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Free entry
Now in its 15th edition, Lugano LongLake Festival is today one of Switzerland’s largest urban open-air festivals. A multidisciplinary celebration that brings together live music, performances, urban art, activities for children and families, dance, talks, workshops, and the vibrant world of street artists. An international event combining high-quality music with a rich calendar of free events, transforming the city into an open-air stage.
Once again this year, the Festival will be structured around three main events, taking place over the three weekends of the festival: Estival Jazz, Blues to Bop, and Lugano Buskers.
Alongside these, a constellation of mostly free events will bring life to the city’s parks and urban spaces – from the mouth of the Cassarate river to Parco Ciani and the lakeside promenade – reaching the main squares of Lugano’s city centre.
Estival Jazz – 45th edition, 10 – 12 July 2025
A globally renowned music event now in its 45th year, Estival Jazz brings to Lugano major names from the jazz and contemporary music scenes. Created by Jacky Marti and Andreas Wyden, the festival has hosted legends such as Miles Davis, Ray Charles, James Brown and many more.
As always, standing access to Estival Jazz concerts remains free.
New this year: attendees can purchase a seat in the reserved area in front of the stage, valid for all three concerts on their selected day – a way to support the festival’s future while enjoying a premium view.
A second stage will be introduced in Piazza Manzoni, with two artists performing each evening during stage changes in Piazza della Riforma, offering audiences a seamless flow of live music throughout the night.
Blues to Bop – 35th edition, 18 – 19 July 2025
A carefully curated selection of Swiss and international musicians guides audiences through the world of blues in this 35th edition. This year’s format combines ticketed concerts in the natural amphitheatre of Parco Ciani (Boschetto) with free performances near Punta Foce beach and Rivetta Tell on the lakeside.
To deepen the experience, Blues to Bop Schools led by Philipp Fankhauser and Billy Branch will offer free talks and music lessons at Punta Foce.
The synergy with LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura continues: Østrik Quintet (presented by LAC) at Punta Foce – 18 July and Gospel Voices Family (presented by Blues to Bop) at LAC Hall – 20 July
The partnership extends to another special night on 16 July at Parco Ciani, with performances by Thee Sacred Souls and Ledisi, in collaboration between LongLake Festival and LAC.
Urban Art
Urban Art Lugano (AUL) is a creative lab for experimental artistic initiatives, designed to connect citizens with the urban environment. AUL originated within LongLake Festival and continues to develop new ways of activating public space.
For this edition, a new artwork will be created, and a Street Art Tour will invite exploration and reflection in the city.
Family, 10 – 27 July 2025
Since the beginning, LongLake has been imagined as an inclusive experience for all generations. A large portion of the programme is devoted to children and their families – offering a summer full of free shows, readings, and creative workshops for kids aged 0 to 12.
For this occasion, the foyer of the Palazzo dei Congressi and the adjacent garden in Parco Ciani become the lively and welcoming Family Village – a serene and stimulating environment filled with curated games and books for all ages.
Theme of the year: The Forest
A magical, symbolic place that invites discovery, imagination and connection with nature. The space will be enhanced by evocative installations designed by students of CSIA Lugano (Polydesign 3D/Decorators 3D section).
Performing Arts
This year’s five featured productions:
- Corde – Onyrikon Company (Swiss Made)
- E tu chi sei? – Isabella Giampaolo (Swiss Made)
- Elements – UnKnown Company (Swiss Made)
- Un bès – Antonio Ligabue – Mario Perrotta (in collaboration with Terra e Laghi Festival)
- Storie di Lago – Francesco Pellicini (in collaboration with Festival dei Laghi Lombardi)
Talks and Dance
10 July: a talk curated with the Cantonal Libraries as part of the Chilometro Zero series
Four public lectures within the La ricerca che ci riguarda series, in collaboration with USI and SUPSI
22 July: summer edition of the Ticino Poetry Slam
Dancing Nights at Rivetta Tell
Get moving with themed nights:Swing-Boogie, Alma Latina, Milonga
Prices
- Free Ticket