Zurich Film Festival

About

The Zurich Film Festival transforms the city into a cinematic wonderland each fall, featuring family-friendly outdoor screenings at the magical Openair Kino Kreuzplatz under the stars. While primarily an international film festival, select screenings and special children's programs make this a unique cultural experience for families visiting Switzerland. It's a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to European cinema culture while enjoying the electric atmosphere of one of Switzerland's premier cultural events.

What to Expect

Families can expect outdoor movie screenings in a beautiful urban park setting, with special family-friendly film selections typically scheduled earlier in the evening. The festival atmosphere includes red carpet events downtown that kids find exciting to watch, multiple venues across Zurich's charming neighborhoods, and a mix of international films with some English-language options. The Openair Kino Kreuzplatz location offers a relaxed, picnic-style cinema experience with blankets and beanbags, creating a casual vibe perfect for families. Beyond films, the festival brings a festive energy to the city with installations and activity zones.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching movies under the stars in a beautiful European city park setting
• The excitement of seeing festival attendees dressed up for red carpet premieres around the city
• Cozy beanbag and blanket seating that makes outdoor cinema feel like an adventure
• Exploring different Zurich neighborhoods as venues are scattered across the city
• Special children's film programs that introduce international cinema in a fun way

Pro Tips for Families

1. Check the festival program online in advance for English-language films or those with English subtitles, as many screenings are in German or other languages—the 'Green Cinema' and family program sections are your best bet for kid-appropriate content
2. Arrive 45-60 minutes early for outdoor screenings to secure good seating spots, and bring warm layers, blankets, and waterproof ground covers as September evenings in Zurich can be chilly (temperatures often drop to 10-15°C/50-59°F after sunset)
3. Purchase a Zurich Card for unlimited public transport and discounts—the tram system makes festival-hopping easy, and kids under 6 travel free when accompanied by adults
4. Book tickets online in advance as popular screenings sell out quickly; some outdoor screenings are first-come-first-served, so have a backup plan if traveling with tired children

Best Time to Visit

Attend weekend afternoon or early evening screenings (typically 5-7 PM starts) during the first two weeks of the festival when weather is generally milder. Saturdays and Sundays often feature more family-oriented programming. The outdoor cinema screenings at Kreuzplatz are most magical during the opening weekend when the festival buzz is highest but crowds are manageable mid-festival (second week).

Food & Drinks

The Openair Kino Kreuzplatz typically has a small concession stand offering popcorn, pretzels, soft drinks, and Swiss snacks, though options are more limited than indoor cinemas. Many families bring their own picnic snacks and drinks (usually permitted at outdoor screenings—verify current rules online). Nearby Kreuzplatz has several bakeries, convenience stores, and restaurants where you can grab pizza, sandwiches, or Swiss treats before the show. For indoor festival venues, standard cinema concessions apply with typical Swiss pricing (expect to pay premium rates).

Parking & Access

Zurich's efficient public transport system (trams, buses, trains) is the best way to reach festival venues—Kreuzplatz is served by tram lines 2, 3, 5, 9, and 11 (Kreuzplatz stop). Street parking is extremely limited and expensive in central Zurich; if driving, use Park & Ride facilities on the city outskirts. The outdoor cinema area is stroller-accessible via paved paths, though you'll need to fold strollers during screenings. Zurich's central train station (Hauptbahnhof) is the main arrival point for international visitors, with excellent connections to all festival venues. Most locations are family-friendly with accessible facilities.