Montreux Jazz Festival – Switzerland 2026

Background & History

Founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs, the Montreux Jazz Festival is a world-renowned music event held annually on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland. Initially focused on jazz, it has evolved into a genre-spanning celebration, embracing blues, soul, rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, earning a reputation as a “prestige festival” where legends are born. Since 2013, under the direction of Mathieu Jaton, the festival has grown to attract nearly 250,000 visitors each year, drawn by its stunning lakeside setting, exceptional acoustics, and intimate artist-audience interactions.

Iconic performances by artists like Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Prince, David Bowie, and Stevie Wonder have cemented its legacy, with Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” famously inspired by a 1971 fire at the Montreux Casino. The festival’s 60th edition in 2026 will celebrate its history of creative freedom, hosting legendary jam sessions, workshops, and unique collaborations. It showcases Switzerland’s cultural openness, supports local tourism (generating millions in revenue), and promotes sustainability through initiatives like waste reduction and eco-friendly transport partnerships.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: The festival, spanning two weeks, features headline concerts at the Lake Stage (outdoor, lakeside) and Casino Stage (indoor, historic Montreux Casino), showcasing global artists across genres (lineup TBD, announced April 2026). Free stages, such as the Park Stage and Ipanema, offer emerging artists, jazz ensembles, and DJ sets. Legendary jam sessions at the Lake House, workshops with musicians, and music production masterclasses engage attendees. The Montreux Jazz Film Festival screens music documentaries, and the Library Stage hosts acoustic sets and artist talks.
• Special Traditions or Features: The festival’s intimate vibe fosters unique artist-fan interactions, with impromptu performances and jam sessions (e.g., Janelle Monáe’s 2019 session). The “Greening Montreux” initiative promotes sustainability through recycling stations and partnerships with eco-conscious brands. The festival’s UNESCO-recognized Montreux Jazz Digital Project archives over 5,000 hours of performances, accessible onsite.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Free lakeside events, including open-air concerts and food markets, create a vibrant atmosphere. The MJF Art Gallery showcases music-inspired installations, and the Lavaux Vineyard Experience offers guided tours of nearby UNESCO-listed vineyards. Family-friendly activities include kids’ music workshops and interactive sound installations. Accessibility-focused events, in collaboration with Procap Suisse, ensure inclusivity for attendees with disabilities.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 3 – July 18, 2026 (tentative, based on historical dates; confirmed in April 2026)
• Duration: 16 days

Venue / Location

• Main Venues: The Lake Stage, an open-air venue on Lake Geneva’s shores, hosts major acts with stunning Alpine views (Google Maps: Lake Stage, Quai de Vernex, Montreux, Switzerland). The Casino Stage, inside the historic Montreux Casino, offers intimate concerts with renowned acoustics.
• Free Stages: The Park Stage, Ipanema, El Mundo, and Li Lo stages, located along the lakeside promenade, host free performances and DJ sets.
• Additional Venues: The Lake House (jam sessions, workshops), Montreux Palace (ticket office, exhibitions), and local venues like the Studio 41 and Nestlé Stage host smaller events.
• Surrounding Area: Set in Montreux, nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alps, the festival is minutes from the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, offering scenic beauty and cultural excursions.
• Other Locations: Satellite events occur in nearby Vevey and Lausanne, with pop-up concerts and markets.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets for paid venues (Lake Stage, Casino Stage) are available online via montreuxjazzfestival.com, Ticketcorner (Switzerland: 0900 10 10 12, $1.31/min; International: +41 900 800 800), or at physical points like Fnac, BLS, and Coop City. During the festival, box offices at Lake Stage (4 PM) and Casino Stage (6 PM) sell limited same-day tickets. Packages (e.g., Lake Pass, VIP Experience) are bookable online. Accessibility tickets require pre-registration via accessibility@mjf.ch.
• Pricing (in USD, based on 2025 rates, subject to change):
  • Lake Stage standing: $55–$165 (€50–€150).
  • Lake Stage seated: $110–$330 (€100–€300).
  • Casino Stage standing: $44–$132 (€40–€120).
  • Casino Stage seated: $88–$275 (€80–€250).
  • Accessibility tickets: 12% off standing tickets, free companion ticket (via accessibility@mjf.ch).
  • Lake Pass (all Lake Stage concerts): $1,320 (€1,200).
  • Priority Pass (priority access): $138 (€125).
  • Seated Hospitality Experience: $220–$550 (€200–€500).
  • VIP Hospitality Experience: $550–$1,100 (€500–€1,000).
• Special Seating or VIP Options: Seated and Podium Hospitality packages offer prime views at Lake and Casino Stages. VIP Hospitality includes best-category seating, exclusive lounge access, and catering. Accessibility offers include designated areas and trained staff support. Resale options are available via customer accounts (no refunds for insured tickets).

