Locarno Film Festival

The Locarno Film Festival, founded in 1946, is one of the world's oldest and most respected film festivals. Its unique setting in the Swiss town of Locarno, just a stone's throw from Ascona, makes it a cultural highlight of the summer. The festival's heart is the Piazza Grande, a vast square transformed into an open-air cinema with a giant screen, where thousands of film enthusiasts gather for nightly screenings. The program includes a competitive section for emerging directors, retrospectives, and a focus on auteur cinema. Beyond the screenings, the festival offers Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and a vibrant atmosphere in the streets and cafes of Locarno. For visitors, it's a chance to experience world-class cinema in a magical lakeside setting, with the backdrop of the Alps and the lake. The festival attracts filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles from around the globe, creating a buzz that permeates the entire region.

Don't miss

• Watch a film under the stars on the Piazza Grande, the festival's main venue
• Attend Q&A sessions with directors and actors
• Explore the festival's sidebar events, including exhibitions and concerts
• Discover emerging talent in the Concorso internazionale competition
• Enjoy the festive atmosphere in Locarno's old town during the festival

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Locarno Film Festival

Cheapest way inSkip the Line: Falconeria Locarno Ticket4.6★ · 165 travelers3–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$43 per personSee dates →Best full dayThe Best of the French Riviera Small group Guided Tour from Nice4.8★ · 1,276 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$110 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleLugano Private Walking Tour with a Local4★ · 10 travelers2–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →