Zurich, the vibrant heart of Switzerland, offers a plethora of events throughout the year that cater to diverse interests. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, music lover, art aficionado, or culinary explorer, Zurich has something special for you.

Zurich is a vibrant city with a mix of varied festivals and other extravaganzas happening all year round. So, on that note, let’s look at the top events in Zurich without further delays.  

Top 10 Events in Zurich 2025 

Here’s looking at some of the biggest Zurich festivals and events that you can attend as a part of your trip for a bucket load of unforgettable experiences and memories. 

1. Street Parade – The World’s Biggest Techno Party

Street Parade brings Zurich to life in a whole new way, as you’ll find out! Slated for August 9 this year, it stands out for its unique range of electronic sounds and a gorgeous lakeside location, with the world’s best DJs performing for attendees. 

Join thousands of enthusiasts at what is the world’s biggest techno party and a must-attend on the Zurich social calendar. Starting from the 1990s, it’s been a big showcase for not just techno but also a wide mix of other styles like Drum n’ Bass, House, Dubstep, Trance, and more.

After the official parade street celebrations, there are tons of parties that you can attend, including Insomnia at the Hallenstadion, The Rooftop at Samigo Amusement, and Synergy in the Alte Kaserne. 

Zurich Music Week is the ideal build-up to the event, where professionals and amateur musicians get together for talks, concerts, workshops, and varied events. With more than 920,000 visitors expected, this one’s going to be a massive affair, starting in the Seefeld quarter and moving around the Lake Zurich shore to Mythenquai.

You’ll be intrigued to know that top global acts like Andrea Olivia, Chris Liebing, Lilly Palmer, and FJAAK have played here in the past. 

2. Zurich Openair – A Multi-Genre Musical Feast

Zurich Openair is your one-stop event for attending the best concerts in Zurich, Switzerland, offering an acclaimed international musical lineup and unmatched vibe. You’ll also love the predominantly young and lively vibe here. Check out the diverse rock, electronic, and pop music lineup at this open-air festival with plenty of food and entertainment to match!

The dates for 2025 are August 22-23 and 29-30, with the location being Glattbrugg near Zurich Airport. Past performers include Swedish House Mafia, Billie Eilish, Calvin Harris, and more. 

What’s the lineup this year? You can expect some fabulous Zurich concerts from the likes of Empire of the Sun, Rita Ora, Halsey, Post Malone, Anyma, Nina Chuba, and DJ Tiesto, to name a few! So, if you’re a music buff, you know when to plan your next Zurich trip! 

3. Zurich Film Festival – Red Carpets and Real Stories

Cine buffs can head to the Zurich Film Festival, one of the world’s biggest global cinema festivals. If you’re a corporate media professional or creative worker in the industry, this is your chance to network, market, and build connections for a lifetime! 

What’s interesting is that ZFF takes place at the Festival Center on the Sechselautenplatz near Bellevue on the Lake Zurich shoreline. The dates are between 25th September and 10th October 2025. 

You’ll find a fabulous lineup of global features, documentary films, Swiss originals, and a lot more, with attractive prizes on offer across categories. And, of course, there are oodles of glamour with red carpet events that attract the crème-de-la-crème of the global movie industry (Johnny Depp, Sharon Stone, and Sylvester Stallone have been past guests).

Must-attend events include the cinema, where you can interact with filmmakers, ZFF Masters, and ZFF Talks. The Green Carpet and Side Events programs are also worth checking out here. 

4. UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 – Game On!

If you’re a sporting buff, there’s the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 that you can attend between the 2nd and 27th of July, 2025. The tournament’s 14th edition will take place in Switzerland this time, with Zurich being a host city for the mega event. Watch Switzerland compete against famous neighbors like Portugal, Germany, Spain, England, and France (and more), catching the matches slated for the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich. 

You can buy tickets at womenseuro.com and also ticketcomer.ch. Don’t miss the carnivalesque experience at the stadium with its 50,000+ capacity and special VIP boxes with catering and other perks. Be a part of the buzzing atmosphere and unleash your inner sports fan to the hilt! 

5. Zürcher Theater Spektakel – Global Theatre by the Lake

One of the best events in Zurich for you to attend, this one features performances by international groups at stunning lakeside venues, with diverse genres to savor. If you simply love performing arts, plan your trip for this event that’s slotted for 14-31 August 2025. The event goes back to 1980 when it began as an annual meeting of global theatre groups and has become one of the most acclaimed European contemporary arts festivals today. 

Enjoy the 18-day spectacle at the Landiwiese, with the park-esque site on the Lake Zurich shoreline hosting not just open-air performances but also several onsite bars and restaurants for your sip and bite. 

