Update: the 2026 edition took place from 24 to 26 April. Check migs.ch for the next edition.
Some guitar shows try to cover everything. Others go deep on quality. The Montreux International Guitar Show is firmly in the second group, and it’s all the better for it.
In its fifth edition in 2026, MIGS has become one of Europe’s most focused and prestigious guitar events. It’s held in the Casino Barrière in Montreux, right on the shore of Lake Geneva, a fittingly beautiful setting for what’s inside.
What Makes MIGS Different?
Unlike trade shows that try to cover the whole market, MIGS is curated around high-end boutique builders, rare instruments and exceptional craftsmanship. Around 100 exhibitors from all over the world fill roughly 1,000 square metres, so the show is dense and easy to get around rather than overwhelming.
You’ll find electric guitars, electro-acoustics, archtops, resonators, folk guitars, amps, pedals and accessories, with the emphasis always on the rare, the handmade and the exceptional. If you want to see instruments that never appear in regular shops, this is the place.
Master Classes and Concerts
MIGS runs master classes throughout the three days, given by artists who travel specially for the show. These aren’t quick demos but proper sessions where you can really learn something. Concerts are part of the programme too, giving the show a cultural side beyond the commercial.
Opening Times (2026)
- Friday 24 April: 14:00 to 19:00
- Saturday 25 April: 10:00 to 19:00
- Sunday 26 April: 10:00 to 17:00
The shorter Friday opening is ideal if you want to get your bearings and start conversations before the weekend crowds. Saturday is the busiest day.
Practical Details
- Venue: Casino Barrière Montreux, Rue du Théâtre 9, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland
- Website: migs.ch
- Email: info@migs.ch
Montreux has direct trains from Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich. The Casino Barrière is within walking distance of the station, right on the famous lakeside promenade, so it’s easy to combine the show with a night or two in Montreux.
Who Is It For?
Players and collectors with a serious interest in boutique instruments and high-end lutherie. If a hand-wound pickup or a perfectly finished figured maple top makes your eyes light up, you’ll feel at home here. The format rewards slow, careful browsing, so give yourself plenty of time.
Planning a Guitar Trip?
Make sure your guitar is travelling in good shape. Changes in temperature and humidity on the road can affect the neck and action, as we explain in how humidity affects your guitar. GuitarBuddy in Zandvoort offers guitar setups and repairs for players in Haarlem, Aerdenhout and Amsterdam.
