ongoing events
ART
Galleries and Museum listings for the Lake Geneva region can be found on our Culture page.
International Red Cross Photo Exhibition showcases the spirit of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the issues that affect it.
Michelle Petersen Photography offers courses from beginners to advanced. Challenges are set to help you practice and grow in your photography skills.
MUSEE D’ART DE PULLY: PERSPECTIVES. LA COLLECTION D’ART HELVETIA
Tuesday to Friday from 14h-18h --- Saturday and Sunday from 11h-18h
Dedicated to Switzerland's art collection, one of the most important corporate collections in the country, "Perspectives" presents rarely shown works and is structured around four themes. From Giovanni Giacometti to Monica Studer and Christoph van den Berg, from the architecture of Rudolf Maeglin to the futuristic spaces of Thomas Huber, as well as the geometric research of Olivier Mosset, Corsin Fontana and Claudia Comte. One section is devoted to portraiture, with works by artists and visual artists such as Augustin Rebetez, Silvia Bächli and Miriam Cahn.
Galleries and Museum listings for the Lake Geneva region can be found on our Culture page.
International Red Cross Photo Exhibition showcases the spirit of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the issues that affect it.
Michelle Petersen Photography offers courses from beginners to advanced. Challenges are set to help you practice and grow in your photography skills.
MUSEE D’ART DE PULLY: PERSPECTIVES. LA COLLECTION D’ART HELVETIA
Tuesday to Friday from 14h-18h --- Saturday and Sunday from 11h-18h
Dedicated to Switzerland's art collection, one of the most important corporate collections in the country, "Perspectives" presents rarely shown works and is structured around four themes. From Giovanni Giacometti to Monica Studer and Christoph van den Berg, from the architecture of Rudolf Maeglin to the futuristic spaces of Thomas Huber, as well as the geometric research of Olivier Mosset, Corsin Fontana and Claudia Comte. One section is devoted to portraiture, with works by artists and visual artists such as Augustin Rebetez, Silvia Bächli and Miriam Cahn.
COMEDY
The International Comedy Club - presents comedy in English. Buy Tickets online or at the door. Doors: 7.30pm. Show: 8pm. Carriages: 10pm.
The International Comedy Club - presents comedy in English. Buy Tickets online or at the door. Doors: 7.30pm. Show: 8pm. Carriages: 10pm.
COOKING & WINE TASTING
Callier Chocolate offers chocolate making courses in Gruyere. Registration required.
Cooking and Wine tasting courses in English
Wine Events
Callier Chocolate offers chocolate making courses in Gruyere. Registration required.
Cooking and Wine tasting courses in English
Wine Events
GAMES
Scrabble! Tuesday evenings at 7pm
Aurea and Dave welcome anyone who is curious or passionate about Scrabble or simply just want to have fun with this friendly group.
Scrabble! Tuesday evenings at 7pm
Aurea and Dave welcome anyone who is curious or passionate about Scrabble or simply just want to have fun with this friendly group.
MOVIES
Visions du Réel on Tour
For the third year running, Visions du Réel on Tour has teamed up with Cinémas Capitole de Nyon to present films that have either been shown at other renowned international festivals or which have not yet come out in Swiss cinemas.
Cinema listings include movies playing in English.
VO = original version. These can be in any language other than French - eg, Italian, Swedish, Chinese, Hindu...
Rentals in France: there are machines where you can rent DVDs - outside grocery stores for example.
Rentals in Geneva: you can find large DVD rental stores in each neighborhood.
Visions du Réel on Tour
For the third year running, Visions du Réel on Tour has teamed up with Cinémas Capitole de Nyon to present films that have either been shown at other renowned international festivals or which have not yet come out in Swiss cinemas.
Cinema listings include movies playing in English.
VO = original version. These can be in any language other than French - eg, Italian, Swedish, Chinese, Hindu...
- Cinema Club - Le Patio, Gex and link to Cinema Voltaire, Ferney-Voltaire
- Cineman - lists movies playing in Switzerland - the site is in English
- Geneva Cine - lists movies playing in Geneva - you can search by film, date & time, or theatre
Rentals in France: there are machines where you can rent DVDs - outside grocery stores for example.
Rentals in Geneva: you can find large DVD rental stores in each neighborhood.
