Zurich, Switzerland — Events
Warmer Mai
Zurich’s gay and lesbian event of the year, Warmer Mai is one of the city’s first summer festivals and hosts an action packed month of festivities. Aimed to showcase the cultural products of the gay and lesbian community, the festival showcases many entertaining theater pieces, art exhibitions, film nights, talent competitions and sporting events over a 30-day period. Enthralling themed parties hosted at various bars and clubs throughout the city keep the spirit of the Warmer Mai festival alive, as visitors dance and celebrate into the early hours of the morning.
Zurich Festival
Zurich’s Festspiele is an annual celebration of classical music, art, theater, opera, and dance that presents local and international artists of world renown. Special concerts, exhibitions and performances are held throughout the city in venues such as the famous Opernhaus Zurich, Kunsthaus Zurich, Theater am Neumarkt and some stunning open-air venues. Be sure to grab a program so as not to miss some of the cultural highlights of the year.
Zurich Open-Air Cinema
An absolute treat for cinema lovers, the annual open-air cinema in Zurich comes to the picturesque lakeside setting in Zurichhorn Park every summer to entertain patrons of all ages and movie preferences. Showing classics, cult movies, premieres and new releases, the Orange Cinema season is a firm favorite on the Zurich events calendar and is an ideal option for an alternative evening out. Indulge in an early meal at one of the idyllic restaurants on the lake and then settle down under the stars for an unforgettable cinema experience. The festival program is published in advance during May.
Street Parade
Every August thousands of revelers flock to what has become the biggest techno-music street party in the world, modeled on the Berlin Love Parade. People from all over the world join together in a ‘demonstration for love, peace, freedom and tolerance’ to the beat of house and techno music. The city’s biggest party is a weekend of colorful floats, or Love Mobiles, costumed dancers and loud music, as well as numerous parties and festival events that take place before and after the parade.
Zurich Theatre Spectacle
One of the top cultural events in Zurich, the Theater Spectacle is a festival for new and cutting edge theater that presents an international collection of independent theater companies and the latest in performing arts productions. Every summer over 20 theater groups stage performances around the city, including open-air productions next to the lake.
