A Swiss summer is synonymous with music. Stages crop up across the canton, soundchecks are made and our playlists materialise in front of us, with lifelong favourite artists and those emerging. We’re so spoilt for choice that it’s an unskippable part of the season. A challenge even, not to have gained a wristband and danced until witching hours by the time we reach September.
The historic festivals of worldwide renown tend to take the spotlight. But there are some younger players also bringing us stellar international line ups, often to the unlikeliest of locations. Iggy Pop, Sean Paul, Gloria Gaynor and Sum 41 have each passed through inconspicuous fields in the Vaud countryside. Venoge is the responsible host. Growing year on year, the event has put the tiny village of Penthaz firmly on the music map and earnt it a highlight spot on the regional agenda.
This August 2026 edition promises to be larger than ever to celebrate the festival’s 30th year. David Guetta and AfroJack will open an exceptional additional night, followed throughout the week by Lisa Stansfield, Magic System and the likes of Gala, Dr Alban and Haddaway that will bring back clubnights and WKDs to my fellow millennials.
Big names from the francophone scene include PLK, L2B, Damso and Josman. The festival spotlights musicians at different stages of their career and ascending up both its programme and public consciousness is Swiss and French artist Mosimann. Now one of France’s top DJs, he is returning to Venoge for the fifth time, closing as the headline on the Saturday night.
Somehow, despite now welcoming almost 20 '000 daily revelellers, Venoge has managed to preserve a community feel. The volunteers have boundless enthusiasm. There is always space to dance. It's quick to grab a drink and a bite and there are ample ledges to perch on. Added extras are the tent parties between acts and the hassle-free nightbus back into town. Bonus points if you bump into someone you know.
It makes it hard to forget its roots as a humble event organised by a village parent association. The spirit has stayed the same. It’s about putting local first, like giving a stage this year to rising talent Marie Jay who grew up in Lausanne. It’s about enjoying yourself in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Most of all, it’s about listening to live music, standing on grass, being transported whilst feeling at home.
The Lausanne Guide is giving away 4x2 free tickets for Venoge. You can enter our competition and win your chance to attend on either 14 or 15 August 2026 by
- Liking the post on Instagram that sent you to this article
- Following @TheLausanneGuide and @Venoge_Festival
- Tagging the friend you would like to bring
Venoge Festival is taking place in Penthaz on the 11 - 15 August 2026. Tickets are still available for some nights and the full program is here.
Vanessa Tracey also writes on Substack. You can read more of her work here.
Cover Photo credit: Davide Gostoli
