Moon&Stars: discounts for residents with the Locarno Card 2026 (cross-border guide)

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.

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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

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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.

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