Best Music Festivals in Switzerland in 2023 (Guide)

Discover the best music festivals in Switzerland, from Openair St. Gallen to Zermatt Unplugged: dates, line-ups, and tickets.

This tune goes out to all music lovers! Are you ready for a jam-packed year of music festivals in Switzerland? Starting in March, stages from Bern to Zermatt will tremble to a mixtape of genres, performed live in stunning outdoor settings. 

Long summer nights, sing-along anthems, epic after-parties, camping life, and rubber boots: those who love festivals in Switzerland subscribe to all of the above. During summer, Switzerland gives its vibrant music scene an all-access pass to some of the most stunning locations. Think lakeside stages with the Swiss Alps in the background… 

With so many options, you're bound to find a music festival in Switzerland that suits your tastes. In this guide, I highlight the top music festivals in Switzerland and what makes each unique. Whether you prefer Heavy Metal, Pop, Hip-Hop, or Schlager - read on and ROCK ON! 🤘

Here’s our ultimate guide to the best music festivals in Switzerland in 2023:

Location: Nyon
Genre: Rock, Reggae, Rap
Artist Lineup: TBA

Nyon is quite an open-air festival hotspot in Switzerland. Les Hivernales is Nyon’s way of kicking off this exciting year of music festivals. The 13th edition will feature over 40 artists from various musical genres, including Rock, Reggae, and Rap.

On more than a dozen stages in Nyon and Gland, the Les Hivernales festival offers a unique opportunity for music lovers to experience the best musicians from around the world - many of whom are performing for free.

Location: Zermatt
Genre: Acoustic
Artist Lineup: Patent Ochsner, Peter Maffay, Passenger, Of Monsters and Men, Calum Scott und Alice Merton, and 30 more

A five-day open-air music festival at the foot of the Matterhorn? That’s the premise of Zermatt Unplugged, a tried and true acoustic music festival in Switzerland’s south. With over 130 shows, 60 artists, 17 stages, and that iconic mountain backdrop, Zermatt Unplugged returns with one of the most diverse line-ups.

Some stages are located beside ski slopes, others in the village of Zermatt. Expect big names like Patent Ochsner, Peter Maffay, Passenger, Of Monsters and Men, Calum Scott, and Alice Merton.

But Zermatt Unplugged 2023 quite literally is also about giving a stage to emerging and promising musicians from Switzerland and around the world. Some 30 talents will perform in Zermatt this year. On the so-called “Discovery” stages, you can sample the voices of artists like Valentino Vivace, Pilar Vega, Mayberg, Fran Vasilić, Arny Margret, Morgan Harper-Jones, YĪN YĪN, Barrio Colette, and many more.

Location: Lens, Crans-Montana
Genres: Electronic, Dance, Techno
Artist Lineup: Jamie XX, Fatbox Slim, Black Coffee, Richie Hawtin, Claptone, and more.

The Caprices Festival has a reason to celebrate in 2023: this is the 20th anniversary of the popular electronic dance music festival. And what better way to celebrate than with a legendary event in the Swiss Alps, 2200 meters above the sea in the picturesque ski resort of Crans-Montana?

Get ready to ski and party like there’s no tomorrow. There are five stages to pick: Modernity, Dome, Forest, The Moon, The Club. Each features world-class techno and house music in a stunning mountaintop location.

For two consecutive weekends, music lovers from near and far will gather to dance the night away and soak up the beautiful mountain views. If you're a fan of electronic dance music and are looking for the ultimate festival experience, look no further than Caprices Festival 2023.

Location: Nyon
Genres: Rock, Rap, Electro, Pop
Artist Lineup: Sum 41, Lost Frequencies, Flogging Molly, and more

Caribana is the smallest big music festival in Switzerland. Since 1989, the festival has not lost its charm despite expanding the line-up. With its relaxed and festive spirit, the Caribana attracts festivalgoers looking for a place to meet and share their love of music with friends.

Focusing on news discoveries, Caribana offers a modern and sometimes avant-garde line-up. This year's festival has a diverse lineup that includes everything from rock to rap and electro to pop. There’s the punk rock of SUM 41, the alternative rock of Nothing but Thieves, the punk Celtic of Flogging Molly, the energy of Izia and Suzane, the French duo Djadja&Dinaz, dancehall vibes of Blaiz Fayah and Soolking, and the beats of Lost Frequencies.

