The Harvest Festival Neuchâtel is the annual celebration that takes place in Neuchâtel, Switzerland! This festival marks the beginning of the grape harvest with over a century of history. As usual, it will take place on the last weekend of September (from 27th to 29th September 2024). During this event, the city center turns into a pedestrian zone, where nearly 300,000 people gather to celebrate in a decidedly festive atmosphere.
Dates & Opening Hours
From 27th Sept 2024 to 29th Sept 2024
Friday: 18:00 – 04:00 Saturday: 11:00 – 04:00 Sunday: 11:00 – 00:00
Looking for a hotel to stay during the Harvest Festival 2024? Book your room now at the Beaulac Hotel Neuchâtel.
Considered one of the largest wine festivals in Europe, the Harvest Festival Neuchâtel is an opportunity to participate in an event that unites the entire local community of Neuchâtel and attracts visitors from all over Europe. Yes indeed! And it’s kind of a trademark of Neuchâtel. So why not plan your visit now for the next edition of the Harvest Festival Neuchâtel? But first, let’s start with a bit of history.
Origins and history of the Harvest Festival
The Neuchâtel Harvest Festival has deep roots in ancient traditions. It has been celebrating harvests since 1902, with the exception of a hiatus during the First World War. This festival began with spontaneous celebrations around the wine presses. In addition to that, there was music, singing, and dancing. But that was before it became an organized event with the first masked parade in 1900 and a major procession of 350 participants in 1902.
Originally established by the Cycling Club and local citizens, the harvest festival was designed to support local charitable works. Over time, it has become a very important event in the region and in the country, attracting over 100,000 spectators. In the 1950s, it drew up to 80,000 people. The current structure of the festival was adopted in 1925, and it takes place every year on the last weekend of September. So this year it will be from 27th to 29th September 2024.
Unfortunately, in 2020, for the first time since the First World War, the event was canceled due to the global situation related to Covid. Fortunately, in 2024, the edition is present and the festival will not be canceled this time !
Festival schedule
We start the festivities on Friday with the opening and the night parade.
18:00 : Official inauguration by the central president, followed by relay messages by the Bacchic Brotherhoods, associations responsible for promoting wine knowledge.
21:00 : Start of the night parade with performances by the Guggenmusiks, leading European brass bands. Festive atmosphere guaranteed!
The party continues on Saturday with various parades and fireworks.
14:00 : Children’s parade, a warm moment where young and old march together!
16:00 : Guggenmusik concert to continue the festivities.
20:30 : Fireworks show.
And finally, it’s time for the Grand Floral Parade on Sunday.
15:00 : Start of the Floral Parade, the last floral parade in Switzerland. It showcases decorated floats on various themes like ‘Harvests and Demons’. The floats are composed of flowers, up to 464,000 flowers, mainly roses, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums.
Registration for the children’s parade is now open. To register for the children’s parade, click on the aforementioned link.
On Sunday afternoon, the floral parade comes to life by maintaining this famous tradition of harvest-themed floats decorated with tools and flowers. Well yes, that’s also the symbol of the end of the grape harvest! Note, however, that the floral parade is the only paid event of the festival. Tickets range from 12 to 32 Swiss francs.
The event typically attracts up to 100,000 people on Sunday, so plan ahead and book your stay in advance at the Beaulac Hotel Neuchâtel.
Stalls and gastronomy
But what about continuous entertainment and gastronomy once you’re there? Throughout the three days, visitors can enjoy food and drink stalls. Street cafes and music groups will liven up Neuchâtel no matter what.
With over 180 stalls (run by local companies and merchants) spread throughout the city, the Neuchâtel Harvest Festival 2024 is also a weekend that will delight food lovers and enthusiasts. It’s good to know that these stalls generate half of the event’s revenue! It’s an event that involves everyone and it wouldn’t be what it is today without the participation of the Neuchâtel population.
Tip: To facilitate purchases, participants must use a special festival bracelet, available in advance or during the event.
Be sure to visit the Winemakers’ Village. With 17 chalets offering wines from Neuchâtel and local products, you can taste local specialties and learn more about our region. Plus, you’re likely to love the atmosphere there! Good mood and conviviality are guaranteed, we assure you.
How to participate in the Harvest Festival 2024?
To experience the typical and festive atmosphere of the Neuchâtel Harvest Festival 2024, here’s our recap. Firstly, tickets are available at La Navigation counters (Neuchâtel Harbor) or at TransN counters located in Neuchâtel, Le Locle, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Les Ponts-de-Martel, Cernier, and Fleurier. Tickets are also available online at billetterie.fete-des-vendanges.ch.
As for the famous FDV bracelet, it will be essential for making purchases at the festival stalls. It is available before the event at TransN counters or during the event at various stands. The “Blue” bracelet costs CHF 10.00 (free transport and a reserved seat for the floral procession). The “Orange” bracelet is offered at CHF 2.00.
To book online, go directly to the Harvest Festival website.
For any questions, feel free to contact the Harvest Festival organizers at the following address: City center, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 32 724 07 87, or by email at info@fete-des-vendanges.ch.
We wish everyone a wonderful Harvest Festival 2024!
The Beaulac Hotel Neuchâtel offers you the opportunity to stay in a luxurious and relaxing setting by the lake during the Harvest Festival. Book your stay now for the Harvest Festival 2024.
