What’s On in Zurich Mid to End September 2026
As September draws to a close, there’s still plenty happening in and around Zurich. The Zurich Film Festival is on now, Oktoberfest at the main station has begun, Open House Zürich – Architektur für alle opens up fascinating buildings across the city, and it’s the final weekend of Zurich Design Weeks. On 26th September, the Tag der urbanen Produktion takes place and the new immersive VINCENT – Zwischen Wahn und Wunder exhibition is on now at the Lichthalle MAAG. This Sunday also brings slowUp Zürichsee, with more traditional cow parades and Alpabzüge taking place around Switzerland, plus the spectacular Thuner Wasserzauber in Thun.
For a short autumn escape, why not visit Freiburg im Breisgau, just around 2½ hours from Zurich. You can also still take a trip on the Gotthard Panorama Express until 18th October – use code 50GoPExChristina for the special offer for two people.
Autumn also means Wild season, and at Strozzi’s Herrliberg you can enjoy seasonal game dishes with beautiful Lake Zurich views until 1st November. Looking ahead, FRED Hotel Central Zurich opens on 1st October, the Swiss Castles Day 2026 is on 4th October, the QS MBA & Master’s Event at the Marriott Zurich takes place on 8th October, as does the Oktoberfest at Bauschänzli and the Zurich Wine Festival begins 12th October. Have fun and enjoy the last weekend of September!
Explore Zurich and Beyond
50 Best Day Trips From Zurich
It’s a wonderful time of year to explore Switzerland from Zurich – check out our guide to the 50 Best Day Trips here.
- For locations 2 hours or more from Zurich take a look here.
- 31 ideas for excursions from Zurich.
- 31 ideas and activities for children and teenagers
- Ideas for trips further afield in Switzerland (2 hours or more away)
- For cloudy or rainy days in Zurich, find lots of wet-weather ideas here.
EVENT LISTINGS – Things To Do in Zurich End of September 2026
ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL 24th SEPT – 4th OCT: The Zurich Film Festival is back, bringing 133 films, major international premieres, Swiss productions and a stellar line-up of guests to Zurich. This year’s confirmed stars include Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe, Olivia Colman, John Turturro and Richard Linklater. The main festival hub is once again at Sechseläutenplatz, with screenings and special events taking place across the city.Public ticket sales open on 14th September at 10am. See our full guide with dates, tickets, stars, venues and tips here. .
VINCENT VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE AT LICHTHALLE MAAG 23rd Sept – 28th FEB 2027: Step inside the world of Vincent van Gogh at this new immersive exhibition at Lichthalle MAAG in Zurich. Running from 23rd September 2026 to 28th February 2027, VINCENT combines 360° projections, music, animation and storytelling to explore the artist’s final years and extraordinary legacy. A fascinating and very different way to experience Van Gogh’s work. See all the details here.
Plus we have a contest on Instagram running until midnight on Tuesday 29th Sept to win 2 x pairs of tickets for VINCENT. Enter here!
ZÜRI-WIESN AT ZURICH HB 24th SEPTEMBER – 17th OCTOBER: Oktoberfest season has arrived at Zurich Main Station! The Züri-Wiesn celebrates its 20th edition this year, transforming the main hall into a huge Bavarian-style beer hall and beer garden with live music, traditional food, beer, competitions and plenty of Oktoberfest atmosphere. The beer garden is open daily, while the main party in the Bierzelt takes place Tuesday to Saturday evenings. See all the details here.
THE COW PARADES RETURN THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER: One of Switzerland’s most beautiful autumn traditions continues! Decorated cows will be making their way down from the Alps throughout September and into October, often accompanied by village celebrations, markets, music and plenty of Swiss atmosphere. UPDATED! See our complete guide to Cow Parades here.
ZURICH DESIGN WEEKS TILL 27th SEPTEMBER 2026: Zurich Design Weeks continues until 27th September for its fifth edition with this year’s theme “OUT OF…”. Discover exhibitions, installations, talks, workshops and design events at more than 40 locations across Zurich, with much of the programme free to visit. The Swiss Design Lounge at the Museum für Gestaltung serves as the festival headquarters. Find out more here.
THUNER WASSERZAUBER 25TH SEPTEMBER TO 25TH OCTOBER 2026: The spectacular Thuner Wasserzauber returns to Thun with two FREE nightly water, light, laser and music shows on the Aare. This year’s productions are “Blüemlere”, inspired by Lake Thun and Swiss music, and “EDM – Electronic Dance Music”, celebrating Thun’s electronic music history. Shows take place daily at 7.30pm and 9.15pm and last around 20 minutes. It’s a great excuse to combine an autumn day trip in Thun with a magical evening by the river. More information here.