Genres: Rock, Punk, Metal
Artist Lineup: Slipknot, Die Ärzte, Sabaton, Parkway Drive, Amon Amarth, Papa Roach, and more

If there is ever a time to headbang, it’s during the legendary Greenfield Festival at the Interlaken airport. This annual festival draws rock, punk, and metal fans, many of whom arrive by RV to stay on the grounds. The gathering in the Bernese Alps is quite literally a celebration of the power of rock: powerful guitar music meets the stunning Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

This year, experience the electric energy from over 40 bands of international fame, including Slipknot, Sabaton, Parkway Drive, Amon Amarth, Die Ärzte, and Papa Roach.

Location: Neuchâtel
Genres: Electronic, Hip-Hop
Artist Lineup: Angele, M83, and Moderat

Every June, Festi'neuch is the ultimate Swiss destination for electronic and hip-hop music fans. Since 2001, this electronic and hip-hop festival has hosted top acts such as Action Bronson, Fatboy Slim, Justice, and Placebo. This year, the festival at the scenic Lake Neuchâtel offers more than 50 concerts in just four days. Some acts in the line-up include Angele, M83, and Moderat.

The Festi'neuch camping site is located on the idyllic and inviting grass beach of Nid-du-Crô, complete with a range of activities organized by the Neuchâtel scouts, such as a volleyball court, bowling alley, and petanque field. Free shuttles provide a quick connection between the festival and the camping site, and several food options are available on-site.

Location: Zurich
Genre: Alternative
Artist Lineup: TBA

This year marks the 20th edition of the Stolze Openair festival. Named after the Stolzewiese venue in Zurich, this two-day event offers a blend of music, food, and games. The local and international acts are not necessarily big names, but they each bring their own "spice" to the stage.

The atmosphere at Stolze is lively and upbeat, making this a great hang-out for families and locals. Did we mention that there is no admission? And if this is not enough, we recommend you at least stop by one of the food trucks. They serve delicious favorites like the "Stolze-Börger" hamburger or the Kottu Roti.

Genres: Rap, R&B, Rock, Pop
Artist Lineup: 35 bands, including Macklemore, Lewis Capaldi, Kraftklub, Peter Fox, The Lumineers, Hecht, Casper, Tash Sultana, and more

Openair St. Gallen is one of the oldest and biggest open-air music festivals in Switzerland. Since 1977 without skipping a single year, thousands of rap, R&B, and hip-hop fans have flocked to the Sittertobel nature preserve in St. Gallen, where the two stages are set up.

This year's festival lineup includes a mix of established and emerging artists ready to bring the heat to St. Gallen. During four days, expect nonstop hip-hop beats, cool rhymes, and sick grooves. Among the 35 confirmed headliners are greats such as Macklemore, Lewis Capaldi, Kraftklub, and Peter Fox. And who knows, maybe Macklemore's performance of "Thrift Shop" will inspire us to run to the nearest "Brockenhaus"...

Location: Sierre
Genres: Acoustic, Independent, Pop

In English, the name of this music festival in Sierre means as much as “Weekend by the Water.” It is aptly named since the festival grounds are set against the stunning Valais mountains with Lake Géronde as its backdrop. It’s all about music and the lake lifestyle.

Festival Week-end au bord de l'eau is a hidden gem that has charmed music lovers since 2006. This year’s line-up boasts many talented artists, including Alex Jaffray, Pablo Nouvelle & Band, La Fleur, Fejká, and others.

Additionally, the 16th edition of the festival will be graced by the presence of three world-renowned street artists who will create several murals: Abys (France), Scaf (France), and La Pajarrak (Colombia). These artists share a common dream-like universe centered around wildlife and flora, making them a perfect fit for the Weekend by the Water festival.

Location: Zürich
Genres: Salsa, Brasil, Samba, Cumbia, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton, Rock Latino

Caliente! is Zürich’s way to show off its Latin side. The largest Latin music festival in Europe returns to the Kasernenareal in Zürich with a lineup of electrifying performances. From salsa to reggaeton, Caliente! showcases a diverse mix of Latin music styles that will have you tapping your feet.

