Region

Ascona

Ascona is a picturesque, elegant and romantic former fishing village with many small streets where you can find local shops and galleries. The car-free lake promenade invites you to stroll and enjoy. Numerous events take place here, such as the Jazz Festival, the Street Artists Festival or the Chestnut Festival. Let yourself be enchanted by this jewel

Locarno, the valleys and the lake

Locarno, the charming small town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, has become famous for its annual film festival in Piazza Grande. But also the old town with the numerous small shops is absolutely worth seeing.

An excursion into the picturesque valleys around Lake Maggiore is an absolute must. Here you can go on relaxing hikes, visit idyllic old villages and deep gorges and explore unique landscapes. Visit the famous Valle Verzasca, the mysterious Valle Onsernone, the wildly romantic Maggiatal or take the popular narrow-gauge railway through the ravine rich Centovalli.

Events selected for you

Ascona Polo Cup

04.09.2026 - 06.09.2025

From 5 to 7 of September 2025 the appointment with the Ascona Polo Cup is renewed, the unmissable event that this year reaches its 14th edition.

Six teams present, with more than 80 horses that will compete offering a show to say the least adrenaline that will give unforgettable moments to all present.

to Organiser

CSI Ascona

10.09.2026 - 13.09.2026

The international horse riding competion (CSI Ascona) will take place also this year on the vast fields of Ascona's former airstrip, which are set to be completely transformed for the occasion. Some of the finest mens and ladies riders in the world will feature spectacular show jumping competitions. Over four days, spectators can enjoy a sporting program of the very highest order. Along with the amazing exhibitions from the splendid thoroughbreds and their riders, there are lots of events to keep everyone entertained.

The entry is free on all days!

to Organiser

Classic Ascona

18.09.2026 - 10.10.2025

For 80 years, the Settimane Musicali Ascona have been a prestigious meeting place for music lovers. In 2026, the festival becomes classicAscona. Under the artistic direction of Christoph Müller, the festival is completely renewed and expands its program.

From 18 September to 10 October 2026, the audience can enjoy three intensive weeks – including four weekends – of music and encounters.

The program includes concerts with well-known ensembles and orchestras in the churches of Ascona and Locarno. There will also be masterclasses and recitals with three world-famous Artists in Residence. Side events will combine music with literature, gastronomy, and architecture in iconic places of the Locarno region, such as the Brissago Islands and Monte Verità.

The festival will also offer open-air performances, concerts by young talents as part of the Costellazione Giovani project, and a new classicAscona Academy. The Academy will provide training programs and masterclasses in different fields, from choral singing to baroque music.

classicAscona is therefore a completely new festival, designed as a journey of discovery where music meets landscape, history, taste, and culture. It is a special opportunity to experience the magic of a unique region even more deeply.

to Organiser

Chestnut Festival

03.10.2026 - 03.10.2026

The Chestnut Festival takes place in Ascona on the second Saturday of October. Visitors are invited to taste over 2000 kg of chestnuts roasted on the fire by the local maronatt as well as various chestnut-based delicacies such as jams, honeys and cakes and a host of the region's traditional food and wine products. Polenta and mortadella or gorgonzola will be served at lunch time and many concerts will entertain the public during the afternoon.

to Organiser