TOP 10 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK
Get organised and fill your diary with one of our upcoming events. Enjoy!
WIN 5×2 TICKETS TO ARTGENÈVE – INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR
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HODLER, THE KING OF SELFIES
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the death of one of the best-known Swiss painters of the 19th century – Ferdinand Holder. You can help commemorate the death of the “King of Selfies” by downloading your own selfie to the website www.hodlerselfie.ch between 18th January to 18th February 2018, where thanks to a software program, a digital mosaic will be composed of these photos, reconstituting one of the many self-portraits of the famous Swiss artist. A large format version will also be on display on the museum’s facade on 1st March 2018, the official launch date to celebrate the year of Hodler.
To download the complete programme in English of events taking place in 2018/19 at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, the Musée Rath, the Cabinet d’Arts Graphiques, the Maison Tavel as well as the Bibliothèque d’Art et d’Archéologie click here.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN – PATHÉ BALEXERT
A colourful and spectacular musical with superstar Hugh Jackman as a revolutionary circus showman opens at Pathé Balexert from Wednesday 24th January 2017 in both IMAX and regular versions in English.
The true story of the visionary P.T. Barnum, who wanted to create the greatest show on earth and in doing so revolutionised the circus. This musical celebrates Barnum’s larger-than-life imagination and is superbly cast with Hugh Jackman in the lead role. Also starring Fredric Lehne, Jamie Jackson, Michelle Williams and Rebecca Ferguson.
WHERE: Pathé Balexert, 27 avenue Louis-Casaï 27, 1211 Genève.
WHEN: Wednesday 24th January 2018 onwards.
COST: IMAX 24.50CHF adult/15CHF children or REGULAR 19.50CHF adult/10CHF children
TO BOOK AND FOR MORE INFO: Click here
POUPOUPIDOU
Poupoupidou is the biggest burlesque show ever produced in Switzerland. Discover the greatest talents of this art that is burlesque from Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th January 2018. Dance, hi-hat, tap, song, magic, feathers and glitter: an evening full of glamour and laughter.
WHERE: Casino Theatre, Geneva
WHEN: Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th January 2018.
COST: From 49-89CHF
TO BOOK AND FOR MORE INFO: Click here
WHEN: Friday 26th of January 2018 from 6pm-9pm.
WHERE: Grand Central Pont Rouge, Lancy.
COST: FREE entry.
MORE INFO: Click here.
COLD BLOOD
After the worldwide success of nano-dances of Kiss & Cry in 2011, choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey and filmmaker Jaco Van Dormael transport us in a moment of pure poetry with their second creation, Cold Blood. Showing at the Théâtre de Carouge for one night only in english on Friday 26th January 2018.
An ode to life, at the crossroads of genres – cinema, dance, music, theater – this show has a rare emotional power. It questions the fragility of existence by exploring the moment just before the last breath where existence is swaying, through a journey of extraordinary amplitude, infinite tenderness and exquisite nostalgia.
WHEN: Friday 26th January 2018.
WHERE: Théâtre de Carouge, 29 rue Ancienne, 1227 Carouge.
COST: 40CHF.
MORE INFO: Click here.
SALON MONT BLANC RETRO VINTAGE
Taking place in La Roche-Sur-Foron, France (30 mins from Geneva) this Saturday & Sunday – a real vintage market for lovers of old school fashion, accessories, music, furniture, objects and decor, as well as design from the 40’s to the 80’s …
WHEN: Saturday 27th January 2018 from 10am-7pm, Sunday from 10am-6pm.
WHERE: Rochexpo Foire Internationale, rue des Centaures, 74800 La Roche-Sur-Foron.
COST: 4 euros, free for children under 15s.
MORE INFO: Click here.
GENEVA OPEN-MIC POETRY READING
Share poetry in a comfortable and friendly environment – whether you’re happy to read some, listen or both, everyone is welcome!
PROTOCOL – you can read your own work or share someone else’s, five minute strict time limit, english or french poems are welcome.
Click here for Facebook page. Click here for the Ethno Bar website.
WHERE: Ethno Bar, 2 rue des Deux Ponts, 1205 Genève.
WHEN: Monday 29th January 2018 from 7pm-9pm.
COST: Free (but please buy a drink to keep the establishment happy!)
