Local Festivals for 2010

This is a list of upcoming local festivals or events that aren't Anglo-centric - but you'll have a good time anyway.

Zurich Marathon – Watch thousands sweat their way along 42.195 kilometres through Zurich, or join in the fun yourself! April 11. www.zurichmarathon.ch

Sechseläuten – Best described as a kind of Groundhog Day with camels, a parade of men in medieval costume on horseback, and a snowman whose head explodes. In the evening locals roast weenies and drink around the resulting bonfire. A quintessentially Zürcher experience. April 18 (children’s parade) and 19 (main parade with bonfire). www.sechselaeuten.ch

Zürcher Festspiele – A month-long theatre festival held at teatres throughout the city. Some of the international events are in English. June 18 to July 11. www.zuercher-festspiele.ch

Caliente! Festival Tropical & Mercado Mundial – Zurich shows its rambunctious Latin side with live concerts, dance shows and an international market. July 2 to 4. www.caliente.ch

Zürifäscht – A plethora of food stalls line Limmatquai and sweep around the northern end of the lake for this three-day festival celebrating – we’re not really sure what. Probably how renting out food stalls is lucrative for the city. Events include a mini-airshow, high-wire acrobatics, free concerts and dance parties. The fireworks on Friday and Saturday night attract a big crowd. July 2 to 4. www.zuerifaescht.ch

Ironman Switzerland – Those just rested up from April’s marathon and some amazingly buff international athletes go at it again. July 25. www.ironman.ch

Street Parade – Zurich fills with the world’s leftover ravers for a huge outdoor techno party. August 14. www.streetparade.ch  

Zürcher Theater Spektakel – Yet another theatre festival, this one held outdoors in tents on the Landiwiese and including some excellent buskers & international food stalls. Some of the events are in English. August 19 to September 5. www.theaterspektakel.ch

Weltklasse Zürich – The international track meet takes place at Zurich’s new Letzigrund stadium on August 19. www.weltklassezuerich.ch

Zurich Film Festival – 11 days packed with excellent movies from all over the world and an increasing number of red carpet stars. Come by and see if anyone else gets arrested this year… September 23 to October 3. www.zurichfilmfestival.org