Piazza Grande Concerts 2025

The vibrant heart of charming Locarno, bustling with shops, restaurants, cafes, hotels & more. Overflowing with chairs and celebrity buzz during the prestigious annual Locarno International Film Festival! 🏞️ 🛍️ 🥙 ☕️ 🎬

Please note my comments are based primarily around our film festival experience within this space. It’s early August and the Locarno Film Festival is in full flow, the centrepiece is the Piazza Grande, where up to 8000 people per night gather to watch movies on one of the world’s biggest screens. It’s an experience you are unlikely to forgot, to share those moments with thousands of strangers, it’s kind of amazing and incredibly cool. I love the environment here, who says cinema is dead when so many gather to watch films both big and small. Loved it each night as bats made their way across the screen, maybe they were watching.

I was in Piazza Grande for Eros Ramazzotti live concert. Fantastic experience, fantastic atmosphere, fantastic people... I am looking forward for next year concert season in Locarno, Switzerland.. I highly recommend you to monitor the concerts next sprint to checkout the singers or bands... Cheers!

Piazza Grande, nestled in the heart of Locarno, Switzerland, maintains its charm as a quintessential spot that marries historical allure with contemporary buzz, particularly during the vibrant spring and summer months. Enveloped in nostalgia, especially for those who have personal ties to the area, this sprawling square is central not only in geography but also in hosting a plethora of cultural and social events that draw both locals and tourists alike. Upon visiting, one immediately notices the Piazza's expansive nature, offering ample space that once primarily housed lively markets and has since become a prime location for prestigious events such as the Locarno Film Festival. During these events, the Piazza Grande transforms into a buzzing hub of activity, with large screens and rows of seating that invite communal enjoyment of cinematic works under the open sky. However, changes in the ambiance and structure of the square are palpable. Recent visits highlight a certain shift, with increased traffic congestion around the Piazza posing challenges in accessibility and detracting from the peaceful enjoyment previously characteristic of the area. Additionally, the closure of several shops has temporarily diminished the vibrancy that local businesses bring to the square. These changes could be reflective of broader economic challenges or a phase of redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the area. Despite these issues, the timeless appeal of Piazza Grande remains undiminished. Its historical edifices, combined with the scenic beauty of the surrounding Ticino landscapes, continue to make it a worthwhile destination. The ongoing cultural events not only breathe life into the square but also offer a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of Locarno. Overall, while Piazza Grande currently wrestles with some growing pains, its potential for transformation and continued historical significance render it a must-visit location for anyone traveling through southern Switzerland. As it evolves, visitors can look forward to experiencing a blend of old-world charm and new-world dynamism. The hope is that future developments will enhance accessibility and revive the local commercial scene, thereby restoring the full vibrancy of this iconic square.

The events that Locarno organizes are simply amazing. Winterland at Piazza Grande was well organized, great skating and shopping opportunities, and the videomapping fairy tale was fabulous. Many thanks to the organizers, I am looking forward to more such events in Locarno!