What’s on: Wedding garb, white turf and a wild ride

The Dubliners, various cities, February 4-7

"It's too late to stop now", is what band member Barney McKenna says. With 45 years of touring under his belt, he’s the only original band member in the current formation. Concerts are scheduled in Bern, Zurich, Saint Gallen and Basel.

Cricket on ice, St. Moritz, February 4-6

Played on the frozen lake, this annual tradition got its start in 1988, when a group of Brits challenged local boarding school students to a game. Now an integral part of the global cricket calendar, the event attracts players from around the world.

Wild ride contest, Belalp, February 5

Toboggans, bathtubs, rubber boats: anything goes in this race, as long as you can slide downhill with it. On Friday night, speed fiends gather in the Valaisian town of Blatten to see whose contraption is the fastest.

Wedding fair, Bern, February 5-7

If you missed it in Lausanne or Basel, you can catch the “MariNatal” wedding fair in Bern this weekend. Exhibitors offer everything needed for nuptials, from invitations to rings. Daily fashion shows and live entertainment also feature on the agenda.

MUBA consumer fair, Basel, February 5-14

With about 1,000 exhibitors hawking their products and services, this is the ultimate Swiss fair for consumers. The event covers the following themes: building, home and garden, health, sport, food and drink, travel, culture, multimedia and fashion.

“White Turf” horse races, St. Moritz, February 7, 14, 21

On the three race Sundays, more than 35,000 spectators throng the frozen lake of St. Moritz to watch thoroughbreds from all over Europe. Categories include flat races, trotting and the curious skikjöring, where horses pulls skiers.

Carnival fun

It’s already carnival time in many Swiss cities and towns – particularly in French-speaking areas.

Bulle, February 5-7

The children’s carnival kicks off Friday at 8pm. On Saturday at 2.30pm, there’s a children’s parade featuring nine bands.

Châteauneuf-Sion, February 5-7

Saturday night is ball night, while Sunday brings a mask contest at 1pm followed by a children’s parade at 3pm.

Estavayer-le-Lac, February 4-7

The highlight of this carnival is surely Saturday afternoon’s skiing contest – which involves silly costumes and cash or beer prizes for the top three.

Lyss, February 5-7

Like many towns, Lyss hosts a children’s parade on Saturday. At the end of the parade there’s a fiery tradition as they burn an effigy of the “fog ghost”.

Küssnacht am Rigi, February 4-8

It’ll be a late on Thursday night as carnival bands play into the wee hours Friday. The fun continues with a parade Saturday and a fun fair Sunday and Monday.

Sainte-Croix, February 5-7

The wild (American) west is the theme of this year’s carnival. There’ll be comedy and a costume party Friday, and children’s fun on Saturday.