What’s On in Zurich End of April 2026
Wishing you a great weekend and week ahead! Don’t forget Friday 1st May is a public holiday in Zurich – see more details here. Spring is in the air in Zurich, there is still lots of blossom, Sechselauten may be over but the Ferris wheel is still up at Bürkliplatz and somehow the Böögg is still managing to drive the Spring Märlitram round the city until 26th April (despite having been burnt to smithereens last Monday!!!) At least with a burning time of 12 minutes 48 seconds the prognosis is for a good summer! The Zurich Bier Festival is on today 24th & 25th April and the Tina Turner musical continues until 3rd May. In the Botanical Garden the Spring Festival is taking place on 26th April and it’s your last chance to see the beautiful Breathe with Pilatus art installation until 26th too. Don’t forget we have 2 contests on right now, one for free tickets to Art International which runs from 8th – 10th May and one to win one of 2 pairs of tickets to Neuchâtel Caves Ouvertes Wine Festival 8th- 9th May.
*** CONTESTS TO ENTER ***
Here are the 2 contests to enter:
- Win one of 2 pairs of tickets to Neuchâtel Caves Ouvertes from 8th and 9th May. ENTER NEUCHÂTEL WINE CONTEST HERE.
- Win FREE tickets to Art International Art Exhibition from 8th – 10th May. ENTER ART INTERNATIONAL CONTEST HERE.
Explore Zurich and Beyond
If you’re looking for some travel inspiration in Switzerland from Zurich take a look here.
If you fancy going for an excursion here are some suggestions:
- 31 ideas and activities for children and teenagers
- 31 ideas for excursions from Zurich.
- Ideas for trips further afield in Switzerland (2 hours or more away)
- For cloudy or rainy days in Zurich, some ideas and for wet weather here.
New In Zurich – welcome!
If you have recently arrived in Zurich we have updated our Guide for people who are “New in Zurich” with all the key information you need when you arrive in Switzerland – take a look here.
Comprehensive guide for newcomers.
Check out our other top tips for newcomers here.
If you’re planning to leave Zurich take a look here.
EVENT LISTINGS
Things To Do in Zurich End of April 2026
ZÜRICH BEER FESTIVAL 24th –25th APRIL: Beer people, this is your Super Bowl. Two days, one mission: hop-heavy happiness at Theater Spirgarten. Expect craft, classics and beers from all your favourite breweries around the world. Hydrate strategically! See all the details here.
PLATZ-FEST 25th APRIL: Lalalalala but louder. DJs, live music, food, drinks – this spring gathering at the 25 Hours hotel is back again this year on 25th April. From 1pm onwards. Stay as long as your stamina allows. Address: 25hours Hotel Zürich West, Pfingstweidstrasse 102, 8005 Zürich
HARD TRANCE EUROPE – 25th APRIL: After stops in the UK, Ibiza, Malta and Rotterdam, the Swiss edition of Hard Trance Europe lands at Alte Kaserne this Saturday. Expect a full night dedicated to the harder side of trance, with sets from Scot Project, Amber D, LAB4, Nick The Kid, S.H.O.K.K., Madwave, Chris SX, ED Lynam, S.P.H.E.R.E. and Enemy-9. Tickets here.
BOTANICAL GARDEN ZUIRCH SPRING FESTIVAL 26th APRIL: Taking place from 11am till 5pm, this spring festival offers a plant sale featuring perennials, herbs and seedlings, alongside information stands on edible wild plants from Switzerland and the Mediterranean. There will be a varied programme with short guided tours, children’s activities, insights into bat protection, wildlife in and around the water and a selection of food and drinks. For more details on this and the Botanical Gardens see here.
THE SPRING MÄRLITRAM WITH THE BÖÖGG FOR CHILDREN ENDS 26th APRIL: The new Springtime Märlitram is a ride only for kids aged 4 – 9 years in Zurich where the driver is actually the Böögg! It’s only on till 26th April. You can see all the details here.
SUNDAY FLEAMARKET: MÄDELS FLOHMARKT 26th APRIL (& 31st MAY): Wardrobe detox, in a social setting in Zurich. Racks of pre-loved gems, bags, accessories, clothes and more. Good vibes, and the thrill of finding that piece for CHF 10. Come early, leave smug. 11am till 4pm. Address: Pfingstweidstrasse 101, 8005 Zürich. Entrance FREE!
