With movie screenings, music festivals, and fine dining held outside, August is the open-air month par excellence.
Before we get into all the great events going on this month, check out these recent articles with tips and ideas for making the most of your leisure time:
- Looking for a running path? Here are our favorites.
- Want to enjoy a meal al fresco? Here are our favorite terraces.
- Craving an apéro by the lake? Here are 7 buvettes you should try this summer.
- Ready for a new book to read on holiday? Here’s what we’ve been reading this year.
August Activities in and around Lausanne
Outdoor Movies
Through August 14: Open Air Cinema in Vevey
Every Wednesday-Saturday night this summer, Vevey is inviting you to enjoy the big screen al fresco. Go and enjoy movies like Nomadland, Mamma Mia, Heidi, Big Fish, Bohemian Rhapsody, and OSS 117. Bar opens at 7pm and seats open at 8pm. Movies start at 21h45 or 21h30.
August 12-14: TSC Drive-in Cossonay
It’s a bit retro, but that’s the fun of it! Head out to Cossonay for a real drive-in cinema experience thanks to TCS.
August 13 & 20: Les Bobines de Valency
An outdoor movie theatre with children in mind. This year, Les Bobines de Valency is specifically showing Swiss cinema – recommended age is at least 12 years old.
Every Saturday: Dix Toiles sour les Etoiles
Zinéma, an independent movie theatre in Lausanne, presents free outdoor films in Mon-Répos park every Saturday night. Grab a bite at Folie Voltaire and make an evening of it.
Every night: Morges Open Air cinema
With screenings of a diverse offer of movies every night until September 5, there’s definitely a movie for everyone at the Morges Open Air cinema.
Foodie Events
August 9: Kitchen takeover at Tic Toc St-Prex
The Randin Chef will be bring the flavors of India to one of our favorite summer restaurants.
All month until August 29: Caves Ouvertes
It’s hard to imagine a better way to enjoy the view from Lavaux than with a tasting of local wine. The Caves Ouvertes event adjusted to COVID times by offering reservations online. Visit their site, buy your ticket, and book your table. Our TLG team went one night in June and we made a little video – take a look!
August 27: Anne Sophie Pic’s market
One of Lausanne’s resident Michelin Star Chefs gathers her favorite artisans and local producers in the gardens of the Beau Rivage hotel.
August 28: Table with a View
Reservations are a must for this lovely outdoor dining experience with Persian specialties. Reservations are possible from July 27, so don’t wait too long to book your spot!
Festivals and Markets
Each weekend until August 14: Riposte!
The Esplanade de Montbenon will host artists each weekend as a part of Lausanne’s free summer arts activities.
August 8 & 9: The African Traditions festival
Head to the Place de l’Europe for music, food, and cultural activities from a number of African countries.
August 13, 14, 15: The mid-August festival in Ouchy
Food, music, and activities liven up Ouchy for the weekend.
August 16 – September 5: Festi’Jorat
Head up to Lausanne’s forest for activities and celebrations of all things related to this natural park. Order a picnic basket and find a nice quiet spot or attend a foraging and cooking workshop with your kids. Take a look at the full program. https://jorat.org/
August 20-29: Cully Jazz
That Cully Jazz moved from April to August might be the best thing to come out of our COVID spring.
August 27 & 28: Electrosanne
An electro music festival at the Arsenic theatre.
August 28: The Lausanne Craft Market in La Cité
Support small makers and artisans at this year’s craft market.
Music, Art, and Culture
August 11: Candlelight Open Air concert (Geneva)
This event might be all the way in Geneva, but something about a dreamy candlelit classical music concert in a garden sounds worth the effort.
August 18: Sunday Art & Brunch
Enjoy brunch at the l’Esquisse restaurant at the Hermitage museum and then take a guided tour of the exhibit.
August 13, 20, and 27: Lausanne Cathedral concert series
Beautiful music in a beautiful setting. Check out the three concerts options at the Cathedral this month.
Sports
August 11-22: Lausanne sur Mer
Each summer, teenagers and young adults gather for an initiation to water sports and life à bord de l’eau. Materials is available on site. If you are the parent of or know a teenager, be sure to spread the word.
August 26: Athletissima
Some of the world’s finest athletes gather in Lausanne later this month for the Athletissima sports competition. Spectators are welcome.
For Kids
August 14: L’appel de la forêt at L’Hermitage
A creative activity for children ages 4-6 years old in the forest outside of the Hermitage museum.
August 18-20: 3-day camp at L’Hermitage
Three days with Lausanne-based artists for children ages 8-12 years old.
August 19: Nature en musique
A nature walk with musique for children ages 6-10 accompanied by an adult.
August 21: Storytime at Sauvabelin
Head to Sauvabelin to meet with storytellers who will take children on an adventure through the forest, around the lake and to the famous tower.