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Your guide to the city’s top events
What to do in Geneva this summer
Summer in Geneva is colourful, vibrant and bursting with life! Whether you’re into music, open-air films, or relaxing by the lake, Geneva has something in store for you. Here’s an overview of the major summer events, divided into four categories to help you organise your outings: festivals, free concerts, summer entertainment, and cinema.
SUMMER FESTIVALS IN GENEVA
Enjoy the summer vibe
JUNE
AMR Festival at Les Cropettes from 26 to 30 June 2024
The AMR jazz and improvised music festival at Les Cropettes attracts talented musicians and enthusiasts. This is a great event for live music fans and those seeking local musical experiences.
Transforme Festival from 28 to 29 June 2024
This innovative festival combines art with music and technology. Transforme Festival is the place to be for creative minds and those seeking new artistic experiences.
JULY
Gena Festival from 5 to 6 July 2024 (Avully)
Gena Festival aims to promote quality local artists as well as up-and-coming talent in all genres. The festival has developed a welcoming atmosphere that attracts nearly 3,000 people over the weekend and takes place in the Geneva countryside.
Plein-Les-Watts Festival from 11 to 13 July 2024
This vibrant festival features reggae and alternative music as well as unique street art performances. Plein-Les-Watts is known for its friendly atmosphere and foot-stomping performances.
Lake Parade from 20 to 21 July 2024
The Lake Parade is one of the most coveted electronic music festivals in Switzerland with its colourful floats and DJs that meander through the streets of Geneva. The largest free open-air event in French-speaking Switzerland, this unique house and techno parade will have you bouncing!
AUGUST
Pregny Alp Festival on 3 August 2024
Pregny Alp Festival celebrates Swiss culture with traditional activities, shows, and music in a cosy and fun atmosphere.
Festival OSR at Genève-Plage from 15 to 17 August 2024
Enjoy open-air concerts by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in the beautiful setting of Genève-Plage. This unique musical experience combines the beauty of the venue with the quality of the orchestral performances.
La Bâtie Festival from 29 August to 15 September 2024
Geneva’s flagship festival offers a varied line-up of theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. La Bâtie Festival celebrates creativity and artistic innovation, with a pioneering blend of live performances, dance shows, concerts, and DJs.
Jazz sur la Plage from 9 to 10 August 2024
Listen to gentle, spellbinding jazz beats on the shores of Lake Geneva at the Jazz sur la Plage festival at the beach in Hermance. Renowned artists and local musicians perform in a gorgeous setting, creating the perfect musical ambience for summer evenings.
FESTIVERBANT from 23 to 24 August 2024
This rock festival is a meeting place for up-and-coming and established artists, offering a dynamic and creative open-air atmosphere.
Minuit Festival from 30 August to 1 September 2024
Minuit Festival is an ode to electronic music and artistic performances. Held outdoors, this festival attracts music buffs and clubbers, offering a unique experience under the Geneva night sky. After midnight, the experience continues indoors in two halls at the Audio Club.
Pachamama Connexion Festival from 9 to 10 August 2024
This festival celebrates the connection with nature and culture. With workshops, concerts, and activities for the whole family, Pachamama Connexion Festival is a tribute to the Earth and its resources.
Le Zooloo from 23 to 24 August 2024 (Port-Choiseul – Lakeside – Versoix)
Set on the edge of the lake, this festival is perfect for a lovely afternoon by the water. Come and sing along to the tunes of local artists and enjoy the activities on offer.
FREE CONCERTS
Music everywhere in Geneva
Scène Ella Fitzgerald from 23 June to 23 August 2024
Located in Parc de La Grange, the Ella Fitzgerald Stage hosts a series of free concerts throughout the summer. Enjoy a variety of musical genres in a mesmerising venue. Concerts are open-air, with no need to book, and are open to all.
Genève Genève, the star event of the summer from 14 to 18 August 2024
The great lakeside festival promises 5 days of free, vibrant concerts by local and international artists, featuring a wide range of acts for all musical tastes. This is one of Geneva’s major musical summer events.
Summer concerts at St-Germain from 7 July to 2 September 2024
The St-Germain summer concerts feature free musical performances in a historic setting. This is a great opportunity to discover local and international talent in a contemplative atmosphere.
