ALPINE AGENDA Festival del film Locarno

For the creative-minded, athletic, and foodies alike, here are five reasons to factor in a Swiss celebration this summer.

Ever since Roberto Rossellini debuted Rome, Open City at its first edition in 1946, Locarno’s annual cinema spectacular has been a must-go for any movie enthusiast looking for what’s hot and fresh in film. Now in its 70th run, this festival is known for its eccentric mix of the obscure avant-garde alongside big-budget premiers on the arcaded main square of Piazza Grande, whose pastel-colored buildings create a stunning backdrop for an open-air cinema that seats more than 8,000 viewers, making it one of the world's largest. It may not have the glitz and glamor of Cannes, but keep an eye peeled—this is where celebrities come to watch the movies incognito ( August 2–12; pardolive.ch).