The Vendanges at a glance
The Fête des Vendanges 2026 takes place from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. The festival celebrates the grape harvest with street stalls, live concerts, wine tasting from local producers and the grand Sunday cortège — a parade of floats, brass bands and costumed groups that fills the city streets from late morning through the afternoon.
With around 300,000 visitors over three days, this is by far the biggest event in the Neuchâtel calendar. The city's population effectively triples over the weekend.
Why parking is not an option
The Vendanges completely transform the city centre. Streets are closed, barriers are in place, and temporary festival infrastructure occupies every available square metre. Car parks within 1 km of the festival zone fill before 09:00 on Saturday and Sunday. The few remaining spaces on the city's outskirts involve a 20-minute walk in the best case.
Roads in and out of the city centre are partially closed for the Sunday cortège from around 10:00 to 17:00. If you drive in, there is a real risk of being unable to leave until late Sunday afternoon.
Getting there by taxi
A taxi drops you at an agreed point on the edge of the festival zone — a 5-minute walk from the stalls and stages. No parking, no carrying. For the outward journey, pick-up from your door at the time you choose. For the return, pre-book your slot.
Recommended approach for the weekend
- Friday evening: arrive after work, enjoy the opening night, taxi home by midnight
- Saturday: full day — taxi in at 10:00, taxi back at 23:00 after the evening concerts
- Sunday: arrive for the cortège at 13:00, leave around 18:00 — book your Sunday return 2 weeks early
Sunday after the cortège: the critical moment
The hour following the end of the Sunday cortège (typically around 16:30–17:30) is the most intense taxi demand moment in Neuchâtel all year. Tens of thousands of people try to leave simultaneously. Taxis booked in advance will be assigned a driver; those calling on the day will face long waits.
Book your Sunday return at least 2 weeks before the Vendanges. No exceptions.
Coming from outside Neuchâtel
Visitors from La Chaux-de-Fonds, Biel, Yverdon, Bern and beyond regularly take taxis to the Vendanges. If you are driving from another city, consider parking in a quiet area outside Neuchâtel and taking a taxi in from there, or booking a full return journey from your home city.
Going to the Vendanges 2026?
Book your taxi now — this is the one event where advance booking is not optional.