Trade fairs & festivals

Bern Carnival

19 to 21 February 2026

The Bern Carnival will take place from 19 to 21 February 2026, in Bern's old town. It traditionally starts on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, when the city switches into carnival mode. Over the three days, Guggen music, Schnitzelbänke satirical songs, and the program in the streets set the tone for the festivities, with highlights such as the children's carnival on Friday and the grand parade on Saturday.

Travel comfortably to Bern by train. The old town is just a few minutes' walk from the train station.

Date

The Bern Carnival will take place from 19 to 21 February 2026.

Program

Thursday, 19 February 2026

20.00 hours: “Bärebefreiig” at the Käfigturm
from 20.20 hours: Schnitzelbank soirée
20.30 hours: F-Impuls on Münsterplatz
evening: Street and pub carnival

Friday, 20 February 2026

14.30 hours: Children's parade, starting at Kornhausplatz
15.00 hours: Children's carnival
22.00 hours: Torchlight parade through Junkerngasse
evening: Street and pub carnival

Saturday, 21 February 2026

10.00–13.00 hours: Silent carnival in the lower old town
10.00–12.00 hours: Carnival street theater “Ja Täll, So Geits”
13.00 hours: Bassistic congresses
14.30 hours: Carnival parade through the main streets
evening: Street and pub carnival