Halloween: What Zug’s nightlife has in common with Frankenstein’s Monster and how a local label wants to bring it to life
After a five-year break, the Halloween party will take place again on October 31st in the Chollerhalle. Reason enough to pursue the question: What is the situation with the Zug party scene?
On Halloween, visitors to the Chollerhalle can dance to electronic music.
Fausto Pellegrini, Falco Pönitzsch and Valdemar Holmberg are committed to improving Zug’s nightlife. As part of the management of the event company Zug Untzig, they are organizing a Halloween party in the Chollerhalle this year. As early as June 2024, they invited people to “Daydance” at the youth culture center Industrie 45. The company has also been hosting parties in Zurich and Lucerne in recent months, getting to know the needs of the Swiss club closely.
There is a lack of cultural diversity
The organizers say that it was quiet for a long time about the way out for young people from Zug. A main reason for the limited offer was the corona pandemic. Before the pandemic, there was a varied and regular program in Zug that was particularly aimed at young people.
After the lockdown restrictions and strict restrictions, many of these formats disappeared. The long break was not only noticeable in the decrease in the number of events, but also in the demand: young people had to get used to the nightlife again and adjust their expectations from the clubs, said Pönitzsch.
The current offer in Zug is now more aimed at a broad and mixed audience. “There are many events and bars that are interesting for all age groups,” explains Pellegrini. “These overarching concepts provide a strong foundation.” However, Zug is still limited in terms of musical and cultural diversity. This is less the case with the various scenes in Zurich, Lucerne or Bern.
On Halloween, the Chollerhalle becomes a spooky, beautiful dance floor.
Lounge & Gallery owner Philipp Waldis also commented on the Zug exit. The biggest advantage of local nightlife is that guests know each other and the events are less anonymous. “In canton Zug, events work mainly for mature audiences.” Events for 16-year-olds are largely avoided, as this often does not cause trouble in the site and surrounding area.
Apart from the size of the canton and the small offer that Zug has to offer, its proximity to Zurich and Lucerne means that the party offers go beyond the canton’s borders, says Waldis. “We also feel this in the Vegas Club Lucerne, which we also run and are regularly visited by guests from the canton of Zug.”
Pönitzsch mentions another important point that contributes to a successful nightlife. It is public transport. “The night links are vital to attract people from other regions who don’t want to drive.”
It would be desirable to expand the starting points in Zug specifically for young people so that there is also an attractive offer here, said Pönitzsch. Because we still often hear that the exit in Zug is dead.
There is a lack of innovation and modernization
In order to understand the type of result that young people get well, it is necessary to be aware of what is happening in the surrounding cantonments. “Different types of startups are based there,” Pönitzsch explains. “People in Lucerne, for example, are less willing to pay for admission to the club at the ticket office. That’s why so-called bar hopping is better.” Things look different in the canton of Zurich. Because of the established techno scene, people are willing to pay a club entrance fee.
At the Halloween party in the Chollerhalle, the focus is on a concept that aims to appeal to young people by engaging them with musical elements they already know. «The evening starts with house music and gradually moves towards techno. “We want to offer a wide range of music and introduce visitors to the diversity of electronic music,” explains Pellegrini.
About raves and drugs
In Zug, suspicion of the unknown quickly arises due to the seriousness of politics, according to Pellegrini’s assessment. « This especially affects clubs, raves and techno events. Compared to Zurich, where events such as the street parade take place, the canton of Zug has fallen behind.”
According to Pönitzsch, there are many prejudices against raves and electronic music.
It is often assumed that raves are an open playground for drug use and violent guests. But this in no way corresponds to the reality of Untzig’s events, Pellegrini insists. Rather, it’s about creating a space that fosters real encounters and personal exchange.
“It’s important to us that people can connect with each other, get to know each other and share unforgettable experiences, not only online but also in real life,” emphasizes Pellegrini. He does not deny that drug use occurs from time to time. In these cases, the label relies on a so-called “awareness team” that takes care of such cases.
In fact, Untzig says more and more people are choosing a sober party experience. “We are happy about this trend towards a more conscious consumer celebration and we welcome a community that shares our values and treats each other with respect,” says Pönitzsch.
Seems that there’s a lot of discussion surrounding the nightlife scene in Zug, particularly the challenges and perceptions that come with it. Lounge & Gallery owner Philipp Waldis highlights that the local nightlife is characterized by a close-knit community where guests often know each other, making events feel less anonymous. This camaraderie seems to foster a more mature audience, as younger events, particularly those for 16-year-olds, are largely avoided due to the complications they can cause.
One of the main issues affecting Zug’s nightlife is its geographical and cultural proximity to larger cities like Zurich and Lucerne. Waldis mentions that many locals turn to these cities for nightlife, significantly impacting Zug’s appeal. This trend is shared by places like the Vegas Club Lucerne, which sees frequent visits from Zug residents.
Public transportation is another crucial factor that influences Zug’s nightlife. The availability of late-night links is vital for attracting patrons from surrounding areas who prefer not to drive. Both Waldis and Pönitzsch emphasize the need for a more vibrant offer for young people in Zug, noting that the local scene often feels stagnant.
Pönitzsch remarks that innovation and modernization are lacking in Zug’s nightlife, particularly when compared to nearby regions. For instance, he notes that various localities, like Lucerne, have different expectations for club entry fees, where patrons may prefer to “bar hop” rather than pay high cover charges. In contrast, Zurich has a more established techno scene, where attendees are more willing to pay for club entry.
Furthermore, events like the Halloween party at Chollerhalle are attempted to engage a younger audience, with a musical lineup that transitions from house music to techno, demonstrating a desire to introduce attendees to a wider range of electronic music.
However, there exists a gauntlet of prejudice against raves and electronic music in Zug, further complicating the nightlife dynamics. Pellegrini notes that the political seriousness in Zug contributes to this suspicion, which is not as prevalent in places like Zurich, where larger electronic music events and street parades attract significant attention.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for revitalizing and improving the nightlife in Zug, particularly for younger demographics who seek more engaging and innovative experiences.
Ensuring that young people can engage with the nightlife safely and conveniently. While Zurich and Lucerne boast better options and frequency for late-night transport, Zug struggles in this area. This limitation can deter potential visitors from venturing out to local venues, as they may prefer the more accessible nightlife offerings of nearby cities.
Another point raised in the discussion is the perception of nightlife in Zug, which often lodges itself within the realm of conventionality and caution. Many young people perceive the local scene as stagnant or “dead” due to a lack of innovative events and modern venues that cater to their tastes. This situation is further exacerbated by the serious political landscape in Zug, where clubs and raves might face more scrutiny than in regions with a more vibrant nightlife culture.
In response to these challenges, local event organizers like Untzig are attempting to redefine the nightlife experience by focusing on community engagement and diverse musical offerings. Events are designed to promote connections and social interactions among attendees, providing a space that prioritizes personal experiences over mere partying.
there appears to be a growing recognition of the need for more inviting and innovative nightlife offerings in Zug. If successful, such initiatives could not only rejuvenate the local scene but also attract younger audiences who might otherwise seek their entertainment options in Zurich or Lucerne. The ongoing conversation suggests that with the right approach, there is potential for Zug’s nightlife to thrive and evolve, catering to the desires of its younger demographic.