Who seeks what to do in Lugano in the first days of the new year find in the programming of the MOUTH A diverse and cross-disciplinary cultural offering. The city space kicks off 2026 with a weekend packed with events, bringing together diverse artistic languages and diverse audiences, confirming its central role in Lugano's cultural landscape.
From January 9th to 11th, Studio FOCE and Teatro FOCE will host live music, experimental theater, dance, and a show dedicated to families. This concentration of events expands the possibilities for those who want to experience Lugano beyond the more traditional circuits. The complete calendar is available at foce.ch.
What to do in Lugano at night: underground music and reggae at Studio FOCE
Among the evening options for those wondering what to do in Lugano on the weekend, music occupies a central place. On Friday, January 9th at 20:30 PM, Studio FOCE hosts the second Local Heroes Night, part of the Random project and organized by Nextpunk. The initiative aims to promote the local underground scene, offering a platform for local and regional events.
The evening opens with Unbrained, followed by Walk Off!, a HC/Nu Metal band from Lugano. The program continues with SHIMES, a historic rock 'n' punk band from Brissago, known for their "hysterical punk rock" and past collaborations with bands like Misfits and Bad Religion. Closing the evening is Frank Atene, a Lugano punk project performing Italian lyrics. Tickets are available at the box office.
Saturday 10th January at 8.30pm, again at Studio FOCE, the appointment is with Never Stop Skanking, curated by Dubolution Sound System. The crew offers a journey through traditional Jamaican reggae, featuring deep bass and an atmosphere geared towards sharing and group listening. Tickets for this evening are also available at the box office.
Tango and dance: another answer to what to do in Lugano
On Sunday, January 11th, Studio FOCE will be transformed into a dance floor. Starting at 8:00 PM, a Milonga evening dedicated to Argentine tango enthusiasts will take place. The event invites experienced dancers and enthusiasts to share an experience that combines technique, musicality, and emotional expression.
The evening is enlivened by dancers from the New Style Dance school and is part of the social dance program that enriches the offerings for those looking for things to do in Lugano, including dancing and active participation.
Theater in Lugano: Experimentation and Local Scene at FOCE
Among the most interesting answers to the question of what to do in Lugano on a theatrical level, the FOCE would have liked to propose a new event of the festival Home, dedicated to the local scene. Friday 9th and Saturday 10th January at 20:30 pm, at the FOCE Theatre, the programme was Witches, multimedia work produced by Movimart Lagotina.
The show creates a surreal environment dominated by electronic sounds, percussion, and body movement. At its core, it reflects on the archetype of the female figure, historically condemned by society's fears. The staging follows in the footsteps of Ivano Torre's recent productions, using a language that intertwines physical theater and sound. The proom However, it was cancelled by Movimart Lagotina company, in agreement with the FOCE, out of respect forthe recent tragedy in Crans-Montana and the national day of mourning scheduled for Friday.
Things to do in Lugano with kids: family theater
The weekend closes with a program designed for a younger audience, ideal for those looking for things to do in Lugano with children. On Sunday, January 11th at 16 p.m., the FOCE Theater hosts Families of the company La Baracca Testoni Ragazzi, as part of the review Without borders, organized in collaboration with LAC edu.
The show uses nonverbal language, consisting of gazes and movements, to explore the theme of emotional bonds. In a setting reminiscent of a shop window, two characters interact with mannequins, stimulating children's personal reflections on what it means to belong to a family today. Advance tickets available online at luganolac.ch.
Information
The FOCE season is organized by the Events and Congress Division of the City of Lugano, in collaboration with Swisslos – Repubblica and Canton Ticino DECS, AIL and the media partner Tio.
MOUTH
Via Foce 1, 6900 Lugano
t. +41 58 866 74 40
info.foce@lugano.ch
www.foce.ch
City of Lugano – Events and Conferences
Via Trevano 55, 6900 Lugano
t. +41 58 866 74 40
events@lugano.ch
www.lugano.ch
