Moon&Stars: discounts for residents with the Locarno Card 2026

Context

TL;DR

• Moon&Stars festival in Locarno from 9-19 July 2026
• Locarno Card holders get early discount on concert tickets
• Discounted tickets available from 22 April to 29 May 2026
• Residents can buy max 2 tickets at 75 CHF each

Key facts

• Event: Moon&Stars festival in Locarno
• Dates: 9 to 19 July 2026
• Discount: 75 CHF per ticket for Locarno Card holders
• Opening Night: 45 CHF on 9 July 2026
• Ticket Limit: Max 2 tickets per Locarno Card holder
• Sale Dates: 22 April to 29 May 2026
• Artists: Lewis Capaldi, Max Pezzali, Roxette, Jamiroquai, Rita Ora, Alan Walker, Duran Duran, Hurts, OneRepublic, Kim Wilde
• Target: Residents of Locarno with Locarno Card

From 9 to 19 July 2026, Piazza Grande in Locarno will host the latest edition of the Moon&Stars festival, one of the most anticipated musical events of the Ticino summer. The 2026 edition will feature eleven evenings of music and entertainment, with performances by international artists including Lewis Capaldi, Max Pezzali, Roxette, Jamiroquai, Rita Ora, Alan Walker, Duran Duran, Hurts, OneRepublic, Kim Wilde and many others.

Locarno Card: the advantage for residents

For the first time this year, residents of Locarno holding a Locarno Card will benefit from an exclusive discount on evening concert tickets for Piazza Grande. Sales of discounted tickets will begin much earlier than in previous years, as a sign of appreciation for the local community. This will allow Locarno residents to have priority access to concerts, reducing the risk of seats selling out quickly for the most sought-after events.

«Ticket sales reserved for residents start much earlier than in previous years, as a tangible sign of attention and appreciation for the local community. This choice aims to give Locarno residents priority access to tickets, allowing them to secure their place at the most popular concerts and ensuring that even the most in-demand events – which often sell out in record time – can be enjoyed and shared by the local population.»

Ticket prices and availability

Discounted tickets will be available for 75 francs (plus service fees) for evening concerts in Piazza Grande, while the Opening Night on 9 July will cost 45 francs (plus service fees). Each Locarno Card holder may purchase a maximum of two tickets, exclusively for personal use. The number of discounted tickets is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

How and when to purchase

Interested residents must purchase tickets exclusively online by accessing the festival’s official link and entering their personal Locarno Card code. Sales of discounted tickets will open on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 12:00 and close on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 23:59, or until tickets are sold out.

Featured artists

In addition to the already mentioned international artists, the festival will also feature Italian stars like Sal Da Vinci, Rkomi and Emis Killa, confirming the event’s commitment to bringing together diverse cultures and musical genres.

Operational details

Why is this initiative relevant for cross-border workers?

For cross-border workers based in Locarno who commute to Italy, the Moon&Stars festival offers a chance to enjoy a high-profile cultural event without facing excessive costs. The Locarno Card, typically used for transport discounts and other local services, now doubles as a pass for entertainment, making the event accessible even for those on a tight budget.

Comparison with previous editions

In previous years, Locarno residents could only purchase tickets after the general sale began, often at full price and without discounts. This year, however, the early-bird discounted sale is a new feature that highlights the local community and encourages active participation in cultural events. Additionally, the two-month head start on general sales gives residents a competitive edge, allowing them to plan their attendance with greater ease.

Practical scenarios for cross-border workers

• Case 1: Resident working in Italy

A cross-border worker living in Locarno and commuting to Varese or Como can buy tickets for concerts by Lewis Capaldi or Duran Duran for 75 CHF instead of paying the full price (not yet specified by the source, but typically exceeding 100 CHF). This represents a significant saving, especially considering that tickets for such events can easily exceed 150–200 CHF during the general sale phase.

• Case 2: Family with two children

Each Locarno Card holder can purchase two tickets, though it is not specified whether children must also reside in Locarno. In the absence of further details, it is assumed the rule applies only to the cardholder. However, the option to buy two tickets makes it possible to share the experience with a family member or friend, further enhancing accessibility.

• Case 3: Rapid sell-out of events

Concerts by artists like Alan Walker or OneRepublic are often among the first to sell out. For residents, the early sale ensures access, while non-residents must wait for the general sale, risking missing out on tickets entirely.

Limitations to consider

While the initiative targets residents, the source does not specify whether the Locarno Card must be held by all household members or just the cardholder. It also remains unclear whether discounted tickets can be resold or transferred to others. It is therefore advisable to carefully review the purchase terms on the festival’s official website before completing any transactions.

📊 Note: This initiative is part of the Locarno Card’s expanded benefits for 2024, aligning with the festival’s commitment to fostering local engagement.

⚠️ The discounts apply exclusively to Locarno residents and are subject to availability. General sale terms and conditions may vary.

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Key points

Step-by-step process to purchase discounted tickets

If you are a Locarno resident with the Locarno Card, follow these steps to take advantage of the discount on Moon&Stars 2026 festival tickets:

1. Check the validity of your Locarno Card Make sure your card is active and your personal code can be found. You can check the expiry date and status of the card at the offices of the Municipality of Locarno or on the official website of the card.

2. Prepare the necessary documents - Personal code of the Locarno Card - Proof of identity (ID card or passport) - Payment details (credit card or bank transfer)

3. Access the official website of the festival It links to the official link of Moon&Stars (not yet specified in the source, but available on the Ticino portal tio.ch or on the website of the Municipality of Locarno).

4. Select the event and enter the discount code - Choose the desired concert from those on the bill. - Enter your personal Locarno Card code in the discount field. - Check that the displayed price is 75 CHF (or 45 CHF for the Opening Night).

5. Complete the purchase - Fill in the required billing information. - Proceed with the payment, adding the service fee to the total price. - You will receive an email confirmation with your ticket details and instructions for collecting or accessing the event.

6. Digital pickup or access The source does not specify whether the tickets will be physical or digital. However, given the trend of recent events, it is likely that electronic tickets will be used to be shown via smartphone at the entrance to Piazza Grande.

Deadlines and warnings

• Sales period: from April 22, 2026 at 12:00 to May 29, 2026 at 23:59. - While seats last: Although the sale officially closes on May 29, tickets may sell out earlier. It is advisable to proceed with the purchase within the first week to guarantee participation. - Limit of two tickets per person: it is not allowed to purchase more than two tickets for each Locarno Card holder. Any violations may result in the cancellation of the order.

What to do if you have problems

If you encounter difficulties during the purchase or have doubts about the validity of your Locarno Card, you can contact: - To the Municipality of Locarno (Population Services Office) - To the official website of the Locarno Card (not yet specified in the source) - To the toll-free number of the Moon & Stars festival (not yet specified in the source)

Useful tools for cross-border commuters

To better plan your participation in the festival, we recommend that you: - Calcolare il costo totale dei biglietti including service charges and any transport costs. - Verificare gli orari dei mezzi pubblici to reach Locarno from Como, Varese or other Italian cities. - Consultare la mappa dei parcheggi disponibili in case of arrival by car from outside Locarno.

Practical advice

• Buy early: Discounted tickets are limited, and popular concerts may sell out quickly. - Check availability: Check the official website often for updates on seat availability. - Bring the Locarno Card with you: it may be required to access the points of sale or services within the festival. - Plan transportation: If you're coming from Italy, consider using regional trains or buses to avoid parking issues in Locarno during events.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a unique cultural experience at affordable prices. The Locarno Card is not only a daily savings tool, but also a pass to enjoy music and entertainment in the front row.

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Source: tio.ch