MUSIC
Caribana, Jazz á Vienne, Montreux Jazz, Moon and Stars, and Paleo check their online programs to see who's performing this year.
AMR Jazz Club in Geneva hosts traditional Tuesday jam sessions starting at 9pm at Sud des Alpes – entrance is free!
Free Organ Concerts at the Cathedral St. Pierre, old town Geneva June through September
Musique et Vie - Free Summer Concerts
If you are looking for a cool spot to listen to some great music during the hot summer months, then look no further. If you are in the old town of Geneva during your lunch break, then this might be of interest. 39 free concerts will be held at the Lutheran Church, in the old town of Geneva,12:30-13:30 except Sundays.
Musiques en Ete - Summer Music. Free concerts in 3 locations in Geneva.
Lausanne Estivale, Lausanne
Lausanne Estivale is again offering a program bursting with high-quality cultural activities. "A summer of culture to suit every taste" is aptly named, since no fewer than 450 events entirely free of charge and for all ages are on offer in Lausanne to all. Cinema, theater, music, festivals, dance, walks, unusual visits there will something to suit everyone! Notable new attractions for this year include collaborations with the Festival de la Cit the Thtre 2.21, the Cie dEustache and some new cultural walks. Find the week by week updated program and event venues.!
Rive Jazzy. Free live jazz music, along the Nyon shore on most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
Summer Festival in Annemasse - free concerts!
Friday nights: July through 31 August beginning at 19:00 at the Parc de la Fantasia.
Saturday nights: Free jazz concerts from 7 July through 25 August from 17:30 at Place Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Caribana, Jazz á Vienne, Montreux Jazz, Moon and Stars, and Paleo check their online programs to see who's performing this year.
AMR Jazz Club in Geneva hosts traditional Tuesday jam sessions starting at 9pm at Sud des Alpes – entrance is free!
Free Organ Concerts at the Cathedral St. Pierre, old town Geneva June through September
Musique et Vie - Free Summer Concerts
If you are looking for a cool spot to listen to some great music during the hot summer months, then look no further. If you are in the old town of Geneva during your lunch break, then this might be of interest. 39 free concerts will be held at the Lutheran Church, in the old town of Geneva,12:30-13:30 except Sundays.
Musiques en Ete - Summer Music. Free concerts in 3 locations in Geneva.
Lausanne Estivale, Lausanne
Lausanne Estivale is again offering a program bursting with high-quality cultural activities. "A summer of culture to suit every taste" is aptly named, since no fewer than 450 events entirely free of charge and for all ages are on offer in Lausanne to all. Cinema, theater, music, festivals, dance, walks, unusual visits there will something to suit everyone! Notable new attractions for this year include collaborations with the Festival de la Cit the Thtre 2.21, the Cie dEustache and some new cultural walks. Find the week by week updated program and event venues.!
Rive Jazzy. Free live jazz music, along the Nyon shore on most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
Summer Festival in Annemasse - free concerts!
Friday nights: July through 31 August beginning at 19:00 at the Parc de la Fantasia.
Saturday nights: Free jazz concerts from 7 July through 25 August from 17:30 at Place Jean Jacques Rousseau.
OUTDOOR
Year Round
WALK TO THE TOP OF THE CATHEDRALS in Geneva and Lausanne
If you want the best view of the city, it is always a good plan to check the highest point... usually the cathedrals. We are lucky that both these cities allow visitors to put their legs to the test to climb the 200+ steps to the top of each!
Spring
Tulip Festival, Morges, Switzerland - The Tulip Festival begins when the tulips begin to bloom - anywhere from late March to mid-April - and lasts six weeks, presenting 150,000 tulips of 250 varieties in Parc de l'Indépendance in Morges. There are special events going on during this period - check their website for details. Free admission.
Mini Train Pully
Opening now for the season! Scaled to 1/8 size, real steam and electric locomotives meander along 420m of track through a tunnel, 4 level crossings, and a station. Great fun for the kids. Closed in bad weather.
April: Swiss Cow Fights. As soon as winter takes its leave cow-fighting fever takes a hold on Valais. Released from their stalls, the cows are ready to face any challengers in order to establish the hierarchy within the herd. Regional elimination heats culminate in the crowning of the queen at the national final in Aproz in May.
