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All summer long Geneva has free music with the Tour de la rade en 80 jours, Lake Parade, Fête de Genéve and this weekend’s Fête de la Musique.

The Fête de la Musique kicks off Friday night with Jazz in Carouge, Blue Grass in Bastion, classical in front of the cathedral, Pop in front of the Reformation Wall, and much, much more. All in all, there are 682 concerts spread over 31 stages in parks, music and concert halls, churches and the Grütli cinema.

2003 © Olivier Deslarzes

2003 © Olivier Deslarzes

From 9 in the morning until a bit past midnight the city of Geneva will be in full swing.  The online program can be found here. It’s possible to sort the days by music style, location, time of day, or artist; plus they’ve added separate tabs listing family and commune programs.

2003 © Nicolas Fournier

2003 © Nicolas Fournier

Two highlighted events this year are the Big Boxing Piano with 30 pianos on stage and J’ecoute Genéve (I listen to Geneva) where your eyes are covered while you are led around Geneva listening to its sounds. Personally, I haven’t figured out which concerts I will attend yet; but I plan to find some good music in a park, open some chilled white wine and cheese, sit back and enjoy myself.

Transportation: Parking and driving in the city center will be restricted so rather than wasting your time searching for parking, download the TPG app and hop on a bus or tram. The Night Busses (N Lines) run until 5AM.

Food and Drinks: In addition to restaurants, the food trucks will be out in full force. If you haven’t been to a festival, yet; be prepared to pay a deposit of CHF 2 for a reusable cup. Once you’re ready to leave you can get your money back. Just be watchful of kids trying to make a quick buck if they find your empty, unattended cup lying on a table.

Need more information? The Fête de la Musique website can be accessed by clicking here. Events take place Friday through Sunday, June 17-19, in the city of Geneva and surrounding communes.

We are a group of international women living in Geneva, Switzerland.  If you would like to join the AIWC, please visit our website at http://www.aiwcgeneva.org/