Good to know
Good to Know
- All three major events feature street celebrations that are free to watch and enjoy.
- Sechseläuten and Knabenschiessen are observed holidays or half-holidays in Zurich—many businesses and offices close or reduce hours.
- For Sechseläuten, arrive early at Sechseläutenplatz to secure good viewing spots; after the Böögg burns (~20:00), locals grill sausages on the embers.
- Knabenschiessen Monday afternoon is a half-holiday in Zurich; some workers treat it as a full day off or work from home.
- Fasnacht street festivities are rowdy and colorful—expect confetti, loud music from brass bands, and large crowds; traditional attire is encouraged.
- Public transport is the best way to reach event venues; streets may close for parades.
- Grandstand seats for Sechseläuten parades are available in limited quantities and must be purchased in advance through the organizer.
- All events are walkable from Zurich's city center or accessible via tram and train.
Events
Sechseläuten (Spring Festival)
- Location
- Zurich Old Town, Sechseläutenplatz
- Description
- Zurich's traditional spring festival celebrating the arrival of spring with a grand guild parade culminating in the burning of the Böögg (a snowman effigy). The parade features people dressed in beautiful historic costumes. According to local tradition, the speed at which the Böögg's head explodes is believed to predict the summer weather.
Date
- Month
- April
- Main Day
- April 20, 2026 (Monday)
- Specific Date
- April 17–20, 2026
Admission
- Grandstand Seating
- available for purchase (limited)
- Street Festivities
- free
Highlights
- Children's parade (Sunday)
- Guild procession on horseback (Monday)
- Böögg burning at 18:00
- Post-burning barbecue tradition
Knabenschiessen (Rifle Shooting Festival)
- Location
- Albisgütli, Zurich
- Description
- Zurich's largest annual public festival, originating as a youth shooting competition for ages 13–17 resident in Zurich canton. Now open to both boys and girls, the competition dates to the 17th century. The festival features a massive funfair with rides, market stalls, food vendors, and attractions for all ages.
Date
- Month
- September
- Specific Date
- September 12–14, 2026
Admission
- Festival
- free to attend
- Market And Rides
- pay-per-use
Highlights
- Traditional shooting competition (restricted to local youth)
- Festival funfair with rides and attractions
- Market stalls and culinary offerings
- Family-friendly celebration
Fasnacht / ZüriCarneval (Carnival)
- Location
- Old Town (Niederdorf), Hirschenplatz, Münsterhof, Bahnhofstrasse
- Description
- Zurich's colorful pre-Lenten carnival celebration with over 100 years of tradition. Features elaborate costumes, parades, Guggenmusik brass bands (intentionally playing out of tune), and street celebrations in the Old Town. The main parade takes place on Sunday; festivities continue through Monday evening.
Date
- Month
- February
- Main Parade
- Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 14:31
- Specific Date
- February 20–22, 2026
Admission
- Marquee Venues
- varies by venue
- Street Parade And Celebrations
- free
Highlights
- Main parade through Niederdorf and Limmatquai
- Guggenmusik brass bands at Hirschenplatz
- New Orleans jazz at Münsterhof
- Pub carnival (Beizenfasnacht) with live music
- Traditional Fasnacht fried doughnuts
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Zurich
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.