Les Aubes Musicales from 15 July to 18 August 2024
Get your day off to a good start with Les Aubes Musicales, featuring free concerts at dawn on the shores of Lake Geneva from 6am to 7am at Bains des Pâquis. It’s a unique experience for early risers. Afterwards, we recommend a hearty breakfast at the restaurant facing the lake.
SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT
Pop-up terraces, cultural and sporting activities
Sadara
Located in the heart of Bois de la Bâtie, Sadara’s sun-drenched refreshment bar welcomes you from March to October. It also offers a wide range of events and delicious local drinks.
La Chaloupe à vapeur from 15 May to 15 September
The terrace of La Chaloupe à vapeur is a special place in town, in the heart of Parc de la Perle du Lac. Enjoy home-made juices or local beers overlooking the lake and mountains, listen to concerts or attend dance classes under the stars on the large wooden terrace!
Le Cormoran from 17 May to 15 September 2024
With its maritime atmosphere reminiscent of industrial docks and marinas, Le Cormoran is the perfect place to unwind and daydream. With dance classes, stand-up shows, and concerts, it’s a great place for a fun-filled summer evening!
La Canopée from 7 June to 8 September 2024
This pop-up summer venue is dedicated to relaxation, well-being and sport, and features free outdoor sports classes and activities all summer long. Pilates, body combat, Zumba, yoga, or cardio boxing, meet up for some fun-filled sports sessions with gorgeous views of the lake!
Swiss National Day – 1 August
For over a century, August 1st has been a day of festivities in Switzerland. It recalls the oath sworn in 1291 by the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden on the Rütli meadow near Lake Lucerne. This founding act of Confederation was intended to forge an alliance and protect their respective borders. In Geneva, festivities are organized every year.
La Barje, Lavandières terrace bar from 1 May to 30 September
Relax at La Barje, a welcoming terrace bar located on the banks of the Rhône in a colourful caravan. It’s a perfect place for sipping a drink while enjoying the view and the summer atmosphere. Free concerts and shows are held here throughout the summer.
La Pointe, summer refreshment bar at Pointe de la Jonction from 15 May to 15 September
Come to this relaxing venue to meet artists and enjoy free summer entertainment and music by the water.
URBAN from 17 May to 15 September 2024
This venue on the banks of the Rhône has been transformed into a meeting place for dining and entertainment. Throughout the summer, URBAN offers a wide range of events based on art and sport.
Théatre de l’Orangerie / La buvette du TO! from 12 June 2024
Enjoy open-air shows and theatre performances at Théâtre de l’Orangerie, followed by a relaxing moment at the welcoming La buvette du TO!
Genève Genève from 14 to 18 August 2024
Featuring a rich programme of events and activities throughout the summer, Genève Genève combines music with shows and activities for all ages in various venues throughout the city!
Voies-là, Saint-Jean terrace from 1 May to 30 September 2024
This lively, perched terrace boasts panoramic views of the city and is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the open-air concerts and other events on offer.
La Concrète from 17 May to 15 September
A pop-up venue in the heart of Geneva, La Concrète refreshment bar offers local products and drinks for all, as well as a series of cultural events.
I am staying positive – refreshment bar at Parc des Cropettes from 1 June to 15 July 2024
A place to unwind and enjoy the long summer evenings. Entertainment and concerts are regularly organised.
EURO Foot Fanzone from 14 June to 14 July 2024
Discover Switzerland’s largest fan zone on Plaine de Plainpalais to follow the competition and share your love of football.
CINEMA
Fancy a film by the lake?
Allianz Cinéma from 1 July to 25 August 2024
Allianz Cinéma reproduces the structure of a real open-air cinema on the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy a varied selection of films in a gorgeous setting. Book your tickets online.
Ciné Transat from 11 July to 18 August 2024
Ciné Transat offers free outdoor film screenings in Parc de la Perle du Lac. Bring your blanket, pack a picnic, or hire a deckchair and make yourself comfortable for an evening of cinema under the stars.
Summer in Geneva is a season full of activities and entertainment. With so many festivals, free concerts, summer events, and open-air cinema screenings, every day is a new opportunity to discover and celebrate life in this beautiful city. Come and enjoy an unforgettable summer in Geneva!
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