Lucerne Carnival: held just before Ash Wednesday, Lucerne Carnival is one of the most important and fun events on the Lucerne calendar. It is a three-day historical event that brings the streets of Lucerne alive, with carnival bands in costume and parade on the streets.

Honky Tonk Beizenfestival: the Honky Tonk Festival takes place at the end of March every year and features a feast of bands that play at over 30 cafés and bars in the city, bringing with them a wonderful atmosphere.

Lucerne Festival (Easter): although there is also Lucerne Festival in the summer, which attracts more people, the Easter festival greets thousands of people from all over the world who come to see some outstanding performances. Big name conductors include the likes of Wilhelm Furtwängler and Herbert von Karajan.

Old Town Festival: taking place the end of June, the Old Town Festival is a yearly charitable event set up to support local institutions. The event features music in every square, with many stands offering refreshments.

Blue Balls Festival: a very popular summer festival that has been running every year since the early 1990s, featuring nine days of music including blues, rock, and world music. The main venue is held at the cultural centre which overlooks Lake Lucerne and past performers have included the likes of Tracy Chapman, Billy Idol, Gary Moore and Jeff Beck. There are also several other unofficial concerts held nearby.

Seenachtsfest (summer festival): featuring huge fireworks displays over the lake in mid-August.

Lucerne International Festival of Music: the summer Lucerne Festival is one of the most important musical events in Europe and it runs from the middle of August to the middle of September. Big name performers attract thousands of revellers.

Lucerne Blues Festival: arguably one of Europe's best contributions to the jazz scene, featuring high quality jazz performances from famous and popular musicians.

Samichlaus: held in early December, Hof Church celebrates the feast of St Nicola, featuring a colourful procession into the city, with plenty of cowbells and whip cracking.

Sternsinger: carol singers walk through the Old Town on the last Sunday before Christmas Eve, along with the Holy Family, shepherds and the three Magi.