Zürich Grants All-Night Opening for Pride Celebrations

Bars and venues across Zürich will be allowed to stay open through the night on 20–21 June, as the city grants a special "Freinacht" to mark this year's Zurich Pride.

The decision was made by city councillor Karin Rykart (Greens), who cited a desire to "set a sign for Pride and support it without bureaucracy." The move follows a motion in the Gemeinderat calling on the city to offer practical backing for venues stepping in to host events this year.

The catch: the late-night freedom is strictly indoors. Venues playing loud music must keep windows and doors closed, and outdoor speakers remain prohibited.

The reason for the special arrangement is financial. This year's organisers have had to drop the festival format that has accompanied the Pride march in previous years — past editions have featured performances by artists including Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo. The all-night licence is intended to give people somewhere to continue celebrating after the daytime events.

The Pride march itself will still take place, drawing tens of thousands through the city streets as it has for over 30 years. The Zurich Pride is Switzerland's largest LGBTQIA+ event.