SECONDHAND FASHION SHOW 26th APRIL: Sustainable, but make it runway. From 11am till 6pm at Schiffbau Zurich. Day dance, second hand clothes market, then a proper fashion show at 15:00. Schiffbau gets stylish – expect fits, not fast fashion. Address: Schiffbaustrasse 6 8005 Zürich Schweiz. FREE entry.
LAST CHANCE! BREATHE WITH PILATUS ON MOUNT PILATUS ENDS 26th APRIL: Slow down, breathe and reconnect with nature at this unique multisensory art installation high above Lake Lucerne. Created by Swiss designer Annabelle Schneider, BREATHE WITH PILATUS transforms part of Mount Pilatus into a contemplative alpine space where art, sound, scent and technology merge into a deeply immersive experience. Open daily from 10:30–15:30 and FREE to visit with a valid Pilatus cable car ticket, this winter art highlight is perfect for a mindful mountain day trip. See all the details here.
NEW EXHIBITION: WAR AND SWITZERLAND NOW OPEN: A new exhibition at the Landesmuseum Zürich explores how warfare has shaped Switzerland from the late Middle Ages to today. From founding myths like the Rütli Oath to internal conflicts and the lasting impact of the Second World War, the exhibition brings together objects, documents and multimedia installations to offer a thought-provoking look at Switzerland’s relationship with war and neutrality. See all the details here.
SOMMER MARKT AT SEEBAD ENGE 26th APRIL: Rosé in hand, lake in view, local brands on display. Add workshops and sunshine and you’ve got peak Zurich soft life. 10am till 5pm. Address: Mythenquai 9, 8002 Zürich
CHRIESIWÄG BLOSSOM TRAIL BLOOMS: The Chriesiwäg blossom trail’s blossoms are waning but there are still some to view – but take a look here to find out more.
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE CHURCH SERVICE IN ZURICH SUNDAY 26th APRIL Once a month, the Reformed Church Zurich hosts a welcoming English-language service rooted in the Swiss Reformed tradition. With prayer, music and an open-minded approach, it offers a meaningful sense of community for newcomers, long-time residents and anyone who feels more at home in English. The next service is on 26th April at Enge Church, with bagels and coffee from 10.00 am and the service starting at 10.30 am. More information here.
BLIND DINNER EXPERIENCE ENOTECA RIVIERA ZURICH 30TH APRIL: A blind dinner experience like no other. Enjoy 4 courses paired with 4 wines, completely blind, with no menu in advance. Taste, guess, and discover what’s really on your plate and in your glass. Taking place in Zürich at Enoteca Riviera from 7pm to 11:30pm on Thursday 30th April. The 3 people with the top tasting marks with go through to the finale on 29th October. Other dates 28th May, 25th Jun, 27th Aug, 24th Sep and 29th Oct is the Grand Finale. Limited seats, book your tickets now to join the challenge at www.züritaste.ch.==>> You can book your tickets here.
SWISSWHEEL FERRIS WHEEL AT BÜRKLIPLATZ UNTIL 30th APRIL: Swisswheel, the most modern Ferris wheel in the whole of Switzerland is at Bürkliplatz from now until 30th April. Don’t miss! See details here.
THE FORGOTTEN LEGEND OF ZURICH – FROM 1st MAY: A new immersive light installation is coming to Kirche Enge, combining 360° video mapping, aerial choreography and live singing inside one of Zurich’s most striking spaces. Created especially for the city, this unique show brings a mysterious Zurich legend to life as the church walls transform with light, sound and storytelling. Expect a visually impressive experience with multiple performances daily. Tickets available now – see more information about the event here.
SANAPA AM SEE 1ST MAY 2026: On 1st May the first SANAPA am See takes place at the Strandbad Mythenquai. Doors open at 14:00 for a full day by the lake with 3 floors (two electronic, one hip hop), 17 DJs, and food by Hiltl. Around 80% of tickets are already sold, with a limited number of second release tickets still available. SANAPA has been free for many years, but this lakeside edition is ticketed. For tickets see here.
