Thurs - Thurs: 5 Tips For Winterthurer Musikfestwocken

Fri & Sat: Rote Fabrik Hosts The Lethargy Festival And I Have Tickets (Scroll ⬇️)

Saturday: The Big Day Is Here, It’s Street Parade (Scroll ⬇️)

Saturday: Can’t Face The Crowds? Here Are Some «Off Parade» Parties

Saturday: Don’t Fancy Street Parade? Try Sandcastles Instead

Of all the Street Parade alternatives i think that the Lethargy festival wears the crown. I don’t want to overstate it, but my impression is that the party at Rote Fabrik has earned a reputation among Zurich locals that rivals – and for some, even surpasses – Street Parade itself.

There’s nothing lethargic about it, either. This festival of electronic music and digital art is a multi-sensory playground where experimentation and musical openness take centre stage. For three days, you can immerse yourself in its parallel universe. And if you think electronic music begins and ends with techno, Lethargy is guaranteed to broaden your horizons.

Naturally, I’m a fan. And naturally, I’ve got tickets to give away. Click on the button, (It leads to the German side,) and tell me in the comments which day you’d most like to go. With a bit of luck, you could soon be the proud owner of two day tickets.

Fri – Sun, Rote Fabrik, Seestrasse 395, 8038

It’s one of the biggest events in Zurich’s social calendar, with up to a million party animals descending on the city for an orgy of electronic music, dancing and… er… whatever else goes on.

I’m talking, of course, about Street Parade. If it’s your first time, make sure you download the Street Parade app. It gives you the programme, stage locations and plenty of other useful information.

A few tips to help you survive the day:

• Don’t wear flip-flops or sandals. Between broken glass, stray cans and other people dancing the fandango on your toes, it’s going to hurt. Oh – and a few delightful people will relieve themselves wherever they fancy. Lovely!
• Take plenty of water and stay hydrated. It’s going to be hot, hot, hot.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. There’s not much shade.
• Take a break. If you’re starting to feel a bit rough, there’s no shame in skipping a few drinks – or whatever else is floating around.
• Look out for others. Friends, strangers, whoever. It’s all about love.
• Bring earplugs. Seriously. And use them. If you spend three hours standing next to the Love Mobiles, your ears definitely won’t love you.
• Don’t rely on your phone. Mobile networks often struggle under the sheer number of people. Decide on a meeting point with your friends beforehand, just in case everyone disappears into the techno abyss.

And remember: Street Parade is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t want to be the one passed out in the street by 2 pm, so party responsibly.

Speaking of consumption, I know a few naughty Ronsters might be tempted by a few pills and powders to heighten the experience. If you’re unsure what you’re taking, you can have substances tested by saferparty.ch at its mobile drug-checking service in Bürkliplatz.

As you wake, bleary-eyed after Street Parade, you might be tempted to go for a swim to ease the hangover. But in the days afterwards, there’s one small problem…

Pee. Wee. Tinkle. Urine. Call it what you like, but the fact is that, after Street Parade, a significant number of revellers will have relieved themselves in – how shall I put this? – non-designated locations. And, inevitably, some of that ends up making its way into the river and the lake.

Zurich locals know this. It’s why the swimming spots downstream are often strangely quiet. Don’t be tempted to join the handful of brave (or oblivious) souls taking a dip there, unless you are the type of person who wants a golden shower from about a million drug addled strangers.

Instead, head along the lake and make use of one of Zurich’s many Badis. Whether you’re after a free swimming spot or a paid lido with all the facilities, there are plenty of great options to choose from.

f you’ve ever stopped in your tracks in the middle of the city because a huge mural demanded your attention, there’s a good chance it was painted by Patrick Wehrli, aka REDL. His large-scale works have become a familiar part of the urban landscape in Zurich and far beyond.

So when I asked REDL whether he’d like to feature in our newsletter, I was surprised to receive his reply from Brazil. It turns out that’s another place he calls home. You can read more about that – and much else besides – in my interview with what can only be described as an urban art legend.