6 free events in Zurich this weekend
6 ideas on what to do from 1st to 3rd August 2025 in Zurich. Open-air festivals, flea markets, live music and more. All for free.
Switzerland is preparing for its long-weekend of national celebrations. This means that many people are off for vacations overseas, many businesses close their doors and you might feel that nothing is really left to do in town. The rain and the cold weather seem to have taken away that summer feeling that was motivating us to spend time outside until the very last hours of evening light.
If you're staying in town, you might fear the loneliness and boredom. Actually, there's enough to do if you really want. Here are a few ideas:
Expat Friday - Social Drinks & Afterparty
Friday, 1 August
Raum 84 , Langstrasse 84, Zürich
The socialising event organised by Zurich Together every Friday doesn't shut down on this special day for Switzerland. Both Swiss nationals and Expats are welcome, what a nice way to mix up cultures on the day we celebrate our home country!
EXIL Block Party
Friday, 1 August
Exil Club, Hardstrasse 245, Zürich
Open-air festival with free entry right in front of the famous club. Party vibes from 2pm until the late evening, with DJs, food trucks, drinks and vintage market. One of the food stalls is form Pizza Derby, actually a pretty good one (and you know we take pizza very seriously).
August 1 celebration
Friday, 1st August
An evening of musical performances, delicious delicacies, and a large bonfire right on the lake, organized by the Wollishofen Neighborhood Association. It's for free and starts at 6pm.
Stars in Town - Schaffhausen
Saturday, 2nd August
Schaffhausen Altstadt
The city of Schaffhausen is transformed into a festival from July 30 to August 9. No only can you buy tickets fir big names live on stage, there is also a big number of side events, street food and bars. Enjoy live music from local unknown musicians on the talent stage every day of the festival, or stay up late at one of the after show events. You can get a discount on your SBB ticket going there!
Flohmarkt am See
Sunday, 3rd August
This neighborhood flea market at the lake takes place every first Sunday of the month from 11 am to 5 pm. A perfect It's actually open to anyone who wants to sell their items, just show up at 9am and pay for a table!
Seebad Enge Unplugged
Sunday, 3rd August
The Enge lake pool hosts free live concert on (certain) Sundays at 8pm throughout the summer. This time with AKIRA, an artist from Zurich who mixes latino sounds and writes song inspired by artist like Prince, Diego El Cigala, Michael Jackson, Paco de Lucia and the argentino folk.
Extra tips for the weekend:
Jucker Farm
This is an evergreen place - perfect for summer weekends with a decent weather! Here you can relax, enjoy beautiful views on the Pfäffikersee, have a tasty brunch with local farm food, go berries-picking, pet the goats, walk along the fruit orchards...
Allianz Cinema
Allianz Cinema
Scenic open-air cinema on the lake! There are still tickets available for the show on Saturday, 3rd August - and more movie nights until August 17th.
Happy long-weekend!!