Ranking amongst Switzerland’s top music and art events, the nine-day Blue Balls Festival transforms Lucerne bay into a crucible of creativity. It is the perfect moment to hear international stars and discover newcomers and up-and-coming talent.

This major musical happening comprises 120 events covering music, photography, art and film. Food and other market stalls round out the unique atmosphere adjoining the lake and ensure no one goes hungry.

Odd name for a festival! «Blue» stands for blues, jazz and wistfulness, «Balls» for dancing, partying and celebration. Put the two together and you get Blue Balls – a wonderfully innovative music and art festival in Lucerne.

It started out in the 1990s as the «Luzerner Seenachts Session», a fun jam session featuring 40 musicians aboard the vintage paddle steamer «Stadt Luzern». The festival gradually developed and grew in size over the years. The 120 gigs and events no longer take place on the steamer but in the KKL Luzern and on the Pavillon and Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern stages.

The heart of the Blue Balls Festival is the culture and convention centre (KKL Luzern). Taking place around it are other gigs, talk shows and street art events. The Pavillon and Schweizerhof Plaza stages host daily open-air gigs, while the Schweizerhof Club stage hosts late-night music.

The festival takes place in the heart of the city, immediately adjacent to the railway station. Access is possible via public as well as private transport.