6. Zurich Marathon – Run with a View

Heavily into physical fitness, running, and health and wellness tourism? If these tick the boxes, then you shouldn’t miss the Zurich Marathon that’s scheduled for 13th April 2025. Suited to both casual and competitive runners, it offers a picturesque course spanning 42.5 km, which includes stunning views of not only Lake Zurich but also several famous landmarks. Be a part of the lively team of participants with easy race-day support access and other events like a 10k race and half marathon. 

With 5:30 hours as the maximum time limit, the marathon starts and finishes at the upper lake basin while covering the charming Downtown Zurich area. Want to be a part of this event? Check out details on Runners Week and Shake Out Runs on the Instagram page of the Zurich Marathon. 

7. Caliente! Latin Festival – Zurich Gets Hot

One of the most unique Zurich festivals for music, food, and Latin culture enthusiasts, this one’s slated for 4th- 6th July 2025 with plenty of colorful events, dancing, and partying at the Kasemenareal for you to enjoy! Dance away to the samba drumming with live bands and DJs playing all throughout, complete with exotic dishes and tropical drinks to savor. 

The entire quarter becomes a Latino barrio that’ll give you a holiday vibe like no other! And if you’re looking for that burst of delicious Latin cuisine, check out the popular line-up of food trucks here, too. 

8. Zurich Street Food Festival – Global Bites, Swiss Style

Love your food? Want to try some of the world’s best delicacies with a unique Swiss touch? Check out the Zurich Street Food Festival or FOOD Zurich, which celebrates food over 10 days from 12th to 22nd June 2025. Bustling food markets, global street food, workshops, craft beer, and that heady buzz in the air- what more could you possibly want? 

Enjoy amazing tastings all around as you sample the finest Swiss and international street food at the innumerable stalls here. Know more about fermentation, forage for unique herbs, attend enriching discussions, and even visit a bean-to-bar factory for chocolates.

It’s as unpredictable and enjoyable as it gets at FOOD Zurich! And of course, there’s an opportunity to see the longest table in Switzerland at Lake Zurich, where the best culinary delights of Zurich and 12 districts will be on display! 

9. Lethargy Festival – Art, Music & Chill Culture

Enjoy an alternative line-up of adrenaline-pumping Zurich concerts at the Lethargy Festival, which takes place annually at the Rote Fabrik and is held alongside the Street Parade. From thought-provoking art installations to fabulous lakeside views and buzzing underground music, there’s a lot that you can enjoy here! The Preconcert Extravaganza is scheduled for 7th August 2025 (19:30-23:30), while the main events are between 8th and 10th August. 

Hop from hall to hall, watching exciting live acts, accompanied by your choice of drinks from the bars with the fabulous lakeside backdrop keeping you company. If music is your poison, this one is a MUST VISIT! 

10. Literaturfestival Zürich – Thought-Provoking & Global

Passionate about literature and books in general? Visit Zurich between 7th and 13th July 2025, when the city comes alive to celebrate the world’s finest authors and multilingual literature.

It’s an ideal platform for cultural travellers, academics, bibliophiles, and those who’re fond of exclusive readings and interaction sessions with authors. The main stage is located amidst the beautiful Old Botanical Gardens, with an exciting lineup of creative geniuses expected to attend this year. 

Interestingly, the history of the event goes back to 1837, and it’s still regarded as a global pilgrimage spot for writers across the world. Read, interact, understand, and absorb to your heart’s content here! 

Where to Stay During Zurich Events

To enjoy the best events in Zurich without hassles, you’ll find it more convenient if you book your accommodation near major venues and transit points. This is where you’ll find the best options for serviced apartments in Zurich, offering higher privacy, space, and flexible lease terms in comparison to hotels. At the same time, you’ll enjoy reasonable rates for extended stays while accessing the best amenities in prime locations throughout the city. 

They’re not just ideal for families and leisure seekers but also corporate visitors looking to attend these top festivals and events while getting some work done remotely on the side (with dedicated business facilities at several apartments). Use reliable online platforms like TheSqua.re to find apartments near your chosen festival venue and book early to avoid the last-minute rush. 

Final Thoughts

So, as you can see, there are tons of amazing events in Zurich, offering musical, literary, wellness, culinary, and other wonders for participants. Even if you’re a corporate flying down for work or a leisure traveller seeking more excitement, these events cater to almost all tastes with aplomb.

Book a serviced apartment in a strategic location to enjoy more space and comfort at a reasonable rate for extended stays and you’re all set! Here’s to savoring a fabulous trip to Zurich, complete with attending a unique event that gives you lifetime memories and unforgettable experiences.