8 Bernese Highlights in November

The daylight is slowly fleeing from the cold autumn wind. We can give you eight reasons why you should still leave your house and experience the cultural happenings in the city and region of Bern.

New dancing space

What event can you go to despite the sinking temperatures? The new pop-up club Maison has moved to Bankgässchen 6, right next to the UBS at Bern main station. The Bernese restaurateur Tom Weingart and his team found and bought the sofas, tables and sideboards from various second-hand stores. Second-hand designer lamps from Italy as well as a huge sparkling disco ball in the middle of the room make for a touch of glamour. From Tuesdays to Saturdays, you can «fyräbele» (toast to the end of the working day) and dance as much as you want, until the lavish New Year’s Eve party (information to follow). Classic Espresso Martinis, house-made gin creations, non-alcoholic alternatives as well as brioche sandwiches and hot dogs take care of your physical well-being.

Would you go out with me tonight?

Musigbistrot (music bistro) in the Monbijou

We’re slowly feeling the pull of all the cosy, warm restaurants. Do you feel the same? There is a restaurant in the neighbourhood Monbijou that literally carries a «sounding» name: the Musigbistrot. The musical bistro was opened in 1992, when the combination of gastronomy and culture was still a fairly new concept for a neighbourhood pub. Ever since then, concerts with various music styles, readings and poetry slams have been taking place here. The restaurant also boasts a varied culinary programme: the high-quality specialties from all over the world have already attracted a loyal following. Do you need a few tasty examples? Take a look at their menu.

More culture with your food

NICHTS («NOTHING») at the Museum for Communication

Is it possible for nothing to not be nothing? With the exhibition NICHTS, the Museum of Communication is going all in and presents seemingly nothing in an unusual way. The exhibition doesn’t indulge in lofty philosophical discussions but takes a loving turn towards the little things in live – the things we hardly ever notice. Nothingness accompanies us in all facets of our everyday lives. On a small scale in the form of a placebo effect, an empty space, a castle built of dreams or the almost nothingness of dust. On a larger scale you see people on the run or battling with depression, all of them literally faced with nothingness. This was a passion project for curator Kurt Stadelman who will retire soon. The exhibition lets this inconspicuous diversity take centre stage and invites you to take a closer look.

A journey to nothing

  • Fact

    After your visit to the museum, make sure to grab a bag of roasted chestnuts to warm up your hands and simply delight in this tasty snack.

Casinotheater Burgdorf

«Small and atmospheric» is how people describe this cultural gem in the Oberstadt (old town) in Burgdorf, Emmental. The theatre built in 1870 has been completely renovated and now astounds with its modern appearance and contemporary identity. When it comes to musical theatre, plays and concerts, the broad programme ranges from classical to modern art. How about «Respect! Tribute to the Greatest Soul Divas» on 16 November, for example?

A cultural gem in Burgdorf

Jingle Bern

Jingle Bern shows you purely magical images. In the Kulturcasino, world-class artists are flying through the air in pirouettes, a sight that makes the guests «oh» and «ah» as well as dream. But it’s not just the fascinating show that will engage your senses, you’ll also be able to enjoy melodious music and an exquisite four-course menu. What exactly is on the menu can only be guessed by the four basic ingredients used for the dishes. Isn’t that exciting? Larger groups can book several tables or even the entire venue for an evening.

I want pure magic

Full Of Lava Festival (formerly Saint Ghetto)

Even when it’s pitch-black outside, the Dampfzentrale will get you fired up with the international music festival «Full of Lava» that has been around for 14 years. It began as a one-off event in 2008 and was so popular that it’s been held every year ever since. A number of world-class musicians as well as newcomers have taken to the stage since then. During this year’s four-day festival, the sounds of avant-garde artist Alexandra Drewchin, aka Eartheater, will sound from the speakers, among others.

I want a blast of music

Museum Cerny

A trip to the Arctic can be so easy: just take a detour to the Museum Cerny. Guests will find themselves surrounded by contemporary art made of whale bones, stone and mammoth tusks. The exhibits were made by the peoples of the far North, especially those from Siberia and the Inuit in Canada. You can see them in Bern, only a five-minute walk from Welle7. This is one of the most comprehensive collections of its kind in the world. You will see the subject matter of animals, communities, spirituality, colonial past as well as challenges of climate change reflected in the handicrafts.

Marvel at this astounding exhibition

  • Tipp

    On 11 November at 11 a.m., a special tour is happening at the Museum Cerny, free of charge. You only have to pay the general admission to the theatre. Registration by phone or email is requested.

Berner Zibelemärit (Onion Market) 2023

We are sure that a scene starts playing in each and every person’s heads when they hear «Zibelemärit»: little kids showering grown-ups with confetti, the slightly older (albeit none the wiser) dancing the night away at the Zibele-Rave (onion rave) and families buying «Zibelezüpfe» (onion plaits) and beautifully woven onion wreaths at the market stalls. Everybody has their own personal connection to this beautiful festival, which is now officially listed as a «Living Tradition in Switzerland». We will end the month of November with a long weekend before the run-up to Christmas starts.

Dive into the action

  • Tipp

    Of course, there are many more events happening in Bern. Take a look at our event calendar.

Speaking of excitement: Christmas is just around the corner

Christmas markets in the city and region of Bern

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