There will be live concerts by renowned bands, but the festival is about much more than just music. Caliente! celebrates Latin culture, music, and cuisine thanks to a vibrant street food garden. 

Location: Montreux
Genres: Jazz, Blues, Rock, R&B
Artist Lineup: TBA

Alicia Keys, Miles Davis, and David Bowie: in more than 50 years, the Montreux Jazz Festival has attracted the best of the best. I have fond memories of strolling along the lake, going from outdoor stages to small clubs and the main venue. At Auditorium Stravinski, greats such as James Brown or B.B. King have performed live on stage.

We are lucky to live close to the Montreux Jazz Festival, which attracts worldwide visitors. During the festival, the town of Montreux is open to anyone who wants to catch live performances in Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, and even R&B. Only the main concerts require a ticket.

Location: Frauenfeld
Genres: Hip Hop, Urban, Electronic
Artist Lineup: Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Bonez MC & Raf Camora, Aitch, BHZ, Juju, Hilltop Hoods, Nina Chuba, and more

Openair Frauenfeld, now Europe's largest hip-hop festival, returns for a three-day run with a lineup of top international acts. Since 2006, the festival has hosted some of the biggest hip-hop names, including legends like 50 Cent, Cypress Hill, Drake, Eminem, Outkast, and Snoop Dogg. Yet despite its fame, Openair Frauenfeld has remained authentic. The massive overnight camping area creates a distinct atmosphere of freedom, partying, concerts, and socializing.

As of 2023, the organizers have upped the ante by adding more concerts than ever to the lineup. There will now be fewer than 30 main concerts per day, up from 20. This summer, the Grosse Allmend in Frauenfeld will tremble to the tunes of Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott, among others. And after the main acts are over, the party continues in the clubs known for their dancehall music.

Genre: Schlager
Artist Lineup: Königliches Bayrisches Vollgas-Orchester, Anita & Alexandra Hofmann, Die Grubertaler, Johnny Logan, Semino Rossi, Radys, and more

Pack your lederhosen, grab a stein, and get ready to sing and sway to the rhythm of the best Schlager music around. The OpenAir Wildhaus is an international Schlager festival set against a stunning alpine backdrop. In Toggenburg, you will feel the contagious energy of Schlager greats and the impressive Churfirsten mountain range.

This year's lineup boasts both beloved stars and exciting discoveries in the world of German Schlager music. This festival will have you dancing all night long - prost!

Location: Bern
Genres: Pop, Rock
Artist Lineup: Apache 207, Die Toten Hosen, Badmómzjay, BHZ, Caribou, Cobee, Hatepop, Nativ, Sampa the Great, and more

Located on the idyllic Gurten hills with views of Bern, the Gurtenfestival offers a unique and intimate festival experience. 2023 will be a special year for this pop and rock music festival as it is its 40th anniversary.

Gurtenfestival is totally rolling up its sleeves for the celebrations, offering an extra day of music and festivities on Sunday. Join history in the making and listen to the best live acts performing indie, alternative, and electronic music. This year’s artist line-up includes Lil Nas X, Apache 207, and Die Toten Hosen.

Genres: Pop, Rock
Artist Lineup: OneRepublic, Eros Ramazzotti and Joss Stone, Peter Maffay, Gölä

Every summer, the Piazza Grande in Locarno transforms into a giant open-air concert space. Among the colorful buildings under the open sky, this is the perfect setting for the Moon and Stars festival.

For many years, the Moon and Stars music festival has attracted top international acts such as Joe Cocker, Santana, Sting, and Zucchero. This summer, Italian pop-rock idol Eros Ramazzotti will be headlining the festival - a perfect match for the Italy-like old town of Locarno. There will be ten concerts, street food, and more than 20 food trucks. Look out for the free concerts on the "Piazza Piccola.”

Genres: Pop, Rap, Rock, World Music
Artist Lineup: TBA

The Paléo Festival in Nyon is a summer staple for music lovers. As the biggest open-air music festival in Switzerland, Paléo often attracts 200’000 or 300’000 concert-goers. What each one loves about Paléo is the sheer diversity: on multiple stages, the line-up covers many music styles, from Pop, Rap, and Rock to world music.