Year Round
WALK TO THE TOP OF THE CATHEDRALS in Geneva and Lausanne
If you want the best view of the city, it is always a good plan to check the highest point... usually the cathedrals. We are lucky that both these cities allow visitors to put their legs to the test to climb the 200+ steps to the top of each!
Spring
Tulip Festival, Morges, Switzerland - The Tulip Festival begins when the tulips begin to bloom - anywhere from late March to mid-April - and lasts six weeks, presenting 150,000 tulips of 250 varieties in Parc de l'Indépendance in Morges. There are special events going on during this period - check their website for details. Free admission.
Mini Train Pully
Opening now for the season! Scaled to 1/8 size, real steam and electric locomotives meander along 420m of track through a tunnel, 4 level crossings, and a station. Great fun for the kids. Closed in bad weather.
April: Swiss Cow Fights. As soon as winter takes its leave cow-fighting fever takes a hold on Valais. Released from their stalls, the cows are ready to face any challengers in order to establish the hierarchy within the herd. Regional elimination heats culminate in the crowning of the queen at the national final in Aproz in May.
Summer
Castles galore in the area awaiting your visit!
Being in Europe, we are spoiled by the amount of castles on every hilltop and town center. How lucky we can just have so many at our doorstep. Whether with guests or your own family, you will surely find a few on this small list that we have taken out of our latest ©Know-it-all passport®!
Château de Vullierens Garden Walks - May thru October
The Château de Vullierens has over 30 hectares of garden and 400 varieties of iris to admire, 70 pieces of sculpture scattered throughout the property, and a new series of garden walks. In Morges.
GoDive. Did you ever wonder what’s really going on underneath the water’s surface? Have you ever dreamed of exploring the blue, seeing all the incredible underwater creatures, feeling zero gravity? On the following pages you will see how easy it is to learn diving.
Horse racing at the Hippodrome in Divonne-les-Bains.
Where are the best places to go swimming?
Swimming pools will keep you cool over the holidays if you remain in the area.
Perfect picnic spots in the area
Bring your picnic basket and blanket and sprawl out on the lawn. Whether you are looking for a playground, wading pool, mini-zoo, or ice-cream, you will be sure to find just what you are looking for!
Castles galore in the area awaiting your visit!
Being in Europe, we are spoiled by the amount of castles on every hilltop and town center. How lucky we can just have so many at our doorstep. Whether with guests or your own family, you will surely find a few on this small list that we have taken out of our latest ©Know-it-all passport®!
Château de Vullierens Garden Walks - May thru October
The Château de Vullierens has over 30 hectares of garden and 400 varieties of iris to admire, 70 pieces of sculpture scattered throughout the property, and a new series of garden walks. In Morges.
GoDive. Did you ever wonder what’s really going on underneath the water’s surface? Have you ever dreamed of exploring the blue, seeing all the incredible underwater creatures, feeling zero gravity? On the following pages you will see how easy it is to learn diving.
Horse racing at the Hippodrome in Divonne-les-Bains.
Where are the best places to go swimming?
Swimming pools will keep you cool over the holidays if you remain in the area.
Perfect picnic spots in the area
Bring your picnic basket and blanket and sprawl out on the lawn. Whether you are looking for a playground, wading pool, mini-zoo, or ice-cream, you will be sure to find just what you are looking for!
Autumn
Dahlia Festival on the Quais du Morges. 100 varieties can be seen. No fewer than 2,500 dahlias will be in bloom along the Quai Igor Stravinski between the temple and Parc de Vertou (approximately 1&1/2 km long).
Winter
Ice Skating Rinks (Patinoires) in the area and further away begin to open at the end of November. Meyrin is nearest CERN. Charmilles and Grand Saconnex are others near the French/Swiss border. Grand Sacconex has an outdoor rink. Les Vernets is the largest. Check here to find the local rinks for Geneva and Divonne.
Traditional Swiss festivals in January & February
Dahlia Festival on the Quais du Morges. 100 varieties can be seen. No fewer than 2,500 dahlias will be in bloom along the Quai Igor Stravinski between the temple and Parc de Vertou (approximately 1&1/2 km long).
