5 unmissable events in Lugano this September and October

Experience the autumnal beauty of southern Switzerland with the best events in Lugano this September-October. 

Lugano, the perfect mix of a lively city and natural beauty, you’ll find is equally amazing to visit in any season. With high-end shopping, colourful historic centre and beautiful surroundings, the city is not only a place to relax by the stunning Lake Lugano, but also the perfect Swiss-Italian location to attend to a variety of festivals and outdoor activities all year round, especially in autumn.

The fall months are a superb time to visit the Lugano region on a budget since the thinning summer crowds give way to more affordable accommodations and the mild weather offers the perfect invitation to enjoy delicious autumn treats and outdoor atmosphere. From sports events to open-air food festivals and creativity seminars, here’s a roundup of the top 5 September-October events to attend with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Lugano this year. 

Sportissima 2024  

THE event for all sport and fitness enthusiasts and those who want to try something new!  

Sportissima is a must event for sport enthusiasts 

The 18th edition of Sportissima will bear the same motto as its previous editions - to encourage daily movement and nurturing. The best part about the event is that it’s free for all and features over 110 disciplines ranging from sports like football, basketball, BMX, and badminton to activities like climbing, martial arts, sailing and pole dance. To attend you don’t need to sign up in advance. Simply reach the venue anytime 9:30 onwards and enroll for the activities you want to try.   

Date: 10 September 2024 

Time: 9:30 and onwards 

Locations: Lugano and surrounding region (Riva San Vitale, Bellinzona, Chiasso and Mendrisio) 

Entry: Free Entry. No pre-registrations necessary 

Editor’s tip: For competitive sports enthusiasts, the second edition of the Porlezza Triathlon race will also be held in September on the Italian side of Lake Lugano.  

InnovaComiX: International Comic Art Festival Lugano 

The ultimate event for comic lovers is happening for the first time Lugano! 

Discover new artists or meet your idols at innovaComiX 

Celebrate the art, craft and world of comics with the very first edition of InnovaComiX. Slated to be held during the beautiful October days, the InnovaComix will take place in the vibrant setting of Villa Ciani with 76 guest artists, 400 art works, 8 skills workshops and 12 fabulous lectures delivered by experts. Expect to find yourself amongst notable personalities in Italian and international comics, attend workshops on comic art or simply enjoy the electric energy of the creatives and the secrets of the Ninth Art.

Date: 10-13 October 2024 

Locations: Villa Ciani Piazza Indipendenza 4, Lugano 

Tickets for Entry: Buy your tickets for InnovaComiX 

Lugano Festa d'Autunno  

The best way to welcome autumn with your friends and family  

Enjoy a walk among the stands at Festa d’Autunno while tasting local dishes and wine 

One of the last open-air festivals before winters comes, Festa d’Autunno is the perfect venue for enjoying a glass of wine or two and trying local food on a fabulous October weekend. With numerous stalls around the city centre, people can buy local dishes such as polenta, risotto and many other exquisite local delights and savour them with their favourite drop of wine. The festival attracts people of all ages with its wide range of culinary offerings, entertainers and artists. The city is decorated with a riot of bright colours while local folklore music is played in the background combined seamlessly with several activities and entertainment for kids and adults. 

Date: 4-6 October 2024 

Time: All day 

Locations: City centre of Lugano  

Entry: Open to all 

Endorfine Festival 2024 

The biggest gathering of innovative minds and perspectives is happening in Lugano!  

Food for thoughts at Endorfine Festival in Lugano 

From 13-15 September, Lugano will become a playground for creativity and the best minds in tech, literature, art and more. The Endorfine festival is dedicated to bringing industry leaders out into the field to discuss and dive deep into the exploration of our current social and economic scenario from diverse perspectives. There will be lectures by Swiss and international speakers, including those by Benjamìn Labatut on "Vertigini artificiali", Dimitry Muratov on "Vertigini di libertà", Deepti Kapoor - "India criminale" and more. 

Be there to soak up everything.  

Date: 13-15 September 2024 

Time: Depends on various lectures, see schedule 

Locations: Several venues around Lugano, including Palazzo Congressi and Parco Ciani 

Entry: Tickets are available online

Come for creativity, stay for beauty. Explore the best stay options for business and leisure travel in Lugano. 

Lugano PasSteggia 

Let your tastebuds guide you this autumn with the best flavours and tastes of Lugano

Discover Ticino’s delicacies at this lovely festival 

Encompassing the various towns of Ticino, the Lugano PasSegiata is a culinary walk that takes the participants on a delightful, 10-stage journey of the region’s typical cuisine and wines. The walk starts from the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and invites both young and old to savour the regional gastromony while enjoying the timeless beauty of the Swiss-Italian Lake Lugano. This year the event celebrates its 11th edition and will go through Lugano, Sorengo, Paradiso, Lake Muzzano, Guidino Paradise Park and Gelateria Paradiso before ending in Lugano. 

Date: 1 September 2024 

Time: 8:30 – 10:30, there will be a batch of 50 every 15 minutes 

Locations: Bar Luini 6, LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura 

Entry: Registration for Lugano PasSteggia 

Is Lugano worth visiting? 

Lovely view of Lugano in Autumn 

Lugano is a year-round holiday destination that offers a wide range of experience for all, including nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, city explorers, family trippers and solo travellers. However, September-October are one of the best months to visit Lugano as the wide range of events happening across the months make sure that your trip is going to be special.  

How many days are enough in Lugano?  

It depends on the travel season. Since autumn is a cheaper season for holidays, it’s an excellent time to extend the itinerary, 3-4 days are enough to explore the city as well as the nearby attractions like Morcote, SwissMiniatur and the family-friendly Olive Trail. 

Here are some additional tips on how to spend a day in Lugano  

If you are a sports enthusiast, then you might want to enjoy the 300km network of cycle trails and hiking for all levels. Or if you are a nature lover, then you might like visiting the parks that are exceptionally beautiful in autumn more.  

For more information on the best accommodation based on your travel budget, stay and group, visit our website and explore more than 200 holiday stays in and around Lugano!