
Top events
Events throughout the year
11 Top events
Looking for something to do? Not a problem: Solothurn has got it all. From cultural activities to sport, from culinary delights to unique Swiss traditions – guests are spoiled for choice. Eleven exclusive events add to our baroque town’s prestige and charm. And offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Solothurn Film Festival
18. - 25.01.2023
Every January, all eyes are on Solothurn, as the Swiss film industry flocks to the baroque city for the Solothurn Film Festival. For more than 50 years, this festival has powered Swiss film culture and served as a hub of creative exchange. Welcoming more than 65,000 visitors, it has become one of Switzerland’s premier cultural events.
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Every January, all eyes are on Solothurn, as the Swiss film industry flocks to the baroque city for the Solothurn Film Festival. For more than 50 years, this festival has powered Swiss film culture and served as a hub of creative exchange. Welcoming more than 65,000 visitors, it has become one of Switzerland’s premier cultural events.
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Baroque Days
13. - 21.08.2022
A spectacle of a particularly varied kind: scenic tours, lectures, performances, workshops or games - baroque life is celebrated in Solothurn. The Solothurn Baroque Days are celebrated in August.
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A spectacle of a particularly varied kind: scenic tours, lectures, performances, workshops or games - baroque life is celebrated in Solothurn. The Solothurn Baroque Days are celebrated in August.
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Literary festival Solothurn
27. - 29.05.2022
Since 1978, the annual 'Literaturtage' festival has provided an exciting platform for Swiss contemporary literature. It brings together writers representing all four national languages, along with readers, media reporters and publishers.
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Since 1978, the annual 'Literaturtage' festival has provided an exciting platform for Swiss contemporary literature. It brings together writers representing all four national languages, along with readers, media reporters and publishers.
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2,000 years of Solothurn
01.01.2020 - 31.12.2021
Solothurn is known as an ancient town and historic treasure. But don’t let its age fool you – the town is in the mood to celebrate! This baroque gem is turning 2,000 years old in 2020. The town has aged gracefully, and to celebrate its founding, Solothurn will showcase the pomp of past eras alongside the innovations of recent years.
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Solothurn is known as an ancient town and historic treasure. But don’t let its age fool you – the town is in the mood to celebrate! This baroque gem is turning 2,000 years old in 2020. The town has aged gracefully, and to celebrate its founding, Solothurn will showcase the pomp of past eras alongside the innovations of recent years.
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Märetfescht’ Solothurn's Market Festival
Date 2023 not known yet.
In 1978, a tradition was born: the ‘Märetfescht’ – Solothurn’s market festival. It’s been causing a stir ever since. Every year, just before the summer holidays, Solothurn’s historic centre puts on a sparkling performance during this two-day festival. And shows off what the Old Town, its shopkeepers, its organisers and its residents are made of: a whole lot of style and wonderful sense of community.
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In 1978, a tradition was born: the ‘Märetfescht’ – Solothurn’s market festival. It’s been causing a stir ever since. Every year, just before the summer holidays, Solothurn’s historic centre puts on a sparkling performance during this two-day festival. And shows off what the Old Town, its shopkeepers, its organisers and its residents are made of: a whole lot of style and wonderful sense of community.
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Weissenstein Schwinget
23.07.2022
In 1947, a group of young Swiss wrestling enthusiasts took it upon themselves to revive the Swiss wresting festival. Since then – with just four exceptions – the event has been held annually and over time has developed into an enormously popular festival on Solothurn’s local mountain. A stone-throwing contest was also introduced at the same time as the Swiss wrestling.
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In 1947, a group of young Swiss wrestling enthusiasts took it upon themselves to revive the Swiss wresting festival. Since then – with just four exceptions – the event has been held annually and over time has developed into an enormously popular festival on Solothurn’s local mountain. A stone-throwing contest was also introduced at the same time as the Swiss wrestling.
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Streetfood Festival
26. – 28.08.2022
Eat your way right around the globe. Food stalls and street musicians from all over the world come together under the Leporello Bridge in Solothurn. The location means that even if it rains, there’s enough space for you to keep dry, and when it’s sunny, there’s plenty of shade.
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Eat your way right around the globe. Food stalls and street musicians from all over the world come together under the Leporello Bridge in Solothurn. The location means that even if it rains, there’s enough space for you to keep dry, and when it’s sunny, there’s plenty of shade.
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Light Run
Date not known yet.
Solothurn offers the ideal setting for this spectacle. It starts after dark. The five-kilometre course through the town of Solothurn features eight ‘event zones’, where the runners are treated to light shows, music and other special effects.
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Solothurn offers the ideal setting for this spectacle. It starts after dark. The five-kilometre course through the town of Solothurn features eight ‘event zones’, where the runners are treated to light shows, music and other special effects.
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Gusto Festival
26.06.2022
When top chefs get together: the Gusto Festival in Solothurn is and will always be the home of this legendary event series. Visitors enjoy special events showcasing exceptional cuisine and top chefs. And there are always some surprises in store.
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When top chefs get together: the Gusto Festival in Solothurn is and will always be the home of this legendary event series. Visitors enjoy special events showcasing exceptional cuisine and top chefs. And there are always some surprises in store.
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Art Supermarket
04.11.2022 - 08.01.2023
Over the past few years, the Swiss Art Supermarket has become an established national art event, and a great success story. A relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to browse through a varied, high-quality selection of around 7,000 unique artworks.
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Over the past few years, the Swiss Art Supermarket has become an established national art event, and a great success story. A relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to browse through a varied, high-quality selection of around 7,000 unique artworks.
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Christmas
At Christmas, Solothurn is resplendent with twinkling lights. Fans of nativity scenes are drawn to Switzerland’s finest baroque town to see a unique rarity in the form of the ‘Ambassadors crib’. The period leading up to Christmas is packed with activities, including guided Advent tours, Christmas markets, concerts and atmospheric shopping in the Old Town, or the Christmas story brought to life in a play.
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