What to Do in Geneva This Summer: A Mini Guide to Summertime Activities and Events Around the Lake
When summer rolls around, Geneva feels almost like a beach resort. We all swap our skis for sandals, head for the nearest gorgeous patio when happy hour rolls around, go to movies and plays in the park, and festival hop our way around the lake. Geneva truly transforms during this season, and there is so much going on that it can be hard to decide what to do. Le Colibry put together a mini guide to the city to make sure you don’t miss out on any Geneva summer activities.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
June 6-14 – Les Athénéennes, classical and jazz music and creations festival at Alhambra Geneva
Over the course of eight evenings, 22 concerts, and two Nuits de l’Abri afterparties, more than 150 artists will perform Mozart, Bach, and Schubert, nu jazz, swing cabaret and psycho hip-hop, Renaissance music, traditional Syrian music, and DJ sets. And don’t miss the botanical installation art…
Spotlight: June 8, Gérard Depardieu & Jasmin Toccata. Actor Depardieu will read from the Confessions of Saint Augustine, accompanied by musicians of the highest caliber.
More info: lesatheneennes.ch
June 20 – La Nuit des Bains
On La Nuit des Bains, people from all over the city flock to Geneva’s contemporary art district. Many art galleries, including MAMCO (Geneva’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) and the Center for Contemporary Art, stay open late to welcome visitors.
It’s also a great opportunity to dine out at one of the neighborhood’s culinary treasures like the Café des Bains, one of Geneva’s most iconic bistros.
More info: quartierdesbains.ch
Good to know: there is another Nuit des Bains gallery hop in the fall. In 2019, it will take place October 20.
June 21 – L’Amérique Comme Vous Ne l’Avez Jamais Lue (America, Like You’ve Never Read it Before), by François Busnel at the Théâtre de Carouge (La Cuisine)
In the debut of his one-man show, François Busnel, journalist and producer of La Grande Librairie (which airs on France 5), will perform work written by some of the authors who inspired him to launch his magazine, America. A literary journey alongside authors such as Jim Harrison, Colum McCann, and Philip Roth.
More info: by reservation only, call 022 311 45 90. Showtime is 8:30, tickets are 15 Swiss francs. societe-de-lecture.ch
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
June 14-16 – Bol d’Or
The world’s largest lake sailing regatta is celebrating its bicentennial this year. First held in 1939, the Bol d’Or hosts over 500 monohull and multi-hull sailboats on Lake Geneva each year. The race kicks off in Geneva and stretches 123 kilometers, to Bouveret and back.
Can’t-miss deals: the Société Nautique de Genève yacht club will be open to the public during the event. And in honor of the regatta’s 200th birthday, Mirabaud is putting on two free concerts on the Neptune.
More info: boldormirabaud.ch
All summer long – Rise & Shine along the Rhone
What better way to start off a sunny day than with a light Vinyasa Flow yoga class, a deep relaxation session, and maybe even a dip in the water? Every Thursday morning from 6:45 to 7:45 until September 12, on the boardwalk near the tip of Jonction. Check the Yoga Lab Geneva event page by 9:00 the night before for cancellation information in case of rain.
More info and dates: Sentier des Saules, 1205 Geneva – lab.yoga
July 13-14 – La Tour Genève Triathlon
Cycling, running and swimming… There are several different race formats, so there’s something for everyone, no matter your experience level or interest! Events take place on and around Geneva’s lakefront. Routes are mapped out professionally and on closed roads.
Good to know: There will be a free group training session for the swimming portion at Bain des Pâquis on June 11 with Thomas Huwiler, the winner of last year’s event.
More info: latourgenevetriathlon.ch
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Rhone river cruise
At 505 miles long, the Rhone is one of Europe’s longest rivers. During your cruise from Geneva to Verbois and back, take in the Genevan countryside, a few quaint villages, and the nature-filled riverbanks where many birds and other animals make their home.
