myfriendfromzurich is leaving on a summer break soon. But while we’re excited for the dolce far niente, we didn’t want to leave you without suggestions for an exciting August:

Werdinsel Openair: small but nice, local bands play for free and if the weather is fine, the river is just a stroll away (8./9.8.)

Schlauer Bauer Openair: One of Switzerlands most charmings festival just outside Zurich (8.-10.8.).

Musikfestwochen Winterthur: National and international bands play in the heart of Winterthur, some even for free (13.-14.8.).

Theater Spektakel: Theatre, cabaret and performances at the shore of lake Zurich (14.-31.8.).

Morning Gloryville: Start your day with yoga and fresh smoothies (20.8).

Opening of Kino Houdini: New cinema in town with a fine program (21.8.)

Long nights on Zurich squares: Idaplatz (16./17.8.), Hallwylplatz (22.8.), Röntgenplatz (22.8.) – every square has its own party. Long-established residents mingle with the young crowd. Local bands play for free and food stalls are ready to cure your hunger.

Just one day after National Day (our tips here) there is another reason to celebrate: the Street Parade, Zurichs annual techno mega event.

We suggest, we avoid the masses on the afternoon parade and go partying at night. The Rote Fabrik (Lethargy) and Hive are good options for a night out that only ends when it’s dark again.

If you’re not into electronic music at all, head to Stadtsommer or browse our stroll section for trips out of Zurich.

Happy birthday, Switzerland! Here are our suggestions for a festive 1th of August:

TRADITIONAL

Head to the countryside for a traditional Buurebrunch (farmers brunch) and visit Bürkliplatz in Zurich, where the folklore activities start at noon.

ALTERNATIVE

The urban way to celebrate Switzerlands birthday is Äms Fäscht: music and food from all over the world at Bäckeranlage.

PRIVATE

If you’re not in the mood to celebrate with the masses, grab yourself a Cervelat, walk up to Hörnli in Zürich Oberland and go bbq-ing (or “brätle” as we say). Or gather your friends for a Fondue – it’s a bit unusual to eat it in summer, but hey, it’s National Day after all!

(picture: Stadtsommer/facebook)

For all those not lying at the beach somewhere in the south, Stadtsommer is the place to listen to good music, mingle and enjoy a Zurich summer night. Free entrance. The concert series starts tonight with Gletscher at club Helsinki.

Another must for music lovers is rundfunk.fm. Zurichs temporary live radio event stands for good electronic music and is at a new venue: the mingling and dancing starts open air at the garden of club Supermarket and ends inside the clubs halls late at night.

Looking for a real summer holiday feeling? You don’t have to go far, just jump into lake Zurich in the middle of the city!

These are our favourite public baths at the lakeside or along the Limmat. Go get your bikinis and jump into the wonderful freshness. It even won’t be too crowded these weeks as many Zurich people enjoy their holiday time in the south and rather swim in the mediterranean sea.

Summer in the city – one of our favourite times of the year!