, and water show happening daily from September 26th to October 26th. Enjoy two different shows each day, set against the backdrop of the Aare basin, with food and drink stands.
2nd of October
Grindelwald: The Goat Show on Baerplatz, with the animals arriving at noon.
Basel: The FOG Festival is an event for experimental electronic music and sound art, taking place from October 2nd-4th.
Geneva: The Chopin Festival from October 2nd to 12th, celebrating the music of Frédéric Chopin with performances by acclaimed artists in various concert halls.
3rd of October
Döttingen: Winzerfest – The ABSOLUTE biggest wine festival in the German speaking part of Switzerland. This festival offers a parade, a market, Concerts and wine tasting. The parade is definitely worth checking out and happens on Sunday at 14:00.
Lugano: An Autumn Festival in Lugano from October 3rd to 5th, celebrating the season with local cuisine, Ticino wines, shopping at market stalls, and lively folkloric performances throughout the historic city center.
Cortaillod, Neuchâtel: The Grape Harvest Festival is a free event celebrating the end of the grape harvest on October 3rd and 4th in the heart of the village’s old quarter. This gathering features a procession, musical entertainment and various stands.
Nyon: Fête de la Vigne– A wine festival with Concerts, light shows, rally and wine tasting. Dates: October 4th-5th.
Bern: HeroFest 2025 is a festival for gaming and nerd culture taking place at BERNEXPO from October 3rd to 5th. The event features a new medieval market, live music, cosplay competitions and various gaming areas.
Hallau: Autumn Festival with live music, wine tasting and a parade. Dates: October 3rd-5th.
Cheyres: A Grape harvest festival- With a parade, bars, music and dancing. Dates: October 3rd-5th.
4th of October
Seewis, Graubünden: The Prättigau Alp Spectacle is a vibrant festival celebrating traditional Swiss alpine culture on October 4th and 5th. Featuring a large cattle decent, a cheese market, children’s program and various traditional activities.
Semsales: The Désalpe in Semsales with a decorated parade between 10:00-16:00.
Albeuve: An alpine festival with a parade, local market and traditional music starting at 09:00.
Huttwil: The Huttwil Cheese Festival is a free event on October 4th and 5th that showcases the diversity of Swiss cheese, featuring over 30 cheese dairies and exhibitors. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days and includes an artisan market and entertainment, with free parking available near the event grounds.
Frutigen: The Oberland Trychler Meeting is a traditional event celebrating the custom of “Trychler” who rhythmically swing large cowbells to ward off evil spirits. The festival takes place from October 4th to 5th with a procession through the village starting at 13:15 on Sunday.
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.
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 4th-19h.
Baar: A Truffle Market with market stalls offering fresh Swiss Burgundy truffles, truffle specialties and a festive atmosphere with live music.
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.
Morat-Fribourg: Join approximately 10,000 participants in the historic Morat-Fribourg run on October 4th-5th, commemorating the 1746 victory of the Swiss Confederates over Charles the Bold.
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 4th-11th.
5th 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 with special activities
6th of October
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.
9th 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. Dates: October 9th-19th.
10th of October
Romainmôtier: “Les Sonnailles” in Romainmôtier, a gathering of breeders and Swiss cowbell enthusiasts. This event showcases a modern take on agriculture and local traditions, and indulge in the expertise of bakers, butchers, and cheesemakers.
Bern: A wine fair with around 2000 different wines between October 10th-19th.
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. Dates: October 10th-11th.
11th 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. Dates: October 11-12th.
Laax Murschetg: 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.
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. Dates: October 11th- 12th.
15th 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 15th-19th.
16th 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 16th-19th.
17th of October
Winterthur: The Halloween Mittelalterspektakel (Medieval Spectacle) is a themed festival at Teuchelweiherplatz. With a medieval market, spooky figures, spectacular shows and activities. Dates: October 17th to 19th.
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. Dates: October 17th to November 6th.
18th 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 18th till November 22nd.
Hofstetten bei Brienz: The Castagnata is a festival celebrating Ticinese traditions and chestnuts, taking place at the Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg on October 18th and 19th. Visitors can enjoy Ticinese delicacies like risotto, Luganega sausages, and wine, along with music and a market.
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 18th-26th.
Seengen, Aargau: The Cider Days and Autumn Market at Hallwyl Castle. With regional products and delicacies including a hand press for children, live music, castle tours, and more. Dates: October 18th- 19th.
19th 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.
Stans: The Älperchilbi is a traditional harvest festival with a procession beginning at 10:00. Followed by a festive program at the Dorfplatz and a market with food and drinks.
21st 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 21st-26th.
22nd 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 22nd-26th.
23rd of October
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.
24th 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 24th-26th.
Morgins: The World Raclette Championships- celebrating the iconic Swiss cheese. The festival features producers from various countries competing, as well as a “raclette village” with stands and entertainment. Dates: from October 24th to 26th.
Baden: The Swiss Whisky Festival is a major whisky fair taking place on October 24th and 25th at Trafohalle. The event features over 1000 whiskies from 150 distilleries. Entry costs CHF 21, including a tasting glass, with free admission for those wearing a kilt.
25th 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 25th- November 9th.
Appenzell: The Appenzell Cheese Festival- celebrating the region’s renowned cheesemaking traditions. Enjoy a lively market with tastings, live cheesemaking demonstrations and local music. Dates: October 25th-26th.
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.
Muotathal: The Muotathal Alpine Cheese Market- with cheese specialties, including alpine cheese, goat’s cheese and sheep’s cheese. Dates: October 25th-26th.
Bonvillars: The Bonvillars Truffle Market takes place on October 25th. Here you can buy fresh truffles and learn about this delicacy. The event features demonstrations with truffle dogs, conferences and tastings.
29th of October
Baden: The Badener WunderDorf is an autumn and Christmas market taking place on Theaterplatz from October 29th to December 21st. With street food stalls, activities and even a “Sing-Box” karaoke hut.
Bulle: The “Goûts & Terroirs” Gastronomy Fair is a food event celebrating Swiss culinary traditions. Dates: October 29th to November 2nd at Espace Gruyère. This fair brings together over 300 exhibitors showcasing thousands of artisanal specialties from all Swiss cantons.
30th of October
Zürich: The Auto Zürich fair is the largest automobile show in German-speaking Switzerland. Dates & place: the Messe Zürich from October 30th to November 2nd. With concerts, shows and competitions.
