As the summer warmth begins to fade across Switzerland, communities nationwide are gearing up for the vibrant autumn festival season, locally known as the Chilbi-Saison. Running through the late summer and deep into the autumn months, these traditional fairs, local markets, and wine celebrations offer residents and visitors everything from classic carnival rides to seasonal culinary specialties like roasted chestnuts, cotton candy, and garlic bread.
With an extensive calendar of events stretching from mid-August through November, public authorities and local event organizers have published comprehensive schedules to help attendees navigate regional autumn markets and fairgrounds. Whether looking for massive regional trade exhibitions or intimate village festivals, the Swiss autumn calendar provides countless opportunities for community gatherings.
Event schedules vary significantly by canton, offering a diverse array of experiences depending on the region.
Autumn Fairs and Wine Festivals in Aargau and Basel
The canton of Aargau hosts several prominent autumn gatherings, starting with the Markt Aarauer Gewerbetreibender, commonly known as the MAG, scheduled from September 24 to 27. Following the business and trade exhibition, Aargau will host the Winzerfest Döttingen from October 2 to 4, recognized as the largest wine festival in German-speaking Switzerland. Additional regional highlights include the Herbstmarkt in Rheinfelden on October 3 and 4, the Hela Laufenburg from October 9 to 11, and the Jahrmarkt in Baden on November 4.
Further north, the Basel region combines local village traditions with major urban exhibitions. The Chilbi Birsfelden runs from September 25 to 27, while the historic Herbstmarkt in Arlesheim takes place on October 17. The centerpiece of the region’s autumn calendar is the Herbstmesse Basel, a sprawling fair that spans approximately two weeks, running from October 24 to November 8.
Canton of Zurich and Central Switzerland Highlights
Zurich’s autumn festival calendar is packed with neighborhood and municipal events, beginning with the Chilbi Herrliberg, Wetziker Chilbi, and Zolliker Chilbi all taking place between August 14 and 17. Later in the month, the Chilbi Wädenswil and Chilbi Küsnacht draw local crowds from August 22 to 24. September brings notable events such as the Chilbi Schwamendingen from September 4 to 6, followed closely by the famous Knabenschiessen at Albisgüetli, which runs from September 12 to 14.
In Central Switzerland, Lucerne features the Lozärner Määs, the largest event in the region, scheduled from October 3 to 18. Other notable Lucerne events include Kilbi Ettiswil from August 21 to 23, Klosterkilbi St. Urban-Roggwil from October 9 to 11, Chilbi Willisau from October 17 to 19, Dorfchilbi Weggis on October 18, and Chestene Chilbi Greppen on October 25.
Eastern Switzerland, Bern, and Regional Markets
The eastern cantons and Bern offer extensive autumn programming. In St. Gallen, the major highlight is the annual Olma agricultural and dairy fair, scheduled from October 8 to 18, which famously features traditional pig-racing events. The Bernese calendar features the Bümplizer-Chilbi from August 14 to 16, alongside the historic Zibelemärit onion market in Bern on November 23.
Other cantons maintain unique local traditions, such as the Älplerchilbi gatherings in Nidwalden—including Stans on October 18 and Wolfenschiessen on October 26—and the extensive Foire du Valais in Martigny, which runs from October 2 to 11. Organizers remind attendees to check local municipal websites for exact opening hours, public transport schedules, and specific safety guidelines as individual event dates approach.
Worth a look