Every year, Montreux celebrates Freddie Mercury with Freddie Days
Around 5 September, Freddie Mercury’s birthday, Freddie Days brings Montreux to life with his music and that of Queen.
For several days, the shores of Lake Geneva and the area around the statue become a meeting place for admirers from many countries, as well as local residents, families and visitors passing through. People come for a concert, to meet friends or simply to discover the atmosphere of this gathering devoted to one of the most influential artists in rock history.
At the foot of the mountains, between the lake and the Marché Couvert, music brings people together. Freddie Days invites everyone to join the celebration, whether they know Queen’s entire discography or are discovering this musical world for the first time.
Two stages and different ways to experience the music
Every year, two stages set the rhythm of the event: the Main Stage and the Lake Stage.
Between the Marché Couvert and the lakeside, they welcome international bands, artists and ensembles who bring the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen to life through their own interpretations.
Large concerts sit alongside acoustic performances, more intimate moments and musical entertainment. This variety lets visitors move between different atmospheres throughout the day, discover new voices and enjoy songs that span generations.
The programme changes with every edition, offering another reason to return to Montreux for new discoveries. Concerts and entertainment held at the event site are free and accessible without an entry ticket or reservation.
Memories, encounters and experiences to share
Freddie Days offers more than concerts.
Depending on the edition, exhibitions and talks provide different ways to explore the history of Freddie Mercury and Queen. People close to them, collaborators and specialists share their accounts, archives and memories, adding a more personal dimension to this musical story.
Boat trips with Peter Freestone, Freddie’s personal assistant for more than ten years, offer a different view of Montreux from Lake Geneva. His stories accompany the discovery of places associated with the singer, in the distinctive setting of a trip on the lake.
The Queen Silent Disco keeps the celebration going through headphones, with several musical atmospheres exploring the worlds of Queen, Freddie Mercury and the 1970s to the 1990s. These additional activities may carry a charge and require a reservation. Details are provided in the official programme for each edition.
A story of passion and keeping a legacy alive
The first official gathering took place in 2003.
Initially known as Freddie Mercury’s Montreux Memorial Day, then Freddie Celebration Days, the event adopted the name Freddie Days in 2025. Over successive editions, the original gathering has grown while retaining its spirit: bringing people together through music and the special bond between Freddie Mercury and Montreux.
Run by the non-profit association Montreux Celebration, the event also depends on the commitment of passionate volunteers. Their presence and work help make Freddie Days a welcoming celebration, where the pleasure of meeting again matters just as much as the moments shared in front of the stages.
Planning your visit to Freddie Days
The event takes place in the heart of Montreux, near the Freddie Mercury statue and the Marché Couvert, around ten minutes’ walk from the railway station.
Food areas and drinks stands let visitors enjoy the atmosphere throughout the day. Choosing the official stands helps support the organisation.
Dates, artists and activities change from one edition to the next. Visit the official website to plan your visit and find out about any reservations you may need to make. The official party organised at the Casino de Montreux by the Mercury Phoenix Trust is a separate event from Freddie Days.
To continue exploring during your stay, Freddie Tours guided tours take you through the places and stories associated with Freddie Mercury in Montreux.
