ZURICH – SUMMER 2012
Festivals & Events
Zurich is the arrival city for most international visitors to Switzerland.
The largest city and one of the most vibrant, rich with activities, shopping,
nightclubs, stunning lakeside jaunts. Straddling the River Limmat and
caressing the shore of Lake Geneva, from the iconic twin towers of the
Grossmuster Church to the Masoala Rainforest of the Zurich Zoo, Zurich
offers tons of fascinating sights and activities for young and old. Just
one rail stop from Zurich airport, the Railcity main station can be a
destination itself, with the upscale shops of the world famous Bahnhofstrasse
just outside the doors. The city comes alive in summer with a number
of festivals and events to keep you entertained. Here are just some of
the top events for 2012
Art and the City - June 9 through September 23, 2012
Art and the City – a summer long the festival of art in the public spaces of Zürich-West. This art and exhibition platform focuses on the revived former industrial district of Zürich-West with its new night spots and revitalized urban space of lofts and funky freshness. The festival presents more than 40 works and performances by artists from around the world. Art and the City features the development of this district in transition. Don’t worry, you can stay out late.
The Zürich Festival - June 15 to July 8, 2012
The Zürich Festival is sponsored by a variety of Zürich institutions and takes place over a period of 3 full weeks. The annual cultural program of a mix of opera, orchestral concert, dance, theater and art features presentations by the Zurich Opera House, the Schauspielhaus, the Tonhalle Orchestra Zürich, the Kunsthaus Museum. the Theaterhaus Gessnerallee, Neumarkt Theater, Museum Rietberg, and the Rigiblick Theater. This year’s program features tantalizing offerings like Wagner the Wanderer, Peeping Tom and Ulysses on the Limmat.
Il Tavolo - June 27 to July 1, 2012
The 1st Food Festival in Zürich presents a dash of Mediterranean lifestyle, combined with top-class Swiss cuisine for young and old. From June 27 to July 1, Swiss rising star Chef will work their culinary magic, with Mediterranean feasts are served at long tablesthroughout the city. Make sure to enjoy this gastronomic delight – whether at the big Opening Night at the Park Hyatt Zürich, the summer Gala Night in the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum, the Racing Cook event, the ‘Children cook for children’ charity lunch or the big family breakfast in the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum, just next to the rail station.
Caliente! The 18th Latin Music Festival - July 6 to 8 2012
This summer, Caliente! – when Zurich goes Latin, celebrates its eighteenth successive year with an estimated quarter million festival-loving visitors from all parts of Switzerland and neighboring countries. From July 6 to 8, Zürich’s fourth district becomes a Salsa and Latin Jazz music zone with a tropical ambience and great vibes. High-caliber international and national groups as well as DJs perform non-stop at the Mercado Mundial. The artists will transform the Mercado into a simmering witch’s cauldron. The shows at the Weltmarkt are free of charge for the audience.
Twenty-First Street Parade - August 11, 2012
The world’s largest, most colorful house and techno music party is set to work its spell again. On August 11, the Love Mobiles of the Twenty-First Street Parade will roll around Lake Zürich. With this year’s motto ‘Follow your Heart!’, the organizers invite participants to pay more attention to the voices of the heart. The heart symbol is featured in this year’s logo highlighting the multi-faceted nature and depths found in every person of all persuasions and cultures. The supporting program for the Street Parade is equally diverse, with warm-ups, parties and various international DJs.
Ironman Zurich Switzerland - July 15, 2012
If endurance sport is your thrill, the Ironman Switzerland is the official qualification contest for the Hawaii Ironman contest. Athletes from nearly 50 nations, including the national and international elite, will be off at the starting gun.
Zürcher Theater Spektakel - August 16 – September 2, 2012
As summer winds down, the Zürcher Theater Spektakel again showcases the magical open-air season from its beautiful location at the Landiwiese Meadow, right on the shore of Lake Geneva . Since 1980, the Zürcher Theater Spektakel has developed into one of the most important festivals on the European calendar for contemporary performing arts. Street artists from all around the world come to Zurich to celebrate this international theatre festival.
Just stop at the Tourist Office at the Main Rail Station for events details online.
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