Winter
Ice Skating Rinks (Patinoires) in the area and further away begin to open at the end of November. Meyrin is nearest CERN. Charmilles and Grand Saconnex are others near the French/Swiss border. Grand Sacconex has an outdoor rink. Les Vernets is the largest. Check here to find the local rinks for Geneva and Divonne.
Traditional Swiss festivals in January & February
Bains des Pâquis: Sauna!
The Buvette is a great place to grab a morning cup of coffee, a weekend brunch, an early fondue dinner, or a nice salad for lunch. Venue: Bains De Paquis, 30 Quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva Times: Monday-Saturday, 09:00-21:30 and Sunday, 08:00-21:30. Fee: Entry to the hammams is CHF 17 per person. It is also possible to get a 50-minute massage for CHF 60 year-round. Entrance to the jetty is free during the fall and winter.
Chateau de Prangins - Organises and acts as venue for a range of activities that provide an opportunity to discover history, explore past eras and get an idea of what everyday life was like many years ago. You’ll discover objects that are surprising, everyday and, in some cases, valuable. Explore the largest old-style kitchen garden and its assortment of historic vegetables. Children’s activities planned as well. In English, French, German and Italian.
My Golf has activites throughout the year. See their calendar of events here. In Bussigny, near Lausanne.
Observatory Open Night at ASTRAC in Morges
Every first Tuesday evening (with clear skies), the public is invited to the rooftop observatory with the Amateur Astronomy Club of La Côte. You will be able to see the moon, planets, and stars. The location is suitable for wheelchairs as well as the telescope. Begins at 19:30 in Morges, Canton Vaud.
Outdoor Markets
There are many in the Geneva area: Annecy hosts an antique and flea market on the last Saturday of each month, the Nyon Flea Market (Les Puces) is on the last Sunday of each month, and Carouge hosts an antique market on the first Sunday of each month. Car boot sale - twice monthly from March to November in Villeneuve Switzerland. Check our Shopping page for more listings.
Park Run at Lac de Divonne
Every Saturday @ 9am you can participate in a 5km jog with other joggers. The event is free and is timed but you can run at the pace you like. A drink is organized at the end so you can meet others. Please register (first time only).
Walking: See our list of places in and around Geneva.
The Buvette is a great place to grab a morning cup of coffee, a weekend brunch, an early fondue dinner, or a nice salad for lunch. Venue: Bains De Paquis, 30 Quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva Times: Monday-Saturday, 09:00-21:30 and Sunday, 08:00-21:30. Fee: Entry to the hammams is CHF 17 per person. It is also possible to get a 50-minute massage for CHF 60 year-round. Entrance to the jetty is free during the fall and winter.
Chateau de Prangins - Organises and acts as venue for a range of activities that provide an opportunity to discover history, explore past eras and get an idea of what everyday life was like many years ago. You’ll discover objects that are surprising, everyday and, in some cases, valuable. Explore the largest old-style kitchen garden and its assortment of historic vegetables. Children’s activities planned as well. In English, French, German and Italian.
My Golf has activites throughout the year. See their calendar of events here. In Bussigny, near Lausanne.
Observatory Open Night at ASTRAC in Morges
Every first Tuesday evening (with clear skies), the public is invited to the rooftop observatory with the Amateur Astronomy Club of La Côte. You will be able to see the moon, planets, and stars. The location is suitable for wheelchairs as well as the telescope. Begins at 19:30 in Morges, Canton Vaud.
Outdoor Markets
There are many in the Geneva area: Annecy hosts an antique and flea market on the last Saturday of each month, the Nyon Flea Market (Les Puces) is on the last Sunday of each month, and Carouge hosts an antique market on the first Sunday of each month. Car boot sale - twice monthly from March to November in Villeneuve Switzerland. Check our Shopping page for more listings.
Park Run at Lac de Divonne
Every Saturday @ 9am you can participate in a 5km jog with other joggers. The event is free and is timed but you can run at the pace you like. A drink is organized at the end so you can meet others. Please register (first time only).
Walking: See our list of places in and around Geneva.
SOCIAL groups
See listings on our Activities & Travel page, and business groups on Jobs & Tips for Spouses
See listings on our Activities & Travel page, and business groups on Jobs & Tips for Spouses
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