What’s on: Festivals, flea markets and 'Fallen Angels'

French song festival, Geneva, March 3-14

Brush up your French comprehension and tune in to the sounds of the “Voix de Fête” festival. For the 12^th year running, the music event features a mix of well- and lesser-known voices. This year’s programme showcases 21 artists.

Disturbans festival, Basel, March 4-6

This three-day festival features musical entertainment, readings, exhibitions and fashion shows. A total of 30 artists are involved, and the theme is “fantastic colours”. The venue is Basel’s “Nordstern” club and lounge.

Real estate fair, Bern, March 4-7

More than 150 exhibitors are prepared to point the way to Dream House Lane this weekend. Whether your main concern is building, renovating or financing a home of your own, this could be a good place to start. Free admission.

”Art on Ice,” Zurich & Lausanne, March 4-9

Pop-soul queen Anastacia and virtuoso violinist David Garrett are the guest stars at the 15^th edition of this music and skating festival. On the ice, Swiss superstar Stéphane Lambiel appears with his long-time rival Evgeni Plushenko of Russia.

Antiquarian book fair, Zurich, March 5-7

That good old book smell is in the air in Zurich this weekend. In addition to the chance to purchase antique tomes, there’s also a chance to browse rare specimens like a set of miniature Shakespeare works and a Swiss atlas from 1770.

Flea markets

It must be time for spring cleaning, with not one but two major “brocante” scheduled this weekend.

Biel/Bienne, March 5-7

St. Gallen, March 5-7

Chopin festival, Basel, March 5-8

In honour of the 200^th birthday of Polish composer and pianist Frédéric Chopin, the music schools of Basel, Bern and Zurich are putting on a four-day festival. Venues include Basel’s music academy and its “Volkshaus” concert hall.

Film festival, Geneva, March 5-14

Now in its fifth year, the International Film Festival on Human Rights serves as a sort of “opinion column” or space where ideas are freely expressed and shared. Its 2010 programme denounces any and all violence inflicted on civil society.

Mineral days, Zofingen, March 6-7

If you love rocks, crystals and other precious stones, you may want to swing by Zofingen in canton Aargau this weekend. Here you can admire a colourful array of natural gems and perhaps find a pretty memento to cherish.

Habitat-Jardin, Lausanne, March 6-14

With spring on its way, it’s time to start thinking about gardening and outdoor living. To help you find inspiration, more than 540 exhibitors are ready to present their products and expertise on fairgrounds measuring 24,000 square meters.

BNP Paribas Zurich Open, March 9-13

This event unites young tennis talent with experienced champions like John McEnroe, Sergi Bruguera and Henri Leconte. (Boris Becker had to cancel; he’s recovering from hip surgery!) Singles and doubles matches are scheduled.

“Fallen Angels,” Geneva, March 9-13

The Geneva English Drama Society presents “Fallen Angels”. Set in 1920s London, the production is completed by piano music in the afternoon and cocktails in the evening. The play features class, wit, and bored housewives who fight over a Frenchman.