Contact Information

• Email: info@mjf.ch (general inquiries); ticketinfo@mjf.ch (ticketing); accessibility@mjf.ch (accessibility); press@mjf.ch (media).
• Phone: +41 21 966 44 44 (general); +41 21 966 45 50 (ticketing).
• Website: https://montreuxjazzfestival.com
• Address: Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux, Avenue des Alpes 80b, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland.
• Social Media: @MontreuxJazz (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok) for lineup announcements, live streams, and sustainability updates.
• Key Staff: Mathieu Jaton (Festival Director); contact info@mjf.ch for management inquiries.
• Press/Volunteers: Press accreditation via press@mjf.ch (submit by May 2026). Volunteer roles (e.g., ushers, info booth staff) open in April 2026 via info@mjf.ch; benefits include festival access and merchandise.
• Lost and Found: Managed at the festival info desk or via info@mjf.ch.
• Note: Response time is 24–48 hours, longer during peak periods. Multilingual support (English, French, German) available.

Cultural Experience

The Montreux Jazz Festival is a celebration of musical diversity, rooted in Switzerland’s cultural openness and Montreux’s legacy as a haven for artists. Visitors experience jazz, blues, soul, rock, pop, and hip-hop, with past performances by legends like Ella Fitzgerald and modern stars like Kendrick Lamar. The festival’s intimate venues foster unique artist-fan interactions, such as late-night jam sessions at the Lake House, where artists like Janelle Monáe have joined impromptu performances.

Swiss traditions are highlighted through local wine tastings (e.g., Chasselas from Lavaux), artisan markets, and cheese-making demonstrations. The festival promotes inclusivity with accessibility-focused events in collaboration with Procap Suisse, including sensory-friendly concerts. Sustainability initiatives, such as recycling programs, partnerships with eco-friendly brands, and carbon footprint reduction (via Native Events), reflect Switzerland’s environmental ethos. The MJF Art Gallery and Montreux Jazz Digital Project archive add cultural depth, showcasing music-inspired art and historical performances.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties: Savor Swiss dishes like fondue (Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses), raclette (melted cheese with potatoes), and rösti (crispy potato pancakes). Local specialties include Lake Geneva perch fillets and Swiss chocolate (e.g., Läderach pralines). International cuisine, such as Italian pasta, sushi, and vegan bowls, is available at food stalls. Vegan options include plant-based fondue and vegetable rösti.
• Dining Options: The festival’s lakeside food market offers stalls with Swiss, French, and global cuisine. Venues like the Lake House and Montreux Palace serve upscale meals (e.g., alpine-inspired tasting menus). Nearby restaurants, such as Café du Grütli or Brasserie des Alpes, offer traditional Swiss fare. Food trucks along the promenade provide quick bites like crepes and falafel.
• Beverages: Enjoy Swiss wines (Chasselas, Pinot Noir from Lavaux), local beers (Appenzeller, Feldschlösschen), and Rivella (a Swiss milk-based soda). Festival bars serve cocktails like the Montreux Mojito and non-alcoholic options like elderflower spritz. Coffee and Swiss hot chocolate pair with pastries like croissants or meringues with double cream.

Getting There

• By Air: Geneva Airport (GVA), 90 km away (1 hour by train/car), is the closest major airport, served by Swiss, EasyJet, and international carriers. Zurich Airport (ZRH), 210 km away (2.5 hours by train), is an alternative.
• By Public Transport: Montreux Station, a 5-minute walk from the Lake Stage, is served by SBB trains from Geneva (1 hour, $22–$33 round trip, €20–€30), Lausanne (20 minutes, $11–$16, €10–€15), and Zurich (2.5 hours, $55–$88, €50–€80). Festival shuttle buses and extra trains operate during the event. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited transport discounts.
• By Car: Take the A9 motorway to Montreux (exit Montreux or Vevey). Parking is available at Place du Marché or Montreux Centre ($2.20–$4.40/hour, €2–€4); book via montreux.ch. Car rentals from Geneva Airport cost $44–$110/day (€40–€100).
• By Bike/Foot: Montreux’s compact center is walkable, with venues within 1–2 km. Bike rentals are available at Montreux Station ($11/day, €10).
• Accessibility: Most venues are wheelchair-accessible, with Eurokey toilets and a dedicated accessibility desk. Contact accessibility@mjf.ch for mobility aid rentals or transport assistance (e.g., Transport Handicap Vaud).

Accommodation Options

• In Montreux: Budget options include Hotel Parc & Lac ($100–$150/night) or youth hostels ($50–$80/night). Mid-range hotels like Eurotel Montreux ($150–$250/night) offer lakeside views. Luxury stays include Fairmont Le Montreux Palace ($300–$600/night) or Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic ($250–$500/night), near festival venues.
• Nearby: Vevey (5 km) offers Hotel des Trois Couronnes ($200–$400/night). Lausanne (25 km) has budget options like Ibis Lausanne Centre ($90–$140/night).
• Alternatives: Airbnb apartments in Montreux ($80–$250/night) or camping at TCS Camping Vevey ($30–$60/night, €25–€55). Glamping options in Lavaux start at $120/night (€110).
• Tips: Book by March 2026, as accommodations sell out quickly. Festival packages via Switzerland Travel Centre include tickets, hotels, and train passes.