As we look ahead to this fall, there’s a packed agenda in the works. True, some events are still on hiatus (the St. Cergue Desalpes Festival), but others are returning stronger than ever. If you’re comfortable braving a crowd or two, check out some of the events below. And of course, all events are subject to change in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2021 – Ongoing. La Comédie de Genève opens its doors! Just steps from the AIWC Clubrooms, the Comédie de Genève has planned a full schedule for the 2021/2022 season. This brand-new theater complex opened in late August and features two performance halls, workshops to build sets, studios for costume design, a restaurant, and of course, artists and actors packing its halls. For more details and the full program, visit www.comedie.ch. And the next time you’re in the AIWC Clubrooms? Pop over to the Comédie to see this new cultural space in person.
September 2021 – Ongoing. The return of live music continues! Have you missed attending concerts and live performances? You’ll be glad to know that the many shows (especially those cancelled in 2020) have been rescheduled for this fall. Opus One, one of the key event organizers throughout French-speaking Switzerland, is updating their 2021/22 program, and it seems more events are added each day. For more details, visit http://www.opus-one.ch. Other good resources are www.ticketcorner.ch and www.songkick.com.
Thursday – Sunday, October 21 – 24. Salon du Livre en Ville. This annual book fair comes to town! Need to develop your fall/winter reading lists? Then come and discover the latest book releases, meet the authors and illustrators, and celebrate the world of literature. This 4-day event will take place in various venues throughout Geneva. The full program will be available soon at www.salondulivre.ch.
Thursday – Saturday, November 11 – 13. Lucerne Blues Festival. Following a virtual festival in 2020, the 2021 Blues Festival will return to an in-person event (albeit on a smaller scale). This premier festival is famous for showcasing top-shelf blues acts from across the world, particularly the US. The overall program will be slimmed down this year, in light of social distancing guidelines, but will feature three evenings of music at the Grand Casino Lucerne. Visit www.bluesfestival.ch for the full program.
Monday – Saturday, November 12 – 21. Les Automnales. If you’ve never been to this Geneva mega-festival, then now is the time. This 10-day event is actually 16 different expositions rolled under one (enormous!) roof: Palexpo’s huge halls next to the Geneva airport. Completing some home improvement or DIY projects? Les Automnales has you covered. Getting married, expecting a new baby, or trying to entertain little ones? Be sure to check out the Salon du Mariage, Salon Bébé et Moi, and Expo Juniors. Searching for the perfect Swiss Army souvenirs? Check out my personal favorite, the Swiss Army surplus sale. For the full program, check out www.automnales.ch.
Tuesday – Sunday, November 23 – 28. Cité-Métiers.ch, l’Expo. Have an interest in public education in Switzerland? Perhaps you know a young person (13+) who is thinking ahead to their life/career beyond the classroom? On the heels of Les Automnales, don’t miss another major event at Palexpo. The Cité-Métiers.ch, l’Expo, will welcome between 70-80K visitors, and 30K Geneva-area students. The goal of this career fair? To showcase all of the career paths possible in Switzerland (and the education/training required to get there.) If you have a child following the Swiss curriculum, this expo is the best way to learn about employment training across all sectors (vocational and academic). Admission is free and open to all. For more details, visit www.cite-metiers.ch.
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/
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