As the weather starts to behave, open air cinemas begin to mushroom around Switzerland. On Saturday, the megawatt speakers of the Geneva Lake Parade trucks bisect the sleepy city. Eminem, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and Mark Knopfler appear at various festivals as Rigi hosts an alpine wrestling festival. Meanwhile Usain Bolt cheetahs his way through Lausanne and some of the country’s leading chefs guest star in Gstaad.
Orange Cinéma (Cinélac), Geneva, July 6-August 22
Kicked off in Geneva at Port Noir on Tuesday and scheduled to screen movies in Basel, Bern and Zurich later in the summer. Quite an experience to watch a good film with the lake as a backdrop – waterproof ponchos thoughtfully provided when it’s raining (see photo).
Moon and Stars ’10, Locarno, July 7-17
Attractive music festival at the striking Piazza Grande in Locarno with Stevie Wonder, Massive Attack, Mark Knopfler, Jamiroquai, ZZ Top, Pink and Ben Harper on the menu – now that’s a tasty line-up. Check out the Swisster article from Catherine Richards.
Athletissima, Lausanne Jul 8
Some 250 top athletes from more than 50 countries are scheduled to participate at the Pontaise Stadium for this international athletics meet including the one and only Usain Bolt whom Swisster met last night. The traditionally quick track has produced its fair share of world records in the past.
15th Bellerive Festival, Geneva, July 8-14
The Ferme de Saint-Maurice hosts chamber music concerts performed by artists including the 20-year-old UK hotshot clarinettist Julian Bliss, who was already causing a stir at age four.
International Alpine Music Festival, Saas-Fee July 8-11
The 13th International Alpine Music Festival is emphasizing “Folk music for and by folk musicians” this year. Are there any bogus folk musicians around hoping to infiltrate the genre? Plenty of performances in the village square as other bands serenade you from outside restaurants.
17th British Classic Car Meeting, St. Moritz, July 9-11
Held every summer in the middle of July, this year features more than 160 Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Austin Healeys and other classics cars trundling through St. Moritz pretending to compete in a rally. An elegance contest concludes the event.
Openair Frauenfeld, July 9
Eminem and Jay-Z top the bill at this hip-hop oriented festival in German-speaking Switzerland.
Gena Festival, Geneva, July 9-10
Free festival to discover new talent. Six bands on the bill including the bizarrely named Elijah and the Dubby Conquerors (reggae) and The Jamborines – which does roll off the tongue better than the former.
Lenk Jazz Days, July 9-18
Another open-air festival – this time featuring Swiss and international bands and their treatments of the traditional jazz format. Very few from the US though.
Davidoff Saveurs – Gourmetweek, Gstaad Jul 9-17
Some very competent guest chefs, including Philippe Chevrier of Geneva’s Michelin two star ChateauVieux restaurant, take up brief residence in Gstaad to rustle up some creations to tempt the discerning palette.
Lake Parade, Geneva, July 10
Geneva wakes up with a start on Saturday afternoon as this techno parade rumbles through the centre of town taking out everything in its path. Expect decibel-charged techno music and plenty of exhibitionism.
9th Zermatt Marathon, Zermatt, July 10
As if a normal marathon wasn’t enough! This one climbs from St. Niklaus (alt. 1,116 metres) to Riffelberg (2,582 m) and has clearly been designed by athletics sadists. The only compensation on this gruelling race is the Heidi-land panorama and that most distinctive of Swiss mountains.
Science Night, Geneva, July 10-11
For the eighth year, local boffins pass on some of their knowledge to the public through experimental stands and demonstrations. This year’s theme: “Extremes and limits”.
Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival, July 11
The wrestling and sausage grilling season is in full swing now – not a bad combination if you’re looking to absorb some local atmosphere and quality farm produce. This festival also features the traditional parade of cattle as they plod their way up to the summer pastures accompanied by that oddly soothing soundtrack of cow bells.
5th Engadin Cycle Marathon, Zernez, July 11
Competitors get their own taste of the Tour de France as they tackle five mountain passes during this demanding road cycling race.
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