OPEN WINE CELLAR DAYS 1ST – 3RD MAY 2026: Discover Swiss wine culture at its best as over 200 winegrowers across German-speaking Switzerland open their cellar doors for tastings, tours and local specialities. Enjoy a relaxed day exploring vineyards, meeting winemakers and sampling regional wines in some of Switzerland’s most beautiful wine regions around Zurich and beyond. See all the details here.
DON’T MISS!!! TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL UNTIL 3rd MAY: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical the highly acclaimed West End musical is now performing in Zurich at Theater 11 in Oerlikon until 3rd May. It chronicles her life from humble beginnings in Tennessee to global stardom and features her iconic hits. It really is amazing – don’t miss! See all the details here
ZURICH RACE DAY, DIELSDORF 3rd MAY : The racing season kicks off in style with a full day of excitement and elegance. From 10:30 a.m. to around 5:00 p.m.,the 111th Grand Prix of the City of Zurich takes place with seven flat races, a steeplechase, pony races, plus betting and refreshments. VIP Tickets here and Grandstand seats.
*** WIN TICKETS FOR ART INTERNATIONAL ***
***WIN TICKETS*** FOR ART INTERNATIONAL ZURICH 8th – 10th MAY: We have lots of tickets to be won for Art International which is back in Zurich at Puls 5 with a stunning collection of art from 8th – 10th May. Each ticket is valid for 2 people and it is also valid for entry on all day including the first evening! Don’t miss out – enter our contest here.
OPEN WINE CELLARS NEUCHÂTEL WINES 8th & 9th MAY & WIN TICKETS! : Mark your diaries for the Open Cellar Wine Tasting Days (Caves Ouvertes) taking place in Neuchâtel on 8th & 9th May. We have 2 pairs of tickets to be won! See details here.
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA GALA DINNER 9th MAY : Experience a unique evening at the premiere of “A Night at the Opera” at the Zurich Opera House, a black-tie benefit gala set on the main stage. The evening includes a champagne reception, a three-course gala dinner by Michelin-starred chef Stefan Heilemann (Widder Restaurant), performances by international opera stars and Zurich Ballet dancers, plus live music, DJ and lounge. More information on the Gala Dinner and Opera here .
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT BÜRGENSTOCK WITH ALPINE VIEWS 10th MAY : Celebrate Mother’s Day with a very special brunch at Verbena Restaurant by Christian Scharrer at the Bürgenstock Resort. Expect a delicious culinary experience with seasonal dishes, alpine views and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere – perfect for an Easter spring outing above Lake Lucerne. See all the details here.
FREE ANNUAL TULIP FESTIVAL IN MORGES ON NOW TILL 11th MAY: Don’t miss the FREE annual Tulip Festival taking place in Morges now until 11th May. All you need to know here.
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Think you know your taste? Prove it!
A blind dinner experience like no other.
4 courses paired with 4 wines – completely blind. No menu in advance.
Taste, guess, and discover what’s really on your plate and in your glass.
📍 Zürich – Enoteca Riviera, Zurich 7pm – 11:30pm
📅 Apr 30 · May 28 · Jun 25 . Aug 27 · Sep 24 · Oct 29 (Grand Finale)
==>> Limited seats – book your tickets here to join the challenge now!
👉www.züritaste.ch
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*** FREE WINE TASTINGS *** CAVES OUVERTES VALAIS 14th – 16th MAY: Don’t miss the Open Cellars event or “Caves Ouvertes” in Switzerland’s biggest wine region. For three days, 240 vineyards across Valais open their doors for free wine tastings, giving you the chance to discover new favourites and meet local winemakers. See all the details here.
CHECK OUT THE NEW SONIC 20 ROBOT CLEANER BY ROBOROCK: The new Saros Sonic 20 robot cleaner cleans your house thoroughly, mops and even climbs up steps! It’s on an early bird special price for orders placed by 18th April. See all the details here.
PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAYS? CHECK OUT TUMI’s MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPE COLLECTION: If you’re planning your summer holidays don’t skimp on your luggage. A reliable set of suitcases are worth their weight in gold and TUMI have just launched their latest collection called Mediterranean Escape. Read all about them here – and find out what the 19D stands for!
DENON SPEAKERS: Denon have just launched an impressive range of great speakers which as well as offering great performance look good in your home too. I went to test them out at a busy pizza bar in Zurich – find out all about them here.
