Cully Jazz Festival 2026 – Cully, Switzerland
Overview
The Cully Jazz Festival is a prestigious musical event held in the heart of the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking terraced vineyards. For nine days, the picturesque lakeside village of Cully transforms into a vibrant hub for jazz enthusiasts, bringing together world-renowned artists and emerging talents. The festival is unique for its intimate atmosphere, where the music resonates through historic wine cellars, temporary big tops, and along the scenic shores of Lake Geneva.
Since its inception in 1983, the festival has maintained a perfect balance between high-profile paid concerts and a spirited fringe program. The event is divided into the Festival IN, which features ticketed performances by international jazz legends, and the Festival OFF, which offers numerous free concerts throughout the village’s bars and cellars. This dual structure ensures that the entire community is immersed in music, creating a warm and inclusive environment that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Beyond the auditory experience, the Cully Jazz Festival is a sensory journey that highlights the local culture of the Vaud region. Visitors can enjoy fine local wines and regional delicacies while moving between venues, all while taking in the stunning alpine backdrop. It is not just a concert series; it is a cultural tradition that captures the essence of Swiss hospitality and the universal language of jazz in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.
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Event Highlights
- Exclusive headline performances by international jazz stars in the Chapiteau and Next venues.
- The Festival OFF program which features over 100 free concerts in intimate wine cellars and local bistros.
- A diverse musical range spanning from traditional swing and blues to modern soul, funk, and world music.
- Scenic musical walks and wine tastings that combine the local viticulture with the festival’s jazz soundtrack.
Why Attend
The Cully Jazz Festival offers a rare opportunity to see world-class musicians in an incredibly personal and scenic setting. Unlike massive stadium festivals, Cully provides an up-close experience where the boundary between the performer and the audience often disappears. It is the ideal event for music lovers who appreciate high-quality sound and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere where the quality of the wine is as carefully curated as the lineup on stage.
Attending this festival allows you to discover the charm of the Swiss Riviera during the beautiful spring season. The event is perfect for those who want to combine a love for jazz with travel and gastronomy, offering a complete cultural package. Whether you are a dedicated jazz aficionado or a casual listener looking for a unique night out, the festival provides a welcoming space to enjoy the finer things in life while supporting the global arts community.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: 10 April 2026 to 18 April 2026
- Event Duration: 9 Days
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets for the Festival IN concerts can be purchased via the official website, at the festival ticket office in Cully, or through authorized Swiss ticketing partners.
- Admission Type: The Festival IN requires paid tickets for specific venue access, while the Festival OFF concerts in village cellars are open to the public for free.
- Ticket Pricing: Concert tickets and passes typically range from $45 to $350 depending on the artist and the type of festival pass selected.
- Special Seating Options: Seated configurations are available in the Chapiteau and Temple venues, offering clear sightlines and enhanced acoustics for attendees.
- VIP Options: Premium packages include reserved seating at headline shows, access to private lounge areas, and curated food and wine pairings.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Cully, Switzerland
- Venue Name: Cully Jazz Festival, Various venues across Cully, including the Chapiteau, Next, and local wine cellars.
- Google Maps Address: Pl. de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 2, 1096 Cully, Switzerland
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: info@cullyjazz.ch
- Phone Number: +41 21 799 99 00
- Official Website: https://cullyjazz.ch/en
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/cullyjazz/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMDMy64Fh70jEaxapkNpRpw
- https://www.facebook.com/cullyjazz/?locale=fr_FR
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport is located approximately 50 miles from the village of Cully.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Cully Train Station is situated right at the edge of the village and is the primary arrival point for visitors.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Regional bus services and the Mobilis network connect Cully to surrounding towns like Lausanne and Vevey.
- Parking Availability: Limited public parking is available on the outskirts of the village with shuttle services often provided during peak festival hours.
- Directions by Car: Access the village via the A9 motorway, taking the exit for Cully/Belmont and following the signs toward the lake.
What is this event?
The Cully Jazz Festival is a major Swiss music event held annually in the vineyards of Lavaux. It features a mix of paid headline concerts and a large free program spread across the village’s unique historic locations.
The event focuses on promoting jazz in all its forms while celebrating local wine culture and the scenic beauty of Lake Geneva. It is recognized as one of the most prestigious jazz gatherings in Europe.
Why is it popular?
The festival is popular because of its stunning location and the high quality of its musical programming. It offers a cozy, intimate vibe that is much different from large-scale commercial music festivals.
The combination of world-class jazz, local Vaudois wine, and the UNESCO-protected landscape creates an irresistible draw for tourists and locals alike. Its reputation for discovering new talent also keeps the program fresh and exciting every year.
Tips before you go
- Book your train tickets in advance as the regional trains can become very crowded during the festival evenings.
- Bring a warm sweater or light jacket because temperatures in the wine cellars and by the lake can drop significantly after sunset.
- Arrive early for the Festival OFF concerts in the cellars as these venues have very limited capacity and fill up quickly.
- Use the official festival app to stay updated on schedule changes and to discover smaller artists performing in the village.
- Try the local Chasselas wine which is a specialty of the Lavaux region and is prominently featured throughout the event.
Attendee Experiences
- The sound quality in the main tent was incredible and the view of the lake at sunset was breathtaking.
- Exploring the different wine cellars to find hidden jazz bands was the most fun I have had in years.
- It is such a classy and well-organized event where you can really feel the passion for music in every corner.
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FAQ's
Do I need a ticket to walk around the festival grounds?
No, you do not need a ticket to enter the village of Cully or to walk through the festival area. You can enjoy the atmosphere, visit the food stalls, and attend any of the Festival OFF concerts in the bars and cellars for free. Tickets are only required for the main stage performances located in the Chapiteau, Next, and Temple venues.
Is the festival accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Most of the main concert venues like the Chapiteau are accessible to people with reduced mobility and offer dedicated space for wheelchairs. However, some of the historic wine cellars used for the free program may have steep stairs or narrow entrances that are difficult to navigate. It is best to contact the festival office in advance for specific details regarding accessibility at individual smaller venues.
Can I buy tickets on the day of the event?
If a concert is not sold out in advance, you can purchase tickets at the festival ticket office located in the center of the village. However, many of the headline shows sell out weeks before the festival begins, so it is highly recommended to book online. The free concerts do not require any booking and entry is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
What happens if it rains during the festival?
The festival takes place regardless of the weather as most of the concert venues are indoors or under large, heated tents. The Festival OFF concerts are held inside local bistros and wine cellars, providing plenty of shelter from the elements. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the short walks between the different indoor venues throughout the village.
Are there food options available for vegetarians or vegans?
The festival features a wide variety of food stands located near the lakeside and in the village center that cater to different dietary needs. You can typically find several options for vegetarians and vegans, ranging from local cheese dishes to international street food. Many of the local restaurants in Cully also offer special festival menus that include meat-free alternatives.