ARTGENÈVE – COMPETITION: WIN 5x 2 TICKETS TO ARTGENÈVE
See works of art from all over the world at this international art fair, taking place from Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th February 2018. Now in its 7th edition, both modern and contemporary artworks from over 80 galleries will be on show – including several huge projects such as the installation of an indoor sculpture park by Max Bill, as well as a monumental tree by Giuseppe Penone.
The sculptures exhibition will be on display lakeside (Quai Wilson) for you to enjoy for the inauguration of artgenève on Tuesday 30th January 2018.
WHEN: Inauguration Tuesday 30th January 2018 (lakeside on Quai Wilson), artgenève (Palexpo) Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th February 2018 from midday to 8pm.
WHERE: Palexpo, 1205 Genève.
COST: 20CHF adults, children/students 10CHF, under 6s FREE.
MORE INFO: Click here.
COMPETITION:
WE GIVE AWAY 5x 2 TICKETS TO ARTGENÈVE
TO ENTER:
Answer this simple question:
How many galleries are participating in ArtGenève this year?
Send your answer to info@thingstodoingeneva.ch by 10am Tuesday 30 January 2018.
Winners will be informed by email.
GRAND OPENING PARTY – THE STAG
The Grand Opening Party of new alpine bar The Stag takes place on Wednesday 31st January 2018. Check out this great new place while enjoying mulled wine, cheeses and oysters throughout the evening.
WHEN: Wednesday 31st January 2018.
WHERE: The Stag, 1 rue des Étuves, 2101 Genève.
MORE INFO: Click here.
CAFÉ VOISINS
This Thursday 1st February 2018, sit back and enjoy a musical afterwork with DJ, accompanied by great local beers, lively wines and some great cocktails.
WHEN: Thursday 1st February 2018.
WHERE: Café Voisins, 8 rue des Voisins, 1205 Genève.
COST: Entry free.
MORE INFO: Click here.
ON-GOING EVENTS
THE ANTIGEL FESTIVAL
The annual Antigel Festival, running from the 26th January-17th February 2018 – now in its 8th year in Geneva – offers an interesting blend of music, sport, dance, culture, clubbing and creation for all ages. Their mission is to innovate and push boundaries and to get people who live in Geneva out of their state of hibernation and comfort zone during mid-winter to witness the exciting evolution of the canton.
To read more about what’s going on at the Antigel Festival click here.
BLACK MOVIE FESTIVAL
Intrigued by the Black Movie Festival, but a bit perplexed about what’s on offer?
We asked festival co-director Kate Reidy, to give us the lowdown and her suggestions for the Top 5 Movies not to miss at this year’s festival.
An international independent film festival in Geneva running from the 19th-28th January 2018 – which aims to ‘swim against the tide’ of conventional movie fare, celebrating emerging talents and established filmmakers from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
There is also a Black Movie for Kids section with 44 animated children’s movies.
WHERE: Cinema Grütli and other local cinemas.
WHEN: From the 19th to the 28th of January 2018.
AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION

WHERE: Centre des Arts, Fondation de l’Ecole Internationale de Genève, 62 route de Chêne, 1208 Genève.
WHEN: Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 1pm-4.30pm until the end of March (weather permitting) from January 23rd to February 18th 2018 (opening January 23rd with music from African group Wuïwa).
COST: Free
MORE INFO: Click here
CHANGER LE MONDE
An exhibition by the visual communication department of the HEAD (Haute École d’Art et de Design) in Geneva entitled Change the World? This broad theme has been set by the teachers and each has proposed a particular angle of approach which the students in turn have interpreted with a no-holds barred attitude.
WHERE: Villa Dutoit, 5 chemin Gilbert-Trolliet, 1209 Genève.
WHEN: Until 4th February 2018, Wednesday to Sunday from 2pm-6pm.
COST: Free.
MORE INFO: Click here
BEAU ET FROID PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
Winter plays a major role in the imagination of Genevans. During the winter, the waters of Lake Geneva are sometimes projected by the winds on to the banks to the extent that they cover them with an ice mantle – the quays, the boats, the trees and the various other objects situated at the edge of the lake. The freezing spray then creates sumptuous ice sculptures with improbable shapes. Photographer Matthias Thomann captured this phenomenon of ‘chilling kisses’.
