From Alpine festivals to autumn fairs – this is what’s happening across Switzerland in October 2026.
October 3rd to 18th: Herbstmesse (Lozärner Määs), Lucerne
Though unpronounceable to non-(Swiss) German speakers, this large autumn fair will span all the way from the Bahnhofplatz via Europaplatz to Inseli in Lucerne’s city centre.
It will and feature over 100 market stalls selling anything from baked goods to clothing items and hand-crafted gifts.
October 3rd: Autumn Festival, Ascona (Ticino)
The quintessential autumn nut – the chestnut – has the leading role during this annual event, which includes not only a market with traditional handicrafts, but also typical local foods and wines from the area surrounding this picturesque Ticino town.
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October 4th to 13th: Chopin Festival, Geneva
For the 29th edition of the Chopin Festival, exceptional performers and chamber musicians from diverse backgrounds will present the famous Polish composer’s masterpieces.
Performed in various concert halls around Geneva, you can see here who will perform which works, and where.
October 4th: Swiss Castles Day, all over Switzerland
During this event, 32 castles across Switzerland will open to public with specially- themed programmes.
This year’s theme is “Travel.”
You can see which castles will open, and what activities they will offer, here.
October 7th: Waldstatt Cattle Show, Waldstatt, Appenzell Ausserrhoden,
If you’re looking for an authentic example of Swiss culture and folklore combined, the Waldstatt Cattle Show is just the thing.
This is when farmers arrive with their cattle from the Alpine meadows in full traditional dress (both farmers and bovines), for a series of competitions where prizes are awarded in a range of categories, including …‘The Most Beautiful Cow’.
October 17th-18th: Mountain Beer Festival, Ramosch (Graubünden)
Can you think of a better way to spend an autumn day than a mountain hike followed by beer? (Yes, you do have to walk first, and drink later, not the other way around).
If this sounds heavenly, then head to the village of Tschlin in the Engadin valley, where the hike begins, and walk the 13 kilometres to Ramosch, where beer from several local Alpine breweries awaits.
‘Zürich liest’, October 20th – 25th
Reading actual, physical books may seem like something from the previous century, but in Zurich, this activity it is still alive and thriving.
You can see this yourself by visiting the international book and literature festival, ‘Zürich liest’ (Zurich reads), which has been held in Switzerland’s largest city since 2011 and still enjoys great popularity among a broad audience.
October 24th-November 10th: Basel Autumn Fair
Switzerland’s oldest and largest amusement fair – the Basler Herbstmesse – is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage and draws around 1 million visitors from Switzerland and abroad each year.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll from Barfüsserplatz to Messeplatz and from Petersplatz to the city’s cathedral while taking in traditional market stalls, exciting rides and many other nostalgic attractions.
October 25th; Lausanne Marathon
If you’re looking to keep fit while taking in magnificent scenery, then you may want to join 13,600 joggers in the Lausanne Marathon.
This year’s edition will see runners jog between Lausanne and La Tour-de-Peilz, passing along the shores of Lake Geneva and through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards.
You can choose which type of marathon you’d like to run, be it a full marathon, semi-marathon, 10 kilometres, or Nordic walking.
October 30th: Cheese festival, Bern
If you are interested in discovering (or tasting again) local cheeses and other dairy-based regional specialties, head to the Waisenhausplatz in the capital city’s centre.
To top off the festivities, you can (literally) try your hand(s) at a cow-milking contest.