MAGIC PASS – MOUNTAIN PASS: If you love exploring the mountains in Summer and skiing in winter, don’t miss the Magic Pass which gives access to over 110 resorts in Switzerland, France and Italy it offers a full year of mountain access at very reasonable prices. Please note, however that the pricing increases in stages so the earlier you buy it, the cheaper it is. See all the details here.
ROAD TRIPPING THROUGH SWITZERLAND IN THE NEW HONDA PRELUDE: We recently took the new Honda Prelude on a road trip through Switzerland – through driving rain, sleet and snow showers – and the odd bit of sunshine ! ( no, we weren’t very lucky with the weather)! But despite it all, the new Honda Prelude took it all in its stride and was actually a dream to drive! Read all about it here.
EVER WONDERED WHAT THE BENEFITS OF AN AMEX PLATINUM CARD ARE? You may have heard about the dining credits, the hotel upgrades, the insurance and the travel perks that an AMEX card gives you. However, if you want to find out more about the advantages of having an AMEX Platinum Card and in addition, as a NewIn Zurich reader, benefit from a very special offer take a look here See all the details.
HELMHAUS: “THE LONELY” ON NOW TILL 7th JUNE: A whole exhibition about being alone – ironically best experienced together. Thoughtful, a bit eerie, very now. Go if you’re feeling introspective (or just curious). Address: Helmhaus, Limmatquai 31, 8001 Zurich.
MORE THAN HUMAN: MUSEUM FÜR GESTALTUNG ZÜRICH ON NOW UNTIL 31st MAY: At a time of climate crisis and species extinction, More Than Human looks at how design can work hand in hand with science, architecture, art, and technology to protect natural ecosystems. The exhibition brings together current, thought-provoking projects — and it’s free every Thursday from 5pm, making it an easy after-work visit. More info here.
KUNSTHAUS: MARISOL NOW UNTIL 23rd AUG: New exhibition at the Kunsthaus. Big, bold, and slightly surreal. Marisol’s sculptural figures stare back – somewhere between pop art and quiet chaos. Worth lingering longer than you planned. Address: Heimplatz 1, 8001 Zürich. Find out more about the Kunsthaus here.
CIVILIZATION – OUR LIFE IN FOCUS NOW UNTIL 19th JULY: A fascinating new photography exhibition is taking place at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, exploring how we live today and the impact humans have on the planet. The exhibition presents both the achievements and the darker sides of contemporary life through artistic and documentary photography, revealing how modern civilisation has transformed landscapes, cities and everyday life across the globe. On now until 19th July at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, Ausstellungsstrasse 60, 8005 Zurich. See details here.
GLACIER DREAMS TILL MID 2026: A very impressive immersive art installation by Refik Anadol continues at the Kunstaus continues until at least June. See details and more pictures here.
ZURICH OPERA HOUSE PERFORMANCES: Check out the latest performances at Zurich Opera House here.
A VISIT TO THE AARE GORGE: How about a trip to the Aare Gorge? Read all about it here.
BRISSAGO ISLANDS AND BOTANIC GARDENS: For a sunshine break why not head to Ascona and Locarno and visit the Brissago Islands? A botanical garden with stunning views in the middle of Lake Maggiore? Even the boat ride is a fun experience. See all the details here.
A PICTURESQUE HIKE ALONG THE WALENSEE: How about a beautiful Spring hike along the Walensee? Check out this picturesque hike from Wessen to Quinten here.
SPRING FLOWERS ON THE ISLAND OF MAINAU: The flower island of Mainau not far from Konstanz is always worth a trip. Find out all about it here.
FOOD IN ZURICH AND BEYOND
LA PIAZZETTA UITIKON – AUTHENTIC ITALIAN NEAR ZURICH: If you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant near Zurich, La Piazzetta in Uitikon Waldegg is well worth a visit. This charming spot serves up homemade pizzas (including gluten-free options), fresh pasta dishes and classic Italian favourites, all made with seasonal ingredients sourced directly from small producers in Italy. With a spacious terrace for alfresco dining, a modern interior and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great choice for anything from a relaxed dinner to a group celebration. Address: 📍 Leuengasse 51, 8142 Uitikon. Tel: +41 44 203 36 44. You can read all about La Piazzetta here.