More info: Cruises last 2.5 hours. swissboat.com
June 17, 18 & 21 – Tour the Parc La Grange villa
What’s the story behind the mysterious villa that stands high atop La Grange park? The property, now owned by the City of Geneva, only opens its doors to visitors a few days a year. Don’t miss your chance to tour this beautiful building’s living rooms, bedrooms, and library and learn about its history.
More info: tours start at 3:00 and 5:00 and last an hour and a half. Free entry, by reservation only: 022 418 82 57.
June 21, 22 & 23 – Swiss Concours d’Elégance at Château de Coppet
The annual Concours d’Élégance Suisse celebrates Automobile Heritage and the Art of Mechanical Engineering. This year’s event is themed 595 Years of Automotive Style and Engineering and will be held on the grounds of the Château de Coppet, where writer and intellectual Madame de Staël once lived. Cars from the 1920s to 1985 – including Bentleys, Bugattis, Delahayes, and Austin Minis – will be on display on the lawn. Plus, the location affords a beautiful view of the Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.
Bonus points: food, including some regional specialties, available on site.
More info and tickets: www.concoursdelegancesuisse.ch
FLAVORFUL ACTIVITIES
June 3-16 – Veggie Week
This culinary event takes place in Geneva’s most prominent restaurants and features delicious vegetarian masterpieces from some of Switzerland’s best chefs. Some of the Michelin-starred restaurants participating this year include: Le Tsé Fung (La Réserve), Domaine de Châteauvieux, Le Flacon, and Le Chat Botté. More info: veggieweek.ch
June 27-30 – Street Food Festival
Geneva’s summer street food festival is being held in the Jardin Anglais park for the first time since the event’s inception. Swing by for happy hour starting at 5:00 on Thursday, grab some food and shop around on Saturday, and wander through again on Sunday for a laid-back bite. Fill your plate (and your glass) with local cuisine while the little ones hang out in the kids’ corner.
Note to self: if you won’t be in town that weekend, you can always catch the next one, which will be August 29 – September 1 along the Promenade Saint-Antoine!
More info: streetfoodfestival.ch
July 18 – August 11 – Fête des Vignerons Winegrowers’ Festival
A once-in-a-generation opportunity! This festival was even named to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. The main show honors the unique savoir-faire of winegrowers and farmhands and gives audience members a look into a year in the life of a grape vine. The show’s twenty or so scenes, beginning and ending with harvest, depict specific farming techniques and more general themes like the seasons, water, and sunlight the vines need to grow. It will feature 5,500 costumed actors and actresses singing and performing in-the-round, plus pictures and videos projected on jumbo screens and the enormous LED flooring in the arena. Food, plus fun musical and cultural activities round out the festival. More info: fetesdesvignerons.ch
FESTIVALS
(a reminder for the night owls)
June 28 – July 13 – Montreux Jazz Festival
Some of this year’s featured artists include Janet Jackson, Sting, Yann Tiersen, Quncy Jones, and Cat Power. Tons of musicians from many different backgrounds will take the stage(s) during the festival. Spotlight: Elton John’s outdoor concert on June 29 at the stadium in Montreux. More info: montreuxjazzfestival.com
July 23-28, 2019 – Paleo Festival in Nyon
Performers include: The Cure, Polo&Pan, Lana Del Rey, Twenty One Pilots, Christine and the Queens, Charlotte Gainsbourg and lots and lots more. Not only does Paleo bring in well-known artists from all over the world, but it also always runs smoothly. There’s still time to get your tickets! More info: paleo.ch
June 29 – July 6 – Évian Rencontres Musicales
Head to the other side of the lake for this classical music festival at Grange au Lac, an amazing venue with great acoustics. If you missed Renaud Capuçon when he played in Gstaad, he’ll be in Évian on July 1. More info: lagrangeaulac.com
July 5 – August 22, 2019 – Musiques en Été summer concert series
The City of Geneva puts on this eclectic music festival. From jazz to hiphop, chamber opera to soul, and classical to swing and reggae, over 30 concerts will take place on the Ella Fitzgerald Stage in La Grange Park (free) and at Alhambra (tickets start at 10 francs). More info: musiquesenété.ch
LAKESIDE HAPPY HOUR SPOTS
(My favorite places to have a drink by the lake)
Les Voiles: a special outdoor spot that sets up on the water from May to September in Geneva. Lounge vibes with a breathtaking waterfront view.
