Events & Parties in Solothurn

Solothurn surprises with a cultural scene that rivals its compact size. The «most beautiful baroque city in Switzerland» offers everything from legendary concerts at Kulturfabrik Kofmehl to cosy bars along the Landhausquai.

Solothurn – The Baroque Gem with Scene

The ambassador city on the Aare has a magic number: eleven. Locals lovingly call their city «Öufi» (eleven in dialect) – and you can feel this connection in the nightlife too. Here, historic ambience meets vibrant culture, baroque elegance meets down-to-earth cosiness.

Clubs & Nightlife

Solothurn's club scene centres on a few gems:

• Kulturfabrik Kofmehl – The heart of Solothurn's music scene since 1992. With over 200 events annually and 95,000 visitors, Kofmehl is known far beyond city limits. From techno to punk to jazz – international acts like Die Ärzte, Beatsteaks and Jan Delay have played here.
• Öufi Brauerei – The city's house brewery. Meet at the long bar for after-work beers and enjoy house specialities in rustic surroundings.
• eifach BAR – As the name says: uncomplicated. Cocktails and drinks in the heart of the old town at Friedhofplatz.
• DOCK Bar – The cocktail bar directly on the Aare. Known for its extensive gin selection and relaxed atmosphere.

Landhausquai is Solothurn's going-out strip. Bars and restaurants line up along the Aare – perfect for warm summer evenings.

Culture & Events

Solothurn punches well above its weight culturally:

• Solothurn Film Festival – Switzerland's most important film festival takes place every January, attracting over 60,000 visitors. For one week, the city becomes the meeting point for Swiss cinema.
• Solothurn Literary Days – Switzerland's largest multilingual literature festival. In late May, authors from all four national languages gather in the baroque city.
• Altes Spital – Cultural centre with acoustic nights, jazz evenings and cabaret. Intimate concerts in historic surroundings.
• Stadttheater Solothurn – Classical theatre, opera and concerts in collaboration with Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn (TOBS).
• Kunstmuseum Solothurn – Swiss art from the 18th century to the present.
• Kulturnacht Solothurn – In April, over 25 cultural venues open their doors for a night of art, music and performances.

Popular Districts

Old Town: The baroque heart of Solothurn. In the winding lanes between St. Ursen Cathedral and Jesuit Church, you'll find cosy pubs, historic cafés and the special flair of the «Ambassador City». Hauptgasse is the main promenade.

Landhausquai: The party mile on the Aare. From Salzhaus to Solheure to CaféBar Barock – nightlife concentrates here. In summer, the riverside promenade becomes an open-air lounge.

Kreuzackerpark: In summer, the legendary Hafebar comes alive here – the iconic summer bar with Caribbean vibes right on the Aare. A must for warm evenings.

What Makes Solothurn Special?

Solothurn proves that size isn't everything. The combination of world-famous festivals, an active local music scene at Kofmehl and the relaxed charm of a manageable city creates the appeal. People know each other here – whether at the bar or the festival. The magic eleven is more than a number: it represents a city that maintains its identity while staying open to new things. Add the dreamlike location on the Aare and arguably the most beautiful old town in German-speaking Switzerland.