Geneva NightLife

Geneva NightLife information

Music

The main venues for classical performances are the Grand Casino de Genève (Tel: +41 (0)22-319-5640) and the Grand Theatre (Tel: +41 (0)22-418-3000). There are concerts by international and domestic performers. The Suisse Romande Orchestra (which is based in Geneva) also performs frequently at the Victoria Hall (Tel: +41 (0)22-807-0027). The rock and pop scenes are limited. La Boheme (30 Boulevard Helvetique) has regular jazz and blues and can get very lively. Live rock and folk are on the menu on Thursdays at Mulligans Irish Bar (14 Rue Grenus). Occasional big name rock and pop artists also come to the Grand Casino de Genève.

Theatre

The theatre scene in Geneva is surprisingly lively for a city of its small size. For details of English language theatre contact Theatre in English (22 Chemin des Batailles, Tel: +41 (0)22-341-5190). Other theatres include the Carouge (57 Rue Ancienne, Tel: +41 (0)22-343-4343), and the Comedie (6 Boulevard des Philosophes, Tel: +41 (0)22-320-5001).

Opera

The main venue for opera and the ballet is the Grand Théâtre de Genève (Tel: +41 (0)22-418-3000). Geneva hosts a range of top class productions in both classical disciplines throughout the year.

Cinema

There are a number of cinemas in Geneva, but few domestically produced films. As a result, most cinemas show English and American mainstream movies. Screenings are usually in English with French subtitles, with few films dubbed over. In the summer months there is an outdoor cinema near Geneva Beach called the Orange Cinema (Ciné Lac).

Nightclubs

Dedicated clubbers will find themselves short of venues and most make the short trip to Lausanne for their night's entertainment. However, if you know where to look there are enough places to make a night of it in Geneva itself. Griffin's Club 38 Boulevard Helvetique Tel: +41 (0)22-735-1218 Griffin's reached its hey-day in the 70s but is still one of Geneva's most fashionable haunts. Not cheap and membership has to be purchased before you get in. The Velvet Club 7 Rue du Jeu-de-l'Arc Tel: +41 (0)22-735-0000 A relative newcomer on Geneva's club scene. The Velvet Club is the height of Genevan nightlife with cool sounds and surroundings. Le Petit Palace 6 Rue de la Tour-de-Boel Tel: +41(0)22-311-0033 Split level club where the dance floor is always packed with revellers. More reasonable priced than most clubs in Geneva.

Special Events

June If you're in Geneva during June, head for the shores of Lac Leman for the Bol d'Or. More than 600 boats take to the waters to compete for the prestigious golden cup in this annual regatta. Tel: +41 (0)22-909-7070. July Towards the end of July, and the start of August the town comes to life for the Geneva Festival ("Fetes des Geneve"). During the day there are numerous live concerts, street performances and lakeside parades with decorated floats. In the evening, spectacular firework displays light up the night sky, all choreographed to music, as the city invites three countries to compete for a grand prix prize for the best firework display. For more information Tel: +41 (0)22-909-7070. Thousands of people attend events across the town in September, during La Batie Festival de Genève. During the festival, local and international artists perform live music, contemporary dance and classical plays. Tel: +41 (0)22-909-7070. One of the most popular local celebrations in Geneva is the Escalade in December, when locals parade through the streets of the old town in costume to commemorate the Duke of Savoy's failed attempt to seize the town in 1602. During this time, traditional marmite d'Escalade are sold. These small chocolate or nougat pots filled with marzipan vegetables commemorate one Mere Royaume, who is said to have killed an invader with the boiling contents of a soup pot.