Festivals in French-speaking Switzerland aren’t just a summer thing. Between Les Créatives in November, the Escalade, the lakeside Christmas markets and the first big dates of 2027 (Cully Jazz, Festi’neuch, Montreux Jazz, Paléo), here’s the calendar to keep handy. Every date comes from the official sites.
This autumn: MJF Residency and Les Créatives
Montreux Jazz Festival runs its MJF Residency from 14 to 17 October 2026: young talent and jam sessions, the festival spirit without the July crowds. In Geneva, Les Créatives holds its 22nd edition from 17 to 29 November 2026. It closes with First Aid Kit on 29 November, their only Swiss date. Electron, Geneva’s electronic music festival, took place in early October (see our Electron 2026 page).
December in Geneva: the Escalade and Noël au Quai
Geneva’s own celebration is the Escalade: costumed parades, torches in the Old Town, vegetable soup and the chocolate marmite. The 2026 edition runs 11 to 13 December. For mulled wine, Noël au Quai sets up on Quai du Mont-Blanc from 19 November to 24 December 2026.
Christmas markets in Lausanne and Montreux
In Lausanne, Bô Noël lights up the centre from 20 November to 31 December 2026. On the Riviera, Montreux Noël runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026, with Santa’s flying-boat cruise on Lake Geneva. A great family outing before you head out dancing.
Spring 2027: Cully Jazz and Festi’neuch
The Cully Jazz Festival (44th edition) runs 2–10 April 2027 in the Lavaux vineyards, and Snarky Puppy are already confirmed in the big tent on Thursday 8 April. In June, Festi’neuch returns to the Neuchâtel lakeside from 10 to 13 June 2027.
Summer 2027: Montreux Jazz and Paléo turns 50
Montreux Jazz Festival holds its 61st edition from 2 to 17 July 2027. Right after, Paléo Festival Nyon, Switzerland’s biggest open-air festival, celebrates its 50th birthday from 19 to 25 July 2027. Line-ups aren’t out yet, and we’ll update this page when they are.
And every other night?
Between festivals there’s something on every night: see what’s on tonight, this weekend or our Geneva and Lausanne listings. The big gigs are in our winter concerts guide.
FAQ
When is Paléo 2027?
19 to 25 July 2027 in Nyon, its 50th edition.
When is Montreux Jazz Festival 2027?
2 to 17 July 2027 (61st edition).
When is the Escalade 2026 in Geneva?
The weekend of 11 to 13 December 2026, according to the Compagnie de 1602.
Are the 2027 line-ups out?
Not yet for Paléo, Montreux Jazz or Festi’neuch. Cully Jazz has announced Snarky Puppy (8 April 2027).