Geneva Events

Geneva International Motor Show

The Geneva International Motor Show is an annual auto exhibition dating back to 1905. It often features modern supercars, alternative-powered motors and concept cars. There is also a chance to browse a selection of accessories and parts. Look out for car premieres that have come straight out of the factory.

Musiques en Eté (Musical Summer)

Taking place in various venues throughout the summer months, Geneva's Musical Summer presents a programme of musical performances and recitals for all to enjoy. The emphasis is on classical and orchestral music and is popular with older music fans.

Bol d'Or Mirabaud Regatta

The annual Bol d'Or Mirabaud Regatta is Europe's largest regatta in enclosed waters and sees participants race across Lake Geneva. Setting off from Geneva, boats travel the length of the lake to a turning point off the French southeastern extremity at Bouverat before making the return sprint back to Geneva. A spectacular sight, each year over 500 boats participate in the regatta which is followed by a big party and celebrations after the event.

Fête de la musique (Music Festival)

Geneva's music festival takes over the streets and squares for three days every summer. Music is everywhere, with more than 50 stages in various venues and locations throughout the city. It presents an exciting and varied programme of performances with acts from around the world. Visitors can hear everything from classical concerts through to rock, rap and hip hop at this popular family-friendly event.

Free.

Swiss National Day

The Swiss National Day is a patriotic celebration of the union of the three states – Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden – that was formed in 1291. There is a distinct pyrotechnic flavour, with bonfires, fireworks and a paper lantern parade through the streets of Geneva. Speeches and national songs naturally play a key role, but there is also dancing, eating and drinking – with local wine and sausages high on the menu. This is a national holiday and people from surrounding towns and villages tend to join in the festivities.

Free.

Fêtes de Genève (Geneva Festival)

Geneva's summer street party begins with a pre-festival warm-up from mid-July, with the main 10-day event following in early August. The streets of the centre burst into life with floats, parades and parties, street theatre and entertainment, plus a programme of concerts featuring national and international performers. Operatic and folkloric shows are among the attractions while, mainly for children, there is a clown parade and a funfair. Up to 1.5 million visitors pour into the city to join in with the merriment that culminates in a spectacular fireworks display. Each year a guest-of-honour country provides its own mini exhibition. Fêtes de Genève is the biggest tourist event in the country, and is highly recommended.

Street events free.

Festival Tous Ecran (Geneva International Film Festival)

Held in Geneva, this annual film festival bridges the gap between television and cinema through its innovative screening programme. Dedicated to bringing films by new writers and directors to the big screen, Cinéma Tout Ecran always presents an exciting and challenging range of flicks. There are a number of prizes awarded by an international jury, as well as seminars and question and answer sessions with many of the directors.

Fête de l'Escalade (Escalade Festival)

Fête de l'Escalade comprises of a traditional weekend festival and a race ('Course de l'Escalade') through the streets of Old Geneva in which everyone from children and fun runners to top athletes can take part. Thousands of runners leave in groups, every quarter of an hour throughout the day, passing Saint Pierre Cathedral to finish in the Parc des Bastions. The Cooking Pot Race ('La Marmite') in the evening, a torch-lit event that ends with the smashing of chocolate pots, is the highlight of the day. The following weekend, to commemorate the historic victory of Geneva over its neighbour, the duc Charles-Emmanuel de Savoie in 1602, there are street parades with people dressed in 17th-century costumes. The festival begins with a procession from Rue des Chaudronniers to the Temple of St-Gervais.

Free.