Zuerifasnacht –
Carnival Fun in Zurich for All the Family
Züri Carneval 20th – 22nd February 2026
“Zuerifasnacht” or “Züri Carneval” is a fun filled event in Zurich with costumes, wigs, outrageous outfits and lots of music from the Guggen bands. This year it is taking place in Zurich from 20th – 22nd February 2026. With the main parade taking place at exactly 14:31 on Sunday 22nd all through the Niederdorf and along Limmatquai etc.
Züri Fasnacht in the Niederdorf
Here are some photos from a previous Fasnacht celebration in the Niederdorf. As well as the pavements being strewn with confetti there is always music and revelry in the air as bands play and people wander around the streets dressed in all colours and types of clothing.
Glitter, Confetti and Costumes at Zuerifasnacht
It’s always fun to go along for the big parade through town – be prepared for glitter, confetti, loud costumes and even louder music.
The parade usually weaves its way through the Niederdorf and along the Limmatquai and Rennweg and stopping at squares like Hirschenplatz and Münsterhof.
If you’ve never been for why not go along as a family and enjoy this colourful, loud and fun event. The good news is that it means that Spring is on the way!
Check out this Instagram Reel of Zurich Carnival
The Main Areas of Carnival Activity in Zurich
The carnival activities usually take place around the following locations in Zurich:
Münsterhof – Check out the events here
Here is the Program for the Hirschenplatz Entertainment
Hirschenplatz – Check out the events here
Beizenfasnacht – Visit A Zurich Pub to Celebrate
One of the most atmospheric parts of Zurich Fasnacht is the traditional Beizenfasnacht – the pub carnival that spills music and colour into the city’s bars and restaurants. Head into the Niederdorf in Zurich’s Old Town, or explore some of the outer districts, and you’ll hear the unmistakable slightly wild sounds of Guggenmusik bands filling the air. Step inside almost any participating pub and chances are you’ll find musicians in full costume playing just a few metres away from the crowd.
With a bit of luck, you might also catch one of the smaller ensembles weaving their way from venue to venue, turning an ordinary evening out into a spontaneous carnival moment. Each location runs its own programme, so it’s worth checking the official posters to see who’s playing where and when. The pubs, restaurants and Guggenmusik groups of Zurich’s Fasnacht are always delighted to welcome visitors. So why not grab a drink, squeeze in among the revellers and experience carnival the truly local way.
Beizenfasnacht ( Pubs/ Restaurants) – Check out the events here
Züri Carneval – More Information
Pin: Don’t forget to support the Carnival by purchasing a pin costing CHF 10
You can find out more by visiting the website here.
Other Fasnacht Events You Might Like
You can find out information about the other major Fasnacht and Carnival Celebrations in Switzerland here. If you want to experience a larger Fasnacht you could always hold out for the big carnival in Basel which always starts at 4am on a Monday morning with “Morgenstraich”. The night before, over in Liestal in Basel Land, the famous Chienbäse Liestal Fire Parade takes place and it is quite a spectacle. Basler Fasnacht is famous and the SBB even lay on special trains from Zurich so that you can get there in time for the early start. For more information on Basler Fasnacht please read this article.
You can find details on a number of Fasnacht and Carnival celebrations throughout Switzerland here. Whatever you do have fun!
Züri Carneval 2026
Where: Zurich
When: 20th – 22nd February 2026
Kicks Off: Around 5pm / 6pm on Friday 20th Feb. Main parade on Sunday 22nd at 14:31 precisely.
For more information visit the Züri Carneval website (in German) here.
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