Zurich Music Week targets 20,000 visitors with new business formats
Zurich Music Week returns in August with new industry networking formats, aiming to draw 20,000 visitors and bolster Switzerland's position in the European electronic music economy.
Zurich Music Week (ZMW) will run from 3 to 9 August 2026 across 24 city venues, including Barfussbar, Wasserkirche and Kraftwerk. The fourth edition pairs a public music programme with an industry conference, positioning the Swiss city as a hub for the continent's nightlife economy.
The festival lineup spans underground techno, melodic house and experimental sounds. International acts include Anja Schneider, Radio Slave, Animal Trainer, Charles Levin of Soul Clap, Yulia Niko, Kangding Ray, Kid Simius and Khainz. A dedicated Swiss selection featuring Contenance, Domenico Ferrari, JAQUET, JOSEPH, Juli Lee, Sebastian Konrad, Samy Jackson and Rosanna highlights local talent. Additional artists on the billing include BONDI, CLTX, EDE, ELIF, Electric Indigo, Gespona, HOVR, Kalabrese, Meloko, SKALA and Theologos.
Organisers expect to draw 20,000 visitors and 200 international industry delegates. The commercial infrastructure includes 20 conferences, 21 masterclasses and 27 off-events. Revenue is driven through tiered ticketing, with a ZMW Pro Pass costing CHF 290 for full industry access and a standard Festivalpass priced at CHF 80.
To facilitate direct business transactions, the 2026 edition introduces two new formats. The A&R Lab connects producers with international label representatives in a speed-dating structure to evaluate demos. Separately, the Producer Camp serves as a development track for emerging artists, focusing on both creative output and commercial strategy.
The conference programme draws leadership from major European electronic music businesses. Confirmed speakers include Gary Smith from the Amsterdam Dance Event, Ralf Kollmann of Mobilee, and Jay Ahern from the Association for Electronic Music. The schedule also features Tom Thomas of Bootshaus, Yotam Dov of We Rave You, and female:pressure Portugal.
Local venue operators Emiko Gejic of BCK Berlin and Alex Bücheli of BCK Zürich will also participate. The full schedule splits programming across free conferences, paid masterclasses, paid A&R Lab sessions and off-events. Ticket sales are currently open on the event's official website.