THE NEST AT THE STORCHEN NOW OPEN: The Nest Rooftop at the Storchen Hotel in Zurich is now officially open for the season. The perfect place for lunches, aperitivos and of course one of the best views in Zurich. See some Instagram impressions here.
MICAS GARTEN NOW OPEN UNTIL 3rd OCTOBER 2026: One of Zurich’s most beloved summer hangouts is now open for the summer with food stalls, bars, music and a relaxed garden atmosphere. Perfect for after-work drinks or weekend lounging. Until 3rd October. See all the details here.
NEW IN ZURICH – PRETTY PATTY SMASH BURGERS: There’s a great new Smash Burger joint in Zurich called Pretty Patty! It’s run by an Anglo Swiss team – see all the details here.
CHAMPAGNE SUNDAY BRUNCH AT STUDIO BELLERIVE AMERON ZURICH: If you’re looking for a great champagne brunch in Zurich, do check out the lovely offering at Studio Bellerive at the AMERON Zurich. It includes a half bottle of Champagne per person, coffee and tea and soft drinks and a wonderful selection of sweet and savoury treats. See all the details here.
RALPH’S COFFEE – NEW IN ZURICH: Ralph Lauren is newly arrived in Zurich and with the store comes Ralph’s Coffee Shop too. Located in a quiet side street just off Paradeplatz it’s in a beautiful setting and is already proving extremely popular! See all the details here.
SATURDAY BRUNCH AT STROZZI’S PELIKAN: Start your weekend with a relaxing Saturday brunch at Strozzi’s Pelikan. The à la carte brunch features a delicious range of both sweet and savoury dishes as well as their signature flatbreads for the classic egg dishes. Centrally located in Zurich just off Bahnhofstrasse. Read all about it here.
NEW IN ZURICH MADAME SUM DUMPLINGS AT GLOBUS BELLEVUE: Great news for Dumpling lovers, as Madame Sum has just opened in Globus Bellevue for both eat in and take away! Globus Bellevue, Theaterstrasse 12, 8001 Zürich. Read all about Madame Sum Dumpling at Globus Bellevue here.
EXPLORE THE ALTSTADT IN ZURICH: If you’ve got visitors over, or you simply want to explore Zurich for yourself, why not spend a couple of hours of so in the beautiful old town in Zurich. Find out more here.
MUSIC AND JAZZ AT RANK ZURICH: See details of the upcoming music and entertainment at Rank Zurich.Take a look here.
TONHALLE ZURICH: See what’s on at the Tonhalle Zurich. See their latest program here.
INTERNATIONAL COMEDY CLUB IN ZURICH: The International Comedy Club Zurich has lots of new Stand Up events coming soon. Take a look here.
THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY IN ZURICH: There’s plenty to do on a rainy or cloudy day in and around Zurich. Take a look here.
NEW IN ZURICH? NEW IN SWITZERLAND?
==>> SEE OUR NEWLY UPDATED GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NEW IN ZURICH HERE
MORE TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS: See our our top tips for newcomers here as well as some more tips to help you feel at home here.
FIND OUT ALL ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ZURICH HERE: Tips on the different public transport options and types of tickets available in Zurich. Read the details here.
LANDQUART SHOPPING OUTLET OPEN SUNDAYS: Struggling to go shopping for more than basics on a Sunday, why not head to Landquart Fashion Outlet (open 363 days a year) see details here.
SHARED LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Find yourself sharing laundry facilities in your new apartment? Find out all about this Swiss phenomenon here.
WHERE TO SELL ONLINE IN SWITZERLAND: Find out where you can sell stuff online in Switzerland here.
SPEEDING FINES IN SWITZERLAND: Things you need to know about Speeding in Switzerland. Read the article here.
EXCHANGING YOUR DRIVING LICENCE: As soon as you arrive in Switzerland and receive your Ausweis, you should make arrangement to exchange your driving licence. See all the steps you need to undertake here.
RECOMMENDED HAIRDRESSERS: See our list of recommended hairdressers in Zurich here.
TRANSITIONING TO SWITZERLAND WITH CHILDREN: Top tips when transitioning to Switzerland with children. Read the article here.
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Check out this Instagram post about the FREE Wine tasting in Valais from 14th – 16th May