TAG DER URBANEN PRODUKTION 26th SEPTEMBER: Discover how things are made right here in Zurich as more than 100 local makers, workshops and production businesses open their doors for the 7th edition of Tag der urbanen Produktion. Expect behind-the-scenes visits, guided experience tours and fascinating insights into Zurich’s production hubs including the VBZ Zentralwerkstätte, YOND Campus and Werkstadt Zürich. See all the details here.
SLOWUP ZÜRICHSEE SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER: Enjoy Lake Zurich without the usual traffic at the slowUp Zürichsee 2026! On Sunday 27th September, 42 km of roads from Zurich via Meilen and Rapperswil-Jona to Schmerikon will be closed to motorised traffic and open to cyclists, skaters, runners and walkers. Join anywhere along the route, go as far as you like and enjoy food stalls, activities and a great lakeside atmosphere. 10am–5pm. FREE. More information here
JUCKER PUMPKIN FESTIVAL NOW FULLY OPEN: Both the Jucker pumpkin exhibition and the one at Bächlihof are now open. Please note you now need entrance tickets for both exhibitions. See all the details here.
FOUNDATIONS FOR LEARNING TEACHING ASSISTANT COURSE :Interested in working with children or developing your learning-support skills? This practical English-language course covers motivation, attention difficulties, maths and reading, speech and language development, autism and more. Sessions take place one Saturday per month in Stadelhofen, Zurich, from 09:30–13:30. No specific prerequisites are required and places are limited to 22 participants. Find out more about this course. You can register for the course here.
WELCOME APERO AT THE AWCZ 30TH SEPTEMBER: New to Zurich or looking to meet new people? Learn more about the AWCZ, our 30+ weekly activities, signature events and philanthropy. The AWCZ has over 380 members from around the world. Whether you like to hike, read or drink cocktails, socialize with a warm, inclusive group of (mostly) expats in a friendly English-speaking environment. Join the fun here.
MICAS GARTEN UNTIL 3rd OCTOBER 2026: Make the most of the last weeks of one of Zurich’s most popular summer hangouts, with food stalls, bars, music and a relaxed garden atmosphere. Perfect for after-work drinks or weekend lounging. See all the details here.
THE ANNUAL SWISS CASTLES DAY 4th OCTOBER: Swiss Castles Day takes place on 4th October and there are some great programs arranged in various castles across Switzerland. Why not go along and visit a castle? See all the details here.
QS MBA & MASTER’S EVENT ZURICH 8th OCTOBER: Thinking about taking the next step in your career with an MBA or Master’s degree? Meet representatives from leading international universities and business schools including INSEAD, Oxford Saïd, HEC Paris, London Business School, Bocconi and more at the QS MBA and Master’s Event Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel. Get advice on applications, funding, GMAT/GRE, career opportunities and scholarships, plus join an interactive career session hosted by INSEAD and enjoy networking drinks. You can read all about it here. Thursday 8th October, 17:30–21:00. Free entry, advance registration required. Register here.
OKTOBERFEST AT BAUSCHÄNZLI 8th OCTOBER – 7th NOVEMBER: Oktoberfest will be back in Bauschänzli from 8th October till 7th November this year. See all the details here.
ZURICH WINE FESTIVAL 12TH–18TH OCTOBER 2026: The Zurich Wine Festival returns for its seventh edition with a full week of wine, food, masterclasses and special experiences across the city. This year’s programme features more than 450 wines, with Rioja as the official Focus Region, alongside Swiss wines from Ticino, Vaud and Zurich. Highlights include Aperitivo Day, the main Wine Expo at Papiersaal from 16th–18th October, masterclasses and, for the first time, a Sunday Wine Brunch. Tickets are available now, with events starting from CHF 20. Find out more about the event here.
GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS UNTIL 18th OCTOBER 2026: Experience one of Switzerland’s most beautiful journeys on the Gotthard Panorama Express, combining a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train ride along the historic Gotthard route between Lucerne and Lugano. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, the famous Wassen Church and the wonderful contrast between Central Switzerland and sunny Ticino. Use code 50GoPExChristina for the special offer for two people. Find out all about it here.
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FOUNDATIONS FOR LEARNING TEACHING ASSISTANT COURSE
Interested in working with children or developing your learning-support skills? The Foundations for Learning Teaching Assistant Course started on 19th September and takes place one Saturday per month in Stadelhofen, Zurich until June 2027
The practical English-language course covers areas including motivation, attention difficulties, maths and reading, speech and language development, autism and more.
You can find out more about the course here
For more information and to register for the course please see here.
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QS MBA & MASTER’S EVENT ZURICH 8th OCTOBER
Thinking about taking the next step in your career with an MBA or Master’s degree? Meet representatives from leading international universities and business schools including INSEAD, Oxford Saïd, HEC Paris, London Business School, Bocconi and more at the QS MBA and Master’s Event Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel. Get advice on applications, funding, GMAT/GRE, career opportunities and scholarships, plus join an interactive career session hosted by INSEAD and enjoy networking drinks.
