The Kino am See in Pfäffikon SZ is heading into its 33rd edition from August 5 to 15, 2026. With a varied film program, top-notch culinary offerings, and exciting encounters, the open-air cinema promises unforgettable summer evenings. Since this year, the event has been supported by TICKETINO as its ticketing partner.
What It’s About
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When the Unterdorf lakeside grounds in Pfäffikon fill up on a warm summer evening, the island of Ufnau lies in view, and the sun slowly sets over Lake Zurich, it's Kino am See time again.
From August 5 to 15, 2026, the Dorfgemeinschaft Pfäffikon SZ (DGP) is once again inviting visitors to the popular open-air cinema right on Lake Zurich — for the 33rd time already. What began as a local initiative in 1994 has become a fixed part of summer for many visitors today.
We spoke with Alexander Kälin, a member of the organizing committee, about what makes Kino am See so special.
The DGP has been organizing Kino am See for over three decades. What makes the event so special?
Kino am See is much more than just an open-air cinema. Of course the films are the focus, but the special atmosphere is at least as important. Our visitors enjoy a summer evening right on Lake Zurich, meet friends, share a nice meal together, and experience the unique mood by the water.
Many guests arrive well before the film starts and spend the entire evening with us. It's precisely this mix of film, culinary offerings, and social connection that has made the event so popular for many years.
What can visitors expect in summer 2026?
Between August 5 and 15, we're showing a varied program over eleven film nights for different tastes and generations. It's important to us that both longtime regulars and new visitors can experience exciting film evenings.
Alongside the films, we place great importance on the overall experience. Kino am See should be a place where people enjoy lingering, meeting acquaintances, and soaking up the summer.
The location right on Lake Zurich is often described as unique. What makes the site special?
Our location really is something special. The Unterdorf lakeside grounds sit directly on the water and offer an unobstructed view of the island of Ufnau. Especially on beautiful summer evenings, we repeatedly experience striking light and spectacular sunsets.
Many visitors tell us that the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. When the sky over Lake Zurich turns warm summer colors and the evening mood slowly sets in, it creates a backdrop that delights people anew every year.
Kino am See is also known for its culinary offerings.
Yes, regionality plays an important role for us. We want to offer our guests not just good films, but also high-quality products from the region.
Particularly popular are the crispy fish bites from Fischerei Braschler, whose fish comes straight from Lake Zurich. For refreshment, among others, Gelateria Eiszeit from Bäch provides their fine gelato.
We're proud of that, because these local partnerships contribute significantly to our event's identity. Anyone who wants to can simply stop by for a drink or a bite to eat — even without watching a film. Kino am See sees itself as an open meeting point for the whole region.
Are there any special highlights in 2026?
Yes, we're especially looking forward to a few evenings.
A particular highlight awaits visitors at the Swiss cult film «Ewigi Liebi». To complement the screening, an exclusive Watch & Dine evening with raclette and live music will be offered for a limited number of 32 guests. This special offer can be booked separately in advance and promises an extraordinary cinema evening right on Lake Zurich.
We're also planning a special performance around the film «Michael» to complement the film evening and provide extra moments of surprise.
What would you like to say to people who have never been to Kino am See?
Anyone who hasn't experienced Kino am See yet should definitely try it.
What awaits you isn't just a movie night, but a summer experience right on Lake Zurich. The unique location with a view of the island of Ufnau, the relaxed atmosphere, the regional specialties, the beautiful sunsets over the lake, and the many encounters make every evening special.
Whether with friends, family, or as a couple — Kino am See combines culture, enjoyment, and summer spirit in a way that can't be planned, only experienced.
Perhaps you'll then understand why so many of our guests come back year after year.
This year you have a new ticketing partner on board with TICKETINO. How important is reliable collaboration for the successful running of the open-air cinema?
For us, a reliable ticketing partner is an important building block for a successful visitor experience. Our guests should be able to buy their tickets easily and conveniently online, and we need to be able to rely on the systems working stably at all times. We also value the collaborative partnership and direct exchange with TICKETINO.
Thank you very much for your openness, Alexander Kälin! We hope we were able to give our readers a look behind the scenes and that Kino am See will attract plenty of interest!
Kino am See takes place from August 5 to 15, 2026, at the Unterdorf lakeside grounds, Rathausweg 16, in Pfäffikon SZ. Early-bird advance sales run from July 1 to 22, 2026. From July 23 onward, regular ticket prices apply.
Are you still looking for a ticketing partner for your event?
Contact us at marketing@ticketino.com or call us from
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at +41 43 500 40 80 (CH) or +49 30 201 696 006 (EU).
You can also schedule a phone appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
