Züri-Wiesn was initiated in 2007 and has been held every year since, running for 18 days in September and October. Every year, about 35,000 people attend the festival and consume over 3500 fried pork knuckles, 4500 fried chicken halves and 50,000 liters of beer. Other foods served at Züri-Wiesn include pretzels and other snacks, Bavarian veal sausages, vegetarians stews, desserts, and more. Alongside a variety of beers, there are beer cocktails such as Radler, ciders, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The beer tent installed in the main hall of the Zürich main railway station can host around 1,200 people. In addition to the beer tent, there is a beer garden with about 70 seats, a food court, and a small amusement park with a carousel, confectionery stands and other attractions. Three times a week, there is a special children’s program with clowns, magicians and other attractions. The entire area is wheelchair accessible, and the beer tent has it own toilet facility. The beer tent is open from 5 pm to 11 pm, while the beer garden opens at 11 am and closes at 11.30 pm.
Züri-Wiesn usually begins with a barrel-tapping ceremony and a VIP event with celebrity guests. The first barrel of beer is usually tapped by a model or beauty pageant contestant. Celebrities who have tapped the keg include Miss Switzerland 2006 Christa Rigozzi, Miss Switzerland 2007 Amanda Ammann, Mister Switzerland 2005 Renzo Blumenthal, Miss Switzerland 2009 Linda Fäh, and Miss Switzerland 2010 Kerstin Cook.
As the festival is very popular among both locals and tourists, you should book tickets in advance if you want to attend. Weekend tickets get sold quickly, so if you’re planning to attend Züri-Wiesn on Friday or Saturday, don’t waste time and make a reservation.