You can read all about it here.
Thursday 8th October, 17:30–21:00. Free entry, advance registration required.
==>>Register here.
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OLMA FESTIVAL ST GALLEN 8TH–18TH OCTOBER: One of Switzerland’s best-known agricultural fairs returns to St Gallen for its 83rd edition. OLMA brings together livestock shows, Swiss traditions, food, regional specialities, shopping, entertainment and of course the famous piglet races. This year’s guest canton is Schwyz, and the festival runs for 11 days across the Olma Messen St.Gallen grounds. It’s a great autumn day trip from Zurich and a fun way to experience Swiss rural culture. See our full guide to OLMA 2026 here.
ACTION PASS FOR OVER 60s: If you or anyone you know is over 60, the ZVV Action Pass is available for one month of unlimited travel on the network with lots of additional offers, including free entry to selected museums and attractions. All the details here
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU – JUST 2.5 HOURS FROM ZURICH: Looking for a perfect weekend or mid week break not too far from Zurich ? Why not visit Freiburg Im Breisgau with its beautiful Münster, quaint cobbled streets, vibrant daily market and wonderful restaurants and great local wines. Find out all about it here.
FANCY A DAY TRIP TO SOLOTHURN? CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED GUIDE: Solothurn is known for its love of Baroque and its fascination with the number 11. Find out all about this beautiful city here.
TOP ROOFTOP RESTAURANTS ZURICH: Make the most of sunny September days at one of Zurich’s rooftop restaurants and bars. Perfect for a meal or a drink with stunning views. See the list here.
RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR TERRACES: There is still plenty of time for alfresco dining if the weather behaves. Check out our list of restaurants with great outdoor terraces. Take a look here.
6 GREAT CIRCULAR HIKES WORTH TRYING: Early autumn is a fabulous time to get out walking. Check out these six great circular hikes not far from Zurich. See all the details 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 and offers a full year of mountain access. Pricing increases in stages, so the earlier you buy it, the cheaper it is. See all the details here.
VISIT KÄPFNACH COAL MINE IN HORGEN: Why not head over to Horgen, put on a hard hat and ride 1.4 kilometres through the historic tunnels of one of Switzerland’s largest former coal mines? Combine your underground adventure with a scenic walk through the nearby Aabachtobel for a fascinating family day out. See all the details here.
New In Zurich – Welcome!
Guide For The Newly Arrived in Zurich
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.
Public transport Guide to Zurich and Switzerland
Where to shop on Sundays and Public Holidays in Zurich.
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VISIT THE HR GIGER MUSEUM IN GRUYERE: How about a trip to beautiful Gruyere? Whilst you’re there make sure to visit the HR Giger Museum.See all the details here.
ZURICH OPERA HOUSE PERFORMANCES: Check out the latest performances at Zurich Opera House here.
FOOD IN ZURICH AND BEYOND
BEST CAFÉS IN ZURICH – UPDATED GUIDE: Check out our guide to some of the top cafés in Zurich. See our suggested cafés here.
TOP 12 MATCHA SPOTS IN ZURICH: Take a look at our guide to the top Matcha Spots in Zurich here.
TOP GLUTEN FREE CAFÉS, BAKERIES AND RESTAURANTS: Check out our list of Gluten Free places in Zurich here.
BEST BURGERS IN ZURICH: We’ve updated our burger list – check it out here.
REMISE ROSA URBAN GARDEN ZURICH: The new Remise Rosa urban garden not far from Hardbrücke is a great place to go for a relaxed drink or to eat out with friends. See all the details here.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT BAR IN ZURICH? Zurich has a vibrant bar scene – so if you’re looking for somewhere great to go for a drink, take a look here and check out our guide.
TOP ICE CREAM SPOTS IN ZURICH: Check out these awesome places for ices in Zurich.
FOOD & RESTAURANT GUIDE: Check out our Food and Restaurant Guide for more suggestions here.
MICAS GARTEN 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.
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.
PARKING IN ZURICH: Parking in Zurich explained – blue zones, white zones, car parks and more.
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.
NEWINZURICH READER OFFERS:
COIFFEUR-ARTÉ HAIRDRESSERS ZURICH – 20% off all services on your 1st appointment at Coiffeur Arté when you mention NEWINZURICH. Tel: 044 482 99 33.
Instagram: If you’re on Instagram we would love you to follow NewInZurich for Food, Events and Travel Ideas
See our Instagram post on the Cow Parades in Switzerland here.
See our Instagram post on a trip from Zurich to La Rioja to explore the region:
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