WHICH MUSIC FESTIVALS ARE HAPPENING NEAR YOU THIS SUMMER?
by Chené Koscielny
Music festivals and summer go hand in hand – whether you’re into rock, classical, reggae or jazz, you’ll find a music festival in or near Geneva to get you into a feet tapping, hip swaying or full-on head banging mood.
Here is our roundup of some of the best music festivals in and around Geneva this summer.
MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
The world famous Montreux Jazz Festival takes place from 29th June until 14th of July 2019.
Steeped in the history of rock, the program also features jazz heavyweights, delicate folk, and new R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sensations.
Some of the big names include Elton John and Sting.
The big performances take place in indoor venues throughout the city and tickets may be sold out for many, but don’t despair there is a whole programme of outdoor concerts, which are free.
From 28 June to 13 July 2019, festival-goers will enjoy an array of over 300 concerts, DJ sets, and workshops! Two new venues are making their entrance this year: the Liszto Club – two-story fusion of the Strobe Klub and Lisztomania – and the Terrasse ibis MUSIC.
For the full programme of FREE events –– click here. Take the train to Montreux and soak up the atmosphere as you enjoy the free open-air concerts in what must be one of the most stunning places on earth. The vibe is amazing, take along children, dogs and enjoy some celebrity spotting.
WHERE
Montreux
WHEN
From 28 June till 13 July
FURTHER INFO
Transport: Trains from Geneva via Lausanne to Montreux and return, plus one direct bus line from Montreux at 2:00am.
Food: For food and drink options, click here:
Website: https://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/practical/food-beverage
MUSIQUE EN ETÉ
This festival offers numerous open air summer concerts, with musicians and music styles from all over the world. It takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Parc de la Grange (next to Parc des Eaux Vives) on the Ella Fitzgerald stage.
Bring a picnic to enjoy beforehand.
Music ranges from classical to opera to jazz to contemporary music performed by artists from all around the world. Look out for our article of highlights closer to the time.
TOP TIP: Download the new mobile app «Genève en été», which will also give details of the rich line-up of summer events on offer in Geneva.
WHERE: Parc La Grange, Alhambra and Victoria Hall
WHEN: 5th July – 22nd August 2018.
COST: Free.
FURTHER INFO: Website: https://www.ville-ge.ch/culture/musiques/programme.html
AUBES MUSICALES
For the early risers. These sunrise concerts from 6-7am take place at Bains des Pâquis, situated beautifully by the lake. Experience beautiful music as you greet the sun. These concerts are hugely popular and a great way to start the day, followed by a croissant and coffee or muesli at the buvette of the Bains des Pâquis.
WHERE
Bains des Pâquis.
WHEN
From 22nd July to 1 September from 6-7 am.
MORE INFO
Programme and more info here.
PALÉO FESTIVAL – NYON
In 40 years, the Paléo Festival in Nyon has become the biggest festival in Switzerland. It covers an area of 84 hectares, with 7 stages, more than 200 stalls and some fifty bars. Robbie Williams, Elton John, The Cure, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers are a few of the big names that have played, and there is always upcoming talents, street artists and traditional music from around the world. It finishes on Sunday evening with a large firework display. The crowd is a mixed one, everyone will fit in here. Every year the Village du Monde has a different theme, this year it is ‘the mysteries of Quebec’.
WHO IS PLAYING?
Big names include Lana Del Ray, The Cure, Twenty One Pilots and many more. Although many tickets have been sold out, a ticket market operates where you can buy and sell tickets. on this website.
TOP TIP: Additional tickets also become available every day of the festival.
HOW TO GET THERE
Situated near Nyon, there is parking on site, and trains and busses that connect with Geneva, Lausanne and Nyon running late into the night. Or take a tent.
It’s busy, if you’re hoping to see a band and still be in bed before midnight, think again.
WHERE
Nyon
WHEN
17th-22nd July 2018.
FURTHER INFO
Transportation: special trains from Geneva available.
ROCK OZ’ARÈNES
This open air concert takes place in the spectacular setting of the Roman amphitheater, which is the best preserved north of the Alps. Come and watch top artists perform in a place where two millennia ago lions and Gallo-Roman gladiators fought. The big draw cards this year include The Scorpions, Christophe Mae, The New Roses and more.
Tickets are still available for some of the performances.
WHERE
Avenches, Vaud
WHEN
14th-18th August 2018.
FURTHER INFO
https://www.rockozarenes.com/home.html
http://www.ticketcorner.ch/tickets.html?affiliate=OZA&doc=start
Transport
Special buses are available to and from Geneva.
PLEIN LES WATTS FESTIVAL
Various reggae masters with several DJs in this cool, free concert.
WHERE
Plan-les-Ouates
WHEN
15, 16 and 17th August
COST
FREE
FURTHER INFO
Website
https://www.pleinleswatts.ch/.
Transport
City buses and trams.
GUITARE EN SCENE – St Julien en Genevois
A small festival that pops up annually in a recreation ground in St Julien. There are two stages and a maximum capacity of 5500 people but although small, it is perfectly formed, especially if you enjoy rock and an extraordinary proximity to artists. Plenty of refreshment options and a nice, relaxed vibe.
This year’s line-up includes: Midnight Oil, Dream Theatre, Joan Baez, Mark Knopfler, John Butler Trio, Micheal Shenker Fest, John Illsley, Albert Lee, King King, Aynsley Lister, Neal Black and Fred Chapellier.
HOW TO GET THERE
Direct bus from Geneva, or plenty of parking.
TICKETS
On this site.
WHERE
In Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
Located on the Swiss-French border, 20 minutes away from Geneva
WHEN
11-14 July 2019
