This weekend in Zurich is dominated by the electrifying Zürich Openair music festival, offering top international acts right by the airport. Complementing the music, the long-running Zürcher Theater Spektakel provides a diverse cultural escape by Lake Zurich. For those seeking unique experiences, there's an exclusive Molière-themed dinner theater and a refined Swiss wine tasting event, ensuring a dynamic and engaging few days for city residents.
Kick off your weekend at the Zürich Openair (ZOA), one of Switzerland's premier music festivals.
On Friday, the festival features international acts including Shawn Mendes, Tiësto, Nina Chuba, and Portugal. The Man. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with multiple stages, food stalls, and a lively crowd. It's the perfect start to a summer weekend.
ZOA is a large-scale festival with diverse genres from electronic to rock and pop. Expect large crowds and a festive ambiance. Full daily lineups and exact set times will be available closer to the event date on the official festival website. This is a must-attend for music lovers.
Easily accessible by public transport. Take the train to Glattbrugg station and walk approximately 10 minutes following signs, or take Trams 10 or 12 to the 'Rümlang, Bäuler' stop. Festival tickets often include ZVV public transport fares.
Experience the Zürcher Theater Spektakel, an annual international festival of performing arts that runs for over two weeks.
While specific daily performances for August 22nd, 2025, will be announced closer to the date, the festival offers a wide array of theatre, dance, and music performances, often with an experimental and contemporary focus, set in a relaxed open-air environment.
The festival grounds at Landiwiese are a popular summer meeting point with food stalls, bars, and a laid-back atmosphere, even if you don't attend a ticketed show. It's known for its diverse and often avant-garde programming. Check the official festival schedule for specific showtimes and details.
Take Tram 7 to 'Brunau/Mutschellenstrasse' or Bus 161/165 to 'Landiwiese'. The venue is a pleasant walk along the lake from Enge station.
Immerse yourself in contemporary art at Kunsthaus Zürich with the exhibition 'Monster Chetwynd: The Trompe l'oeil Cleavage'.
This immersive exhibit by British artist Monster Chetwynd fuses performance, sculpture, and painting, exploring identity and social norms through historical and pop culture references. It's a provocative and engaging experience for art enthusiasts.
Kunsthaus Zürich is Switzerland's largest art museum, featuring a diverse collection from the Middle Ages to the present day. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the exhibition and other parts of the museum. The museum goes cashless from September 1, 2025, but cash is still accepted at the restaurant 'Bei Moudi am Kunsthaus'.
From Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), take Tram 3, 5, 8, 9, or 11 to 'Kunsthaus' stop, or it's a 15-minute walk.
Enjoy the relaxed vibes of the Rundfunk.
fm Summer Festival, a popular live radio festival set at the National Museum. This cultural event is a well-loved summer meeting place near Zurich Main Station, offering a laid-back atmosphere, music, and a chance to mingle.
Rundfunk.fm is known for its free entry and casual ambiance, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon chill-out with friends. It typically features different DJs and a diverse crowd. Stay for a drink and soak in the summer festival spirit.
Located directly next to Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), easily accessible from anywhere in the city via train, tram, or bus.
Indulge in a unique 'Molière Menu: Open Air Dinner & Theatre' experience at the beautiful Belvoirpark.
This special evening combines live theatre, performed in German with a playful twist on Molière's classics, with a gourmet 3-course French-inspired menu. The show blends jazz, humor, and heart in the lush garden setting.
This event offers a sophisticated and culturally rich evening. Booking significantly in advance is highly recommended due to limited capacity and its unique nature. It's a perfect option for a special Saturday night out for locals.
Take Tram 5, 6, 7, 8, or 13 to 'Bahnhof Enge' and then it's a short walk to Belvoirpark, or take Bus 161/165 to 'Belvoirpark'.
For a high-energy Saturday night, return to the Zürich Openair for more live music.
Tonight's lineup includes headliners like Anyma, Halsey, Empire of the Sun, and Scooter, promising an unforgettable experience for electro, rock, and pop fans. Enjoy the festival atmosphere and dance late into the night.
The festival features a fantastic mix of international and national artists. Check the official ZOA website for stage schedules to plan your evening around your favorite acts. Remember to stay hydrated and enjoy the vibrant crowd.
Easily accessible by public transport. Take the train to Glattbrugg station and walk approximately 10 minutes following signs, or take Trams 10 or 12 to the 'Rümlang, Bäuler' stop. Festival tickets often include ZVV public transport fares.
Embark on a delightful journey through Swiss viticulture at the Swiss Wine Tasting event.
This is a chance to discover exclusive vintages and meet over 130 top winemakers from various Swiss regions. Engage in expert-led workshops or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the wine bar.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for wine enthusiasts to sample a wide array of high-quality Swiss wines, many of which are not easily found outside Switzerland. It's a great way to support local producers and expand your palate. Check the official event website for program details and if booking is required for specific workshops.
From Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), take Tram 3, 5, 8, 9, or 11 to 'Kunsthaus' stop, or it's a 15-minute walk.
Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon at the Bloom Open Air Cinema Zurich, which concludes its run on this day.
Enjoy a film under the open sky in a comfortable setting. The specific movie schedule will be released closer to the date, offering a charming and unique cinematic experience.
Open-air cinemas are a beloved summer tradition in Zurich. It's a casual way to enjoy a film, often with food and drink options available on site. Bring a blanket or cushion for comfort. As this is the last day, it might be a popular choice.
Transportation will depend on the final confirmed location. Generally, Zurich's open-air cinemas are well-served by tram and bus routes.
Conclude your weekend by returning to the Zürcher Theater Spektakel for its final weekend.
Explore the festival grounds, catch a spontaneous performance, or simply enjoy the vibrant lakeside atmosphere as the festival wraps up. It's an excellent opportunity to experience international and local performing arts in a unique setting.
The festival is known for its diverse offerings, from established acts to emerging artists. Even without attending a specific show, the grounds themselves provide a lively cultural experience with food, drinks, and a buzzing artistic vibe. It's a perfect way to wind down the weekend in a relaxed yet engaging manner.
Take Tram 7 to 'Brunau/Mutschellenstrasse' or Bus 161/165 to 'Landiwiese'. The venue is a pleasant walk along the lake from Enge station.
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