<p>The Alps plays host to some fantastic events over the summer months.</p><p></p>
Photo: Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Top Summer Events in the Alps 2023

The Alps plays host to some fantastic events over the summer months.

Summer
Published at: 9 May 2019
Last updated at: 17 Feb 2023

Discover six of the top events taking place in the Alps this summer. From classical music festivals to classic car rallies, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton

Climbing World Cup, Chamonix: 7 - 9 July 2023

Stay in Chamonix
Climbing world cup in ChamonixPhoto: OT Vallée de Chamonix/M.Raylat

Watch in awe as some of the best climbers in the world tackle two specially built climbing walls. One wall is built for speed climbing, the other for lead climbing. The event is held at Place du Mont Blanc where a “Climbing Village” of around 20 exhibitors springs up at the base of the walls, along with a big screen to catch all the action up close.

If you’re feeling inspired then there are many climbing sites in Chamonix where you can hone your skills.

Verbier Festival: 14 - 30 July 2023

Stay in Verbier
Verbier FestivalPhoto: Verbier Festival/Nicolas Brodard

Music lovers from all over the world flock to Verbier in summer for this unforgettable event, which brings together great masters of classical music and the most promising new musicians. Returning with its 29th edition, Verbier Festival is widely considered to be among the major European music festivals, offering an increasingly varied programme year on year.

Alongside the concerts, the festival offers educational activities for children as well as “Talks & Docs” for adults centered around music, the relationship we have with it and how it impacts our lives.

Folklore Festival, Zermatt: 12-13 August 2023

Stay in Zermatt
Folklore festival in ZermattPhoto: Pascal Gertschen

For a taste of nostalgia, head to Zermatt’s famous Folklore Festival, one of the largest cultural events of the summer. Watch as a variety of Swiss folklore groups parade their traditional dress, music and dances through the centre of the village. Start the day by attending Yodel mass in St. Mauritius church before enjoying a “Musikgesellschaft Matterhorn” concert in the church square.

The parade begins at the train station and continues on to Obere Matten where refreshments are served. This really is a bright and colourful spectacle not to be missed.

Hublot Polo Gold Cup, Gstaad: 17-20 August 2023

Stay in Gstaad
Hubolt Polo World CupPhoto: Hubolt Polo World Cup/Destination Gstaad

Captivating spectators every year, the international Hublot Polo Gold Cup draws top-ranking players who fight it out on the pitch for sought-after world ranking points. The preparations for this year’s tournament are already in full swing. Four teams are already confirmed - Cedric Schweri, Marco Elser, Sebastien Lepage, Gabio & Luca Meier.

After the semi-final, spectators can enjoy the event’s Gala Night dinner and after-party, as well as a VIP lunch followed by the final and presentation of the prizes on Sunday afternoon.

Passione Engadina, St Moritz: 25 - 27 August 2023

Stay in St Moritz
Passione EngadinaPhoto: Engadin St Moritz Tourismus

Reaching its eighth edition this year, Passione Engadina is a unique gathering of historical cars exclusively manufactured in Italy. Dedicated to Bugatti in 2022, the gathering is open to a maximum of 100 Italian cars produced up to 1992. Participants will take part in the brand new Julius Bar Rally which takes in breathtaking landscapes over 220km through the Jullier and Fluela passes. The Ladies Cup will also be back whilst the Plozza Challenge Cup will take participants to beautiful Tirano in Italy.

On Sunday 28th August, the cars will be exhibited in Tirano for the Concours d’Elegance Luigino della Santa. The attending public will evaluate the cars and decide on their favourite. Alongside the cars, there are plenty of Gala dinners and buffet lunches to enjoy along the way.

OMEGA European Masters, Crans Montana: 31 August - 3 September 2023

Stay in Crans Montana
OMEGA golf masters in Crans MontanaPhoto: CMTC/www.vspictures.ch

Don’t miss out on one of the most prestigious golf competitions in Europe. The Crans-sur-Sierre golf club will host this internationally renowned tournament for the 75th time this year. As well as enjoying top-level sport, you can also soak up the idyllic surroundings of this stunning location. Golfing aficionados will not want to miss out on seeing who is going to add their name to the winner's list.