La programming of LAC en plein air 2026 It is defined as a complex project that combines the traditional summer concert offering with an element of strong local roots. At the heart of the calendar, in fact, is a series of five events dedicated to the cultural realities of the area, conceived as an integral part of the exhibition and not as a simple complement.

The initiative, hosted at the LAC in Lugano between June 26 and August 30, 2026, will run alongside a series of free evenings exploring different musical languages, from jazz to international influences, to reinterpretations of European and Swiss traditions.

A cultural system that enhances the territory

The most significant aspect of the new edition is the choice to complement the main program with a structured program dedicated to local cultural institutions. The five scheduled events are not presented as isolated initiatives, but as part of a vision aimed at strengthening the dialogue between cultural institutions and the regional artistic landscape.

In this sense, the festival takes on a dual function: on the one hand, opening up to international circuits, on the other, recognizing and promoting the creative energies present in the region.

International concerts and musical tours

Alongside this core program, the LAC en plein air program offers eleven free evenings spread throughout the summer. The program spans diverse repertoires, from jazz to global sounds, with a special focus on contemporary forms of Neue Volksmusik and Swiss folk music.

The stated goal is to build a musical offering capable of engaging with diverse audiences, while maintaining an accessible yet artistically diverse structure.

A summer of training, festivals, and shared productions

The program also includes several collaborations with festivals and educational institutions. These include projects that connect the LAC to institutions like the Ticino Musica Festival and initiatives dedicated to young musicians and composers.

In this context, the presence of international ensembles and emerging groups contributes to defining a dynamic framework, in which the educational dimension is intertwined with the performing one.

The role of the Hall and the Theatre Hall

The LAC's spaces, particularly the Hall and the Theater Hall, become central locations for the festival. Their diverse configurations accommodate both chamber music ensembles and larger orchestral ensembles, ensuring flexible programming that can be adapted to the needs of individual projects.

This versatility helps strengthen the LAC's nature as an open cultural hub, capable of hosting different musical languages ​​without the rigidity of format.

An integrated project between openness and rootedness

Overall, LAC en plein air 2026 is a project that combines two often parallel dimensions: international reach and local context. The decision to combine the main concerts five events dedicated to the cultural realities of the area represents the point of balance between these two directions.

The result is a festival that goes beyond simply offering a summer calendar, but builds a broader cultural narrative, in which the local area is not a backdrop but an active component of the programming.

Information

The LAC open-air events are free to enter, with the exception of productions related to Ticino Musica Festival, for which online pre-sale is planned.

Full program and updates: www.laclugano.ch