General Information

Arcana will take place from Friday, September 19th to Monday, September 22nd, 2025.
For its fifth edition, it will be moving to Beaulieu, Lausanne.

Friday

From 2 p.m. until midnight

Stands close at 10 p.m.

Saturday

From 10 a.m. until midnight

Stands close at 8 p.m.

Sunday

From 10 a.m. until midnight

Stands close at 8 p.m.

Monday

From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Stands open continuously

How to Get to the Event?

📍 Address: Avenue des Bergières 10, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland

🚌 Public Transport

Stop “Beaulieu-Jomini” (lines 2, 3, 20, and 21) – 100m away

Stop “Beaulieu” (lines 2 and 21) – 100m away

From the train station, lines 3, 20, and 21 are the most direct!

🚗 Recommended Parking

The underground Beaulieu parking is available. Staff will be present to guide you if needed.

The Vélodrome P+R parking is a 5-minute bus ride away (lines 20 and 21) or ~20 minutes on foot.

You can visit the city’s website for a detailed map of long-term parking options in Lausanne.

🚪 Step-Free Entrances

The south entrance (Av. des Bergières) has no stairs.From the underground parking, an elevator gives you direct access to the main festival building.

📍 On-site: The Palais de Beaulieu is a large complex with several halls. Elevators are available, but some areas may include gentle slopes or small steps.

🐶 Animals: Dogs are welcome both indoors and outdoors, provided they are clean, leashed, and social.

Accessibility

✅ Easily accessible areas (step-free)

The entire venue is accessible and stroller-friendly.

Accessible toilets are available for people with reduced mobility and wheelchairs.

🌿 Natural or outdoor areas

Food trucks and outdoor activities are located in paved and accessible zones.

⚠️ Areas with stairs or steep slopes

The outdoor area in front of the main building includes a gentle slope.

Please note that Lausanne is a hilly city. The Vélodrome parking is nearby (less than 1 km), but the elevation gain is over 50 meters.

Except for the south entrance (Av. des Bergières / Beaulieu stop), all other external entrances include stairs!

Practical Links

Event Rules

Arcana is an event with a very broad audience. To ensure that everyone can enjoy and share in a respectful and welcoming atmosphere, it is essential that the rules are read and accepted by all!

Artificial intelligence at Arcana

The world is changing rapidly, and many new technologies are emerging. Some bring us great benefits, others are dangerous. Artificial intelligence is changing the world, frightening us, and fascinating us... all at once.

F.A.Q.

What is Arcana?

Arcana is the Swiss festival of fantasy and wonder! Explore fascinating exhibitions, attend captivating talks, and take part in video game tournaments. Creative workshops, virtual reality, film screenings, autograph sessions and photo shoots with exceptional guests, and epic shows for young and old alike.

How can I come with public transportation?

There are two main stops for Arcana: - “Beaulieu-Jomini” stop (lines 2, 3, 20, and 21) – a 100m walk - “Beaulieu” stop (lines 2 and 21) – a 100m walk, step-free access From the Lausanne station, lines 3, 20, and 21 are the most direct!

I have an intolerance/special diet, will there be food for me?

We are careful to have vegetarian, vegan, as well as gluten-free and lactose-free options in the various food trucks at Arcana.

What are the guidelines for costumes, pretend weapons, and props?

You will find all the information you need for your costumes, weapons and accessories in our regulations: https://www.arcanafestival.ch/pratiques/reglement

Can I take photos or vidoes at Arcana?

Yes, you can take photos and videos during Arcana, provided you respect our rules: https://www.arcanafestival.ch/pratiques/reglement

When is Arcana 2025?

The 19th, 20th, 21st, et 22nd of September 2025

Will there be parking spaces?

There are several parking lots around Beaulieu, such as the Beaulieu parking lot or the Vélodrome parking lot.

Is it mandatory to come in a costume?

Absolutely not! Arcana aims to welcome everyone, whether you have the most wonderful cosplay, or simply show up as yourself, you will be welcome!

What should I do if someone is behaving inappropriately or making me feel uncomfortable?

Arcana does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or behaves inappropriately, you can alert any Arcana volunteer or security staff.

I lost something during the festival, what can I do?

Lost and found items are returned to information points. Don't hesitate to ask our staff for the nearest one! If you realize your item is missing after the festival, you can contact Arcana via social media or email. We keep found items for one year.

Where is Arcana 2025?

At Beaulieu, Lausanne.

I have reduced mobility. Can I still enjoy the festival?

The entire Arcana complex is accessible. Elevators are available in all buildings. Accessible restrooms are also available on the festival grounds.

Can children come?

Children are welcome at Arcana. There will be activities for all ages. A nursing room, as well as baby changing areas will be available throughout the festival.

Can I bring my food inside Arcana?

It's possible to bring your own food to Arcana. However, several food trucks will be available with many options for different diets!

Is entry really free?

Yes! The Arcana association is committed to sharing the worlds of fantasy and wonder with as many people as possible. For this fifth edition, we've decided to make admission free for everyone.

Can I come with my pet?

Pets are welcome at Arcana, provided they are on a leash, sociable, and keep the festival clean.

How to participate in the organization?

We're always looking for motivated individuals to create the best Arcana ever! You can register at https://www.arcanafestival.ch/staffs to get a behind-the-scenes look and help us create this new edition of the festival.

Can I take my water bottle to Arcana?

Yes, you can take one bottle of non-alcoholic drinks per person.