Lake Night Festival Rapperswil-Jona

The beautiful town of Rapperswil-Jona goes all out every three years with Lake Night Festival, a huge celebration and party on the shore of Lake Zurich. Music, fireworks, air displays and more make this a must-see event.

Lake Night Festival Rapperswil-Jona (Seenachtfest)

The 2024 edition of the Lake Night Festival is set to be a big celebration in Rapperswil-Jona as it's 100 years old this year! The town of Rapperswil transforms into a festival mile, with three stages for music and a host of other activities going on through its medieval alleys.

It all kicks off from 5pm on Friday, August 9, with a demonstration by the Swiss parachuting units, puma helicopters and fighter jets - now that's how you open a festival!

The opening displays also feature the worlds first electronic aeroplane displays. Aiming to be better for the environment and able to get closer to the crowds than regular jets, this might be the future of all air shows! These airborne teams will also perform on Saturday, so don't worry about missing out if you can't come the first day.

At 10pm on both Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10, is the big firework display over the lake, with accompanying music. These displays are spectacular, and many see them as the highlight of the whole weekend. 

Video credit: Youtube / Fabian Villiger

Something for the whole family

On the grounds of the OST University of Applied Sciences, there is an attractive programme for families with children for all three days of the festival. The highlights include a Lilliputian steam train, cage climbing, canoe trips, face painting and a mega trampoline. Admission to the children’s zone is free throughout the festival.

Opening hours for the children's area:

• Friday, August 9: 5pm - 8pm
• Saturday, August 10: 11am - 8pm
• Sunday, August 11: 11am - 5pm

The longest mobile zip-line in Switzerland

For those who need a little more adrenaline to make their weekend really pop, why not try the longest mobile zip-line in Switzerland? Running a staggering 307 metres, it will take you from the top of castle hill, over the rooftops of the old town right down to the harbour.

Rides can be booked in advance and a ticket costs 25,90 Swiss francs. It is recommended to book a timeslot if you want to be certain of getting a spot. The zip-line is within the festival zone, so a ticket for the festival is also required on Friday and Saturday. 

Attending Lake Night Festival Rapperswil-Jona

The festival takes place in the streets of the old-town of Rapperswil and down by the harbour on Lake Zurich. It is all extremely close to Rapperswil train station, so it is recommended to arrive by public transport. Extra buses will be put on for those living in the area, and SBB and SOB will be running longer, more frequent trains, with extra late-night ones to make sure you can catch the fireworks.

With your Lake Night Festival ticket, you can travel for free on public transport within Rapperswil-Jona, and there is a code on the festival website that will get you 50% off a day-return train ticket from anywhere in the country. Rapperswil-Jona is just 45 minutes by train from Zurich, so perfect for a change of scenery and a nice day out!

You can buy tickets and check out the whole lineup on the Lake Night Festival Rapperswil-Jona website.