WHERE: Library of Geneva
WHEN: 15th January till 19th May 2018.
COST: FREE entrance.
MORE INFO: Click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
INTERNATIONAL COMEDY CLUB
International Comedy Club launched in 2006 as ‘Funny Laundry’, and having introduced and established genuine stand up & alternative comedy club culture in Switzerland, in English, is now embarking on it’s 12th year of shows.
See their next hilarious show on Wednesday 7th February 2018. Loyiso Gola from South Africa is the co-creator and anchor of the late-night satirical news television series Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, launched in 2010. In 2012 he was named one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, in the Media & Film category. Men’s Health describes Gola as having “divisive mass appeal” due to the openly critical nature of his humour, and being “a genuine thinker masquerading as a fool and the reluctant voice of a cynical generation.
Tina T’Urner the Tea Lady from England winner of Best Newcomer Cabaret Award makes the best cup of tea in town.
Click here for further information.
JUST WRITE! WORKSHOP
Whether you’re a beginner, stuck in the middle of a project, or struggling to find the end, this workshop creates the space to get your writing out of you and onto the page.
Just Write! sessions show you how to access your best and most inspired creativity, move into creative flow and break out of old, left-brain mental frameworks and inspire you to express your creative genius. Each morning only session is guided by a different theme. Dates have been set for the 17th February, 17th March, 28th April and May 19th 2018 from 9.30am-12.30pm and cost 47CHF.
Click here for more information.
CONCERT BY BOMBAY JAYASHRI RAMNATH
In the intimate setting of the Théâtre les Salons on Saturday 10th February 2018, enjoy an evening of song with Bombay Jayashri, the award-winning vocalist, composer and teacher of Indian classical music, accompanied by percussion and the violin.
Known for having wrote and performed the song “Pi’s Lullaby” in the movie “Life of Pi”, she was nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 85th Academy Awards.
Tickets are 30CHF. For further information click here. Email here for ticket sales.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
NATIONAL THEATRE STREAMED LIVE
See Tennessee William’s 20th century masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – for one night only streamed live from the National Theatre on Thursday 22nd February 2018.
On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gather at their cotton plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. Brick and Maggie dance round the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out?
Captured live on stage, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will screen in cinemas around the World from 22nd February 2018.
WHERE: Pathé Balexert, 27 avenue Louis-Casai, 1211 Genève.
WHEN: Thursday 22nd February 2018.
COST: 30CHF (includes a glass of champagne).
MORE INFO/TICKET SALES: Click here.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Oscar Wilde’s brilliant satire comes to Geneva for 5 nights from 27th February until 3rd March 2018 at the Théâtre de l’Espérance.
The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People… This iconic piece of English theatre is an effervescent, laugh out loud comedy of manners. With incisive wit and gentle disdain, Oscar Wilde affectionately satirises the intricate social customs and futile pretentions of the English aristocracy in his most celebrated play.
Upper class bachelors Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing concoct false identities for social convenience as well as to win over their ladyloves, Gwendolen and Cecily. But they must also manage Gwendolen’s formidable and hilariously pompous mother, Lady Bracknell, and a host of characters who contribute wittingly or unwittingly to the deception.
Tickets go on sale on the 4th February 2018. You really don’t want to miss this hilarious show!
WHERE: Théâtre de l’Espérance, rue de la Chapelle 8, 1207 Genève.
WHEN: Tuesday 27th – Saturday 3rd March 2018.
MORE INFO: Click here. For ticket sales (from 4th February 2018) click here.
CARIBANA TICKETS
Tickets are now available for the 28th Caribana Festival that takes place from the 6th-10th June 2018.
Choose from Status Quo, Simple Minds, Passenger and The Script who will all be performing.
Click here for ticket sales.
NICKLEBACK AT GENEVA ARENA
Canadian rock band Nickelback embark on their impressive 23 city Feed the Machine European tour in 2018, and will be playing at the Arena in Geneva on Wednesday 13th June 2018. Tickets are be available now from Ticketcorner.
STING AT THE FESTIVAL GUITARE EN SCENE
Sting returns to the Festival Guitare en Scene in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois on Sunday 22nd July 2018 after his first stint at the festival back in 2015. Tickets are on sale now and exclusively on the festival website. Click here to see the Facebook page on the Festival. Click here for tickets.