Paléo goes all the way back to 1976 and aims to offer a platform for established artists and emerging talents. Think Coldplay or Radiohead… Who could it be this year? Check the website starting after March 21 for this year’s line-up.

Genres: Rock, Indie, Pop, Hip-Hop
Artist Lineup: Robin Schulz, Royal Blood, Beatsteaks, Die Fantastischen Vier, Franz Ferdinand, Breitbild, Stefanie Heinzmann

Openair Lumnezia, the festival that started by chance, is a true gem among Switzerland's summer music festivals. It is organized by a young and passionate team from the Val Lumnezia mountains. In the past, Openair Lumnezia has hosted names such as Polyphone, Delilahs, Fettes Brot, Mando Diao, and Klangkarussell.

Given that the stage is surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Val Lumnezia valley, this festival makes for a truly Swiss music experience. Imagine dancing the night away while breathing crisp mountain air…

Date: Aug 2 - 12, 2023
Location: Schaffhausen
Genres: Rock, Pop
Artist Lineup: Sido, Zucchero, Gavin James, Joya Marleen, SDP

In the heart of the charming old town and surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of Herrenacker, Schaffhausen will again host the Stars in Town concert series. The festival brings world-renowned stars and Swiss bands to the big stage.

Stars in Town has become one of Switzerland's most charming and endearing festivals over the years. The festival attracts thousands of visitors to the three concerts on each of the five evenings. There are also side events on Fronwagplatz and after-parties at Orient and Kulturzentrum Kammgarn. The festival is about more than just the lineup; it's also about the charming setting and top-notch acts such as Sido and Zucchero.

Location: Winterthur
Genres: Rock, Pop
Acts: TBA

Winterthurer Musikfestwochen is back in the historic town of Winterthur. For 12 days, seven stages will come alive with music from international and local acts. The charming streets of the old town will not only be abuzz with music but also art, food, literature, and theater.

As one of the oldest Pop and Rock festivals in Europe, Winterthurer Musikfestwochen showcases emerging artists just as much as it gives bands from around the world a stage. The nine days of free concerts are capped off by three paid evenings. Get ready to rock, pop, and groove!

Genres: Various
Artist Lineup: TBA

The legendary Heitere Openair in Zofingen has been bringing the beats since 1991, with diverse lineups that satisfy music lovers of all genres. This year's lineup is still under wraps, but with four stages and over 30 artists, you're in for a wild ride.

From the stunning views atop the Zofinger Hausberg “Heitere” to the three days of non-stop music, the Heitere Openair is the ultimate destination for festival-goers. Past performers include Bastille, Macklemore, Queens Of The Stone Age, and many more. So don't miss this chance to rock out with the best of them at the Heitere Openair!

Genres: Hip-Hop, Rock
Artist Lineup: Macklemore, Cypress Hill, Peter Fox, Tom Walker, Alle Farben

By the time Openair Gampel comes around, festival-goers know that the end of summer is near. Nonetheless, this festival has been bringing serious heat to Valais since 1986. What started as a small festival held on the back of a semi-trailer has grown into a non-stop party with an impressive line-up.

This summer’s theme is “Iischi Party” which means as much as “Our party!” The lineup is filled with hip-hop heavyweights like Cypress Hill, Peter Fox, and Macklemore. Fans will be thrilled to see the performer finally make his appearance after having to cancel last year. 

Openair Gampel 2023 will feature young talents like German rap sensation Nina Chuba and Swiss stars like Joya Marleen, Hecht, Lo & Leduc, and Stefanie Heinzmann.

Genres: Electronic, Rock
Artist Lineup: TBA

ZÜRICH OPENAIR brings music lovers together for a four-day electronic and rock music celebration. With a lineup of diverse acts, from up-and-coming indie bands to international headliners, there's something for everyone.

The 2023 line-up has yet to be released, so we must be patient for a while longer. We already know that the festival grounds near Zurich Airport offer a bustling atmosphere with food and entertainment stands.

All the music festivals in Switzerland on a map 🗺️

FAQs about Swiss music festivals 🎸

Switzerland is a hub for music lovers, with various festivals catering to different musical tastes. From the Montreux Jazz Festival to the Paléo Festival in Nyon, each happening offers a unique experience for visitors. Which of these music festivals in Switzerland have you attended?