Events & Parties in Biel

Biel offers diverse events every week – from live concerts at Café Fédéral to cultural events at Filmpodium. WasGoht shows you all parties, concerts and cultural events in Switzerland's only officially bilingual city.

Biel/Bienne – Bilingual Gem by the Lake

The city on Lake Biel is unique in Switzerland: officially bilingual, with German and French culture under one roof. The watch industry shaped the city, today Biel is surprisingly young, creative and with a vibrant alternative scene.

Clubs & Nightlife in Biel

The club and bar scene is spread across the city:

• Café Fédéral – Cult venue in the Old Town. Live music, DJ sets and concerts from jazz to rock.
• Filmpodium Biel – Arthouse cinema with bar and special events. Films, discussions and cultural events.
• TSR Reitschule – Alternative cultural center modeled after Bern. Concerts, parties and political culture.
• Kiff Aarberg – A bit outside, but legendary for live concerts and club nights.
• Le Silo – Bar and venue for electronic music and alternative culture.

The Old Town with its alleys is the starting point for an evening in Biel. Compact, bilingual and with a mix of German and French influences.

Culture & Events in Biel

Biel has more culture to offer than expected:

• Pasquart Kunsthaus – Contemporary art in historic mill buildings
• Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn (TOBS) – Professional theater with drama, dance and concerts
• Neues Museum Biel – City history, archaeology and changing exhibitions
• Omega Museum – The history of the famous watch brand
• Robert Walser Centre – Literary museum about the famous Swiss writer

The city is located on the Jura South Foot Wine Route and is surrounded by vineyards. In summer, Strandbad Biel and Lake Biel attract swimmers and relaxers.

Popular Districts for Going Out

Old Town (Vieille Ville): The historic center. Bilingual street signs, cozy pubs and a relaxed atmosphere. Here people speak German and French interchangeably.

Madretsch: The multicultural district. Cheaper, more authentic and with hidden bars and restaurants from around the world.

Gurzelen: The nightlife district on the outskirts. Larger events and open-air festivals take place here.

Strandboden: Located by the lake. In summer, the hotspot for outdoor drinks, barbecues and sunsets over Lake Biel.

What Makes Biel Special?

Biel is Switzerland's only officially bilingual city – German and French are spoken equally here. This bilingualism shapes the cityscape, culture and nightlife: you hear both languages in bars, find German and French influences in gastronomy and experience a unique cultural mix. The watch industry (Rolex, Omega, Swatch) makes Biel wealthy, but the city has remained authentic, down-to-earth and surprisingly alternative. The location on Lake Biel with vineyards on the Jura South Foot makes Biel the perfect starting point for wine tours and lake excursions. This mix of bilingualism, watch tradition and alternative culture makes Biel unique.