It has been a rather cold and rainy May, and too many outdoor events and markets were cancelled because of bad weather so most of us have not yet enjoyed the delights of lounging around on the the sun decks at Zurich's famous public swimming areas known as badis, let alone had a swim in the lake or river. But June is here to make up for it all, so get your beach towels out and stock up on sun cream. In case all this lazing around in the sun becomes a tad too boring, we have some great ideas for how else to spend the next month in the city:
Founded under the name Gentlemen’s Run by local style guru Jeroen van Rooijen in 2011, this bicycle extravaganza has become a must for fashionable bike lovers. There is no dress code, but vintage inspired looks and retro bikes are sported by most participants on their 13-kilometre ride around town. The most excitingly dressed and outstanding cyclists will be awarded prizes by the Style Ride’s partners and sponsors. Unfortunately, all 300 starter badges are already sold out for this year's event on June 13, but if you apply now, you will be put on a waiting list and informed as soon as there is a space available for you.
The ZSG’s shipyard is turning into a party location again – the Summer Hub is back! This unique mix of fashion, music and art is open to all over 18, and a pop up restaurant is catering for culinary needs. Art director Nicolas Duc and Fashion Designer Eliane Diethelm (Little Black Dress) will rock the turntables on the Friday night, while Valmann’s Sanapa is taking care of the good tunes all Saturday. There is no entry fee, but registration on the Summer Hub’s website is highly recommended.
June 5, 5pm-1am. June 6, noon-1am.
Yoga at Tibits and Hiltl
Healthy vegetarian food meets healthy exercise: both Hiltl and Tibits have discovered Yoga as a welcome extension of their restaurant concepts. Hiltl is offering outdoor yoga sessions with Marina Rothenbach at their Badi Mythenquai outpost on Mondays and Fridays (CHF20, cash only), and Tibits is teaming up with the girls from Pop Up Yoga for two sessions every month throughout the summer (CHF25, cash only, includes breakfast after the session).
Hiltl at Badi Mythenquai, every Monday and Friday (weather permitting), 7.30-8.30am.
Tibits NZZ Bistro, June 6 and June 22, 7.30-8.30am.
Rain in June? We don’t want it to happen, but it might be inevitable at some point this month. Brighten up a rainy day with a visit to the Museum Rietberg’s new exhibition 'World in Colour', presenting the collection of French philanthropist Albert Kahn, who at the turn of the 20th century sent twenty photographers to four continents to document their people and landscapes in colour photographs. These rare early colour images are celebrated today as milestones in the history of photography.
Exhibition on until September 27.
On the weekend before Art Basel, the Baur au Lac Hotel is again welcoming art lovers from all over the world to the opening reception of its 'Art in the Park'. Gigi Kracht, organiser of the event and wife of hotel owner Andrea Kracht, has secured British artist Allen Jones for the 13th edition of Art in the Park. In collaboration with Galerie Gmurzynska, six of his sculptures will be shown in the gardens of the hotel.
June 15-August 23, Hotel Baur au Lac.
Since its beginnings in 1999, Circoloco has been known as Ibiza’s most infamous party, opening at the DC10 nightclub only after the after hours. The club’s underground vibe has attracted some of the island’s most popular DJs throughout the years, and the party has grown into a global brand. Having hosted events at Art Basel Miami in earlier years, Circoloco is now coming to Switzerland for an Art Basel after party. Expect a pumping night with the Martinez Brothers from New York and French DJ D’Julz.
June 19, 11pm.
Need to stock up on some summer items? This new shop might be just what you’re looking for. The team of Seefeld boutique N°2 is opening a second location with a seasonal focus, and its first theme is Island life. Expect to find everything you need for a stylish day by the lake or at a tropical beach – fashion for both women and men, towels, sunglasses, sun cream and much more, all from selected labels like MGSM, Stella Jean, Kitsune or Borsalino.
Opening June 12. N°2 Island, Neumarkt 20.
The Noerd factory in Oerlikon, home of the Freitag bag production, is throwing a big party, and everybody is welcome. Kids can entertain themselves in a designated area, a flea market including some stalls with design goods is waiting for customers, Freitag will be selling some rare items, and if you can’t go a night without your beloved footie then don’t worry: the Champions League final will be shown on a big screen. Streetfood and drinks will be served all day and night, and the DJs will play for as long as people are dancing.
June 6, noon-open end
It’s not Pamela Méndez’s first concert at Seebad Enge’s unplugged sessions, and those who have seen her play here before will most certainly come again. Few artists fit this setting on the wooden decks so well, and the Argovian singer with her clear voice and acoustic guitar has cast a spell on the audience at earlier performances. Enjoy the sunset and the scenery of lake Zurich while listening to songs from her new album, due to be out in autumn, and sipping on a cocktail from the bar. Summer life in the city doesn’t get much better than this.
June 14, 8pm
A day at the badi is never perfect without a good read, so the timing couldn’t be any better for the opening of pop up store 'Print Matters'. Dedicated to exceptional magazines from around the globe, this crowd funded shop is offering some rare gems of magazine publishing – for example the Peruvian 'Etiqueta Negra'– alongside classics like 'The Gentlewoman', 'Dazed' or 'AnOther' and local projects. You may browse and scroll, but don’t forget to buy and leave before the sun has set.
Opening June 5, 5pm. Print Matters, Predigerplatz 42, 8001.