Summer in and around Lausanne is anything but quiet. From lakeside festivals and open-air concerts to food markets, sporting events and family-friendly activities, July and August are packed with reasons to make the most of the season. Whether you're staying close to home or venturing a little further along the lake, here are the events worth adding to your calendar.
FESTIVALS & CONCERTS
- Lausanne Garden Parties — 5 weekends from July 10 to August 8. Multi activity, free and for the general public, the Lausanne Garden Parties give pride of place to music, dancing, theatre, street arts and open-air cinema. Each of the proposals in the will take place according to the topography and specific possibilities of each park.
- Yadlo Festival in Préverenges — July 10–12. A beach festival with concerts, food trucks, water activities and its famous silent party right on the lake. Free entry and one of the most fun summer weekends on this side of the lake.
- Montreux Jazz Festival — ends July 18. Two weeks of concerts, lakeside stages, DJs and summer atmosphere on the Riviera.
- Jolie Vue in St Saphorin (Lavaux) — July 17-19. Set among the vineyards overlooking lake, Jolie Vue blends music, art and local gastronomy in one of the region's most picturesque villages. A wonderful excuse to spend a summer evening exploring Lavaux.
- Eren Festival in St Prex — August 6–8. An intimate lakeside music festival on Plage du Chauchy in St Prex with live concerts, DJs and a beautiful setting directly on the lake.
- Venoge Festival in Penthaz — August 11-15. It's known as the largest open-air music festival in the Gros de Vaud and Lausanne region. The festival features a variety of musical genres, including hip-hop, rap, and electronic dance music, with both international and local Swiss artists.
- Jazz in the Park — August 15 in Prilly; August 22-23 at Cantine de Sauvabelin. Smooth rhythms and cool summer air – enjoy free jazz concerts.
- Street Artists International Festival in Vevey — August 14-16. This free festival is the fun family event of the end of the summer holidays. The festival prize, the “Pavé d'or”, is awarded every year to Swiss and international performers.
- Festival 4 Seasons at Casino de Montbenon — August 28-30 . Three days of festivities filled with concerts and workshops; 40 guest musicians under the age of 26.
- August 27-28-29: Nox Orae music festival (Tour de Peilz). A cutting-edge music festival by the lake featuring indie, electronic, and experimental acts.
SPORT EVENTS
- Athletissima — August 21. THE summer sporting event in Lausanne. Every year, nearly 13,000 spectators gather to applaud the performances of 250 international athletes and the best Swiss talents.
- Triathlon de Lausanne — August 29-30. Cheer on athletes from around the world as they swim, bike, and run through Lausanne’s scenic landscape.
- Lausanne su Mer. Sports and fun activities open to all ages, children and adults. No need to go to the seaside, the sea is coming to Lausanne!
OPEN-AIR CINEMA
- Open-air Locarno Film Festival at Plateforme 10 — July 12-18.
- Les Bobines de Valency — July 26 & 31, August 7 & 14. Open-air cinema evenings in the park – bring a blanket and enjoy films under the stars.
- Le Ciné Gourmand at Château d’Ouchy — July 15-17. Where cinema meets gastronomy. Set in the beautiful gardens of Château d'Ouchy, this unique open-air experience pairs each film with a specially created menu by a Lausanne chef, inspired by the evening's screening. Expect three magical summer evenings where great food, film and a stunning lakeside setting come together.
CULINARY EVENTS
- Festin d'Époque — July 8
Travel back to the 1970s for a nostalgic evening in Lausanne's Rue de la Mercerie. This flower power-themed picnic combines retro décor, live entertainment, stories from the era and a creative menu inspired by the decade's iconic dishes, reimagined by local chefs and merchants. A fun, immersive dining experience with plenty of vintage charm. - Tavolata Bio in the heart of Lavaux — July 24 & 25
Enjoy a long-table dinner among the vineyards at Domaine Les Dryades in Lavaux. The evening features a seasonal menu created by chef Camille Abegg (BeauBonBien), perfectly paired with organic wines presented by winemaker André Bélard. A memorable summer dining experience for food and wine lovers.
SWISS NATIONAL DAY
- Swiss National Day — August 1. Fireworks, lakefront celebrations, food stalls and festivities across the canton.
Photo credit: Kaizen Nguyễn // Unsplash
