8 March highlights in the city and region of Bern

After an active start to the year, it’s time to sit back and reminisce. But Bern is anything but sleepy. The numerous iconic events in and around Bern in March will surely provide you with food for thought.

Brocante Vintage Design at BERNEXPO

Is there a better place to immerse yourself in times gone by than a thrift store or a flea market? If you’re a true fan of vintage treasures, you’ll be in heaven during the weekend from 16 to 17 March at BERNEXPO, when Brocante Vintage Design will take place. Stylish retro furniture, pretty crystal glasses, carefully decorated porcelain plates just like the ones in your grandma’s kitchen cupboards, or a selection of vintage clothes – during these two days, you’ll find everything your bargain hunter’s heart desires in Hall 4.1. A trip to the Messeplatz is definitely worthwhile, whether it’s just to browse and get some little trinkets or to seriously redecorate your home for the beginning of spring.

Thrift store bliss

  • Tipp

    Fancy a “Brocki” (thrift store) tour in and around Bern? Make sure to take a look at our ”Brocki Guide”.

Kult-Attack Film Festival

“Pretty Woman, walkin’ down the street…” – just reading this famous lyric automatically conjures up Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, a bowl of salted popcorn and comfy cinema seats. Movies such as “Pretty Woman”, “The Lion King” or “Speed” immediately take us back to the good old days. And the organisers of the “Kult-Attack Film Festival” clearly thought that these iconic films deserve to (once again) be shown on a bigger (cinema) screen. From 7 to 10 March, the cinéClub in Bern will show a total of 20 films, all of them strictly from the 90s.

And action

Bern’s Night of Museums

Impressive installations and sparkling eyes everywhere: on 15 March 2024, Bern’s Night of Museums is finally back. And once again, we are spoilt for choice: A visit to the Zytglogge (clock tower) with a priceless view of the old town and fascinating stories about this Bernese landmark is a very tempting contender. The Swiss Alpine Museum will display creatively repaired and reused collector’s items in addition to the captivating exhibition “Heimat” in the Lost & Found Memories Office. And of course, the legendary silent disco in the museum district is also back. By the way: if you don’t want to waste your time buying tickets, it’s best to get them at the Tourist Information at Bern main station which will be open until 8 pm.

A cultural night

The 49th International Jazz Festival Bern

Renowned musicians from all over the world will be performing in Marians Jazzroom from 19 March to 25 May. Raspy voices and virtuous saxophones will take over the stage while the guests can shake their booties to the groovy music on the dance floor. This is one of the oldest festivals of its kind in Europe and attracts numerous visitors every year. From B.B. King and Fats Domino to Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James – many stars have performed on the stages of the Bern International Jazz Festival since 1976. So, it’s high time to experience the top stars of the international jazz and blues scene for yourself. How about the young, up-and-coming blues musician D.K. Harrell from Louisiana?

Browse the programme

  • Tipp

    However, we don’t just celebrate international jazz greatness in March: 8 March is also International Women’s Day, the perfect occasion to pull out our cell phones and thank the women who shaped our lives.

Baba Shrimps at Mühle Hunziken

A visit to the Mühlen Hunziken will make your eyes sparkle. On the one hand because of the unique interior design. You won’t know what to look at first when you step into the legendary cultural centre: the iconic, life-size figures of Bart Simpson & Co, the various colours and shapes on all three floors, or relics such as old loudspeakers that make visitors think of past times? It’s probably a mix of everything. On the other hand, the Mühlen Hunziken knows how to enthral its visitors with a varied programme of national and international artists. On 21 March for example, the Swiss pop/electro band Baba Shrimps will perform in Rubigen.

Under a cultural spell

Turning old into new at Mondo

You won’t find any shrimp at the former Mappamondo in Bern’s Länggasse district, but many other culinary highlights. They used to celebrate the Italian dolce vita here, but since February, they serve Japanese ramen noodle soups. During summer, the cuisine focuses on the other side of the globe and serves up delicious Mexican tacos. Mondo’s menu combines the culinary passions of its two managers: the versatility of street food and the varied world of wines. After a visit to Mondo, both foodies and wine connoisseurs will leave with a smile on their faces and perhaps even reminisce about the old times at Mappamondo.

Take a seat

Let it Beer

It’s back: In 2024, Burgdorf will once again dedicate a whole weekend to the popular combination of hops, malt and water. On 22 and 23 March, “Let it Beer” will take place in the Burgdorf market hall where your palate will be challenged by the best, most unusual or newest beers from regional and sometimes international breweries. “Let it Beer” has everything from traditional creations to original craft beers. In addition to the selection of over 30 breweries, you can “bödele” (eat enough to soak up the alcohol) at the twelve food stands, so you can fully take advantage of the beer festival.

Liquid gold

Anniversary year at the Sensorium Rüttihubelbad

The amusement park for all senses in the Emmental wants to celebrate with you: for 20 years, visitors have been enchanted by the Sensorium Rüttihubelbad. The foundation is using this anniversary year to invite you to various cultural events in addition to its varied exhibition: In a playful way, first-time visitors can explore just how much we rely on our eyes in everyday life and how other senses are being somewhat neglected in the process, but returning visitors can reminisce about their experiences and create new memories. Tip: Pangs of hunger can be dealt with at the restaurant next-door or you can bring your own food and enjoy it in one of the numerous picnic spots.

Celebrating and exploring together

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    Of course, there are many more events taking place in Bern. Take a look at our event calendar.

Interesting, exciting, sometimes spooky, and definitely always entertaining

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