More info or to reserve a table: +41 22 700 07 36, les-voiles.ch
Mango Lounge: open-air bar and lounge on the Arve, Route du Pas-de-l’Echelle 4, 1225 Veyrier. More info or to reserve a table: +41 79 53 655 71, events calendar available at mangolounge.ch.
The Met rooftop lounge: without a doubt some of the best views of Lake Geneva, the city, and the surrounding mountains, and a great place to sip a happy hour cocktail. Opens at 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week from May to September; come for the birds-eye view and stay for the drinks. Reservations recommended: +41 22 318 33 55. More info: www.metropole.ch
La Potiniere: located right in Geneva’s Jardin Anglais park, this is the perfect place for summertime drinks after work. More info: lapotinieregeneve.com – Promenade du Lac 2, 1204 Geneva.
Les Bulles du 23: on the banks of the Rhone, in front of the historic Bâtiment des Forces Motrices building, Bistrot 23’s “Pop-up Bar” is another happy hour hotspot. Settle into the pretty patio on the river and take full advantage of Geneva’s magical summer evenings. Bonus points: their champagne-filled bathtub, their “Spritzeria” (unique takes on the spritz cocktail), and their “Botanist cart” for personalized gin & tonics. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m., from May 23 to September 23. More info: bistrot23.ch
MISCELLANEOUS
July 12 – August 18, 2019 – Cinetransat
Free movies under the stars, Thursday to Sunday beginning at sundown (between 9:15 and 10:00) in the park at Perle du Lac. Beach chair rental is 5 Swiss francs. Bring snacks and enjoy the show. More info: cinetransat.ch
July 10 – August 25, 2019, catch an outdoor movie at Port-Noir, stunning lake views included. More info: Lakeside outdoor movie series
Swiss Village in the Jardin Anglais park from May 24 – September 8: a Swiss classic, and the chance to take in the entire city from atop the Ferris wheel. The village is set up right in the heart of the Jardin Anglais park.
Fireworks display: the annual waterfront fireworks show is Saturday, August 10 at 10 p.m. The event is free and lasts 45 minutes. A beautiful light show made even more special by playful reflections off the lake and the Jet d’Eau. Catch it from anywhere in the harbor.
Summer concert series at St. Germain Church: attend a concert in one of Geneva’s oldest churches (built in the 15th century). This year’s concert schedule features a variety of music styles. Free entry, donations requested. More info: concertstgermain.ch
Ice cream at Gelato Mania: at least once this summer, treat yourself to Gelato Mania, one of the best gelato shops in Geneva. They have four locations around town (Left and Right Bank) and a good selection of artisanal flavors, both classic and creative. My personal favorite? Chocolate sorbet! Find a location near you
Don’t forget:
- Night market in Carouge on June 27, 2019: outdoor shopping, local craft and fashion boutiques, concept stores, food trucks and live music (weather permitting)!
- starting June 7, find the full lineup of evening events at the Théâtre de l’Orangerie on their website.
- rent paddle boats from Les Corsaires (near the Jet d’Eau), or soak up the sun at one of Geneva’s many beaches
- and for your little ones: tennis lessons at the Eaux-Vives Tennis Club, sailing camp at La Nautique, and theatre workshops at Le Crève-Coeur.
More summer reading: Le Colibry’s List of Geneva’s Best Beaches and Other Swimming Holes
