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.
- Nox Orae music festival (Tour de Peilz) — August 27-29. A cutting-edge music festival by the lake featuring indie, electronic, and experimental acts.
- Les Docks Summer Concerts — From August 17
Perfect for those who want a break from outdoor festival crowds, indoor concerts at Les Docks offer intimate acoustics, guaranteed sound quality and a fully immersive live experience regardless of weather. Highlights this August include acclaimed Irish indie rock band Fontaines D.C. (August 17) and Australian rock legends Wolfmother (August 26).
SPORT EVENTS
- Tour de France Femmes – Grand Départ Suisse — August 1
Lausanne hosts the opening stage of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, welcoming the world's best female cyclists for a spectacular race through the city and surrounding countryside. Expect a festive atmosphere with fan zones, entertainment and celebrations throughout the day. - 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.
- FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lausanne — August 14-15
Watch some of the world's best 3x3 basketball teams compete. Fast-paced games, live entertainment, music and a lively atmosphere make this free event a must for basketball fans. - 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.
- Cin'estival at Château d'Ouchy — July 15–August 7
Enjoy classic films under the stars in the beautiful gardens of Château d'Ouchy. Set around the hotel's pool, this open-air cinema offers a unique lakeside atmosphere, with screenings in their original language and subtitles.
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. - Le Ciné Gourmand at Château d’Ouchy — July 15-17. Where cinema meets gastronomy, 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.
- 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.
Photo credit: Kaizen Nguyễn // Unsplash
