KIFF

In the Telli district of Aarau, inside a former animal feed factory, is KIFF. Since 1991 the non-profit association IG KIFF has filled the old industrial walls with concerts, parties and events. Tonight the beat is pounding through the brickwork again. As a cultural and music centre, KIFF Aarau presents a programme that ranges from rock and hip-hop to techno and opera, paired with an atmosphere guests call “familial and welcoming”.

Google Maps reviewers give KIFF a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews. Visitors frequently highlight the closeness to the artists and the friendly security team. One guest wrote, “Absolutely recommendable! If you want to be close to the artists, this is the right place.” Another concert-goer described a sold-out show where the mood was “simply brilliant” despite the crowd.

The Venue Spaces at KIFF Aarau

KIFF operates three distinct event spaces inside the former Kunath Futterfabrik. Each room is available for rent for private celebrations, company parties or public events, and the team can arrange catering from aperitifs to multi-course menus.

• Saal: The largest hall, with a capacity of 550 standing or 140 seated, on the second floor. It offers full sound and media technology and suits concerts, parties and stage rehearsals.
• Foyer: A ground-floor, barrier-free space for up to 250 standing or 80 seated. Ideal for training sessions, club events, birthdays and smaller parties.
• Silo: In the lower ground floor, holding 150 standing or 50 seated. A basic PA system is available; a powerful music system can be hired separately. Perfect for smaller gatherings, meetings or pre-show aperitifs.

In addition to the event rooms, KIFF houses 12 artist studios in the Atelierturm and a music rehearsal room in the former factory theatre, all rented long-term to regional cultural professionals.

Music and Events Programme

KIFF’s calendar mixes international touring acts with local Swiss talent. Recent and upcoming shows include metal, hardcore, ska and reggae. Highlights from the website programme list bands such as Gaerea, High Vis, The Aggrolites, Swordes and Prewn, plus regular community nights like the Musikstammtisch. The centre also hosts 90s parties, although one reviewer noted the DJ sometimes changes tracks too quickly.

KIFF is expanding too. The “KIFF 2.0” project is underway, keeping the venue moving forward despite rising costs. The website confirms the build is progressing and the project remains on track.

How Customers Rate KIFF

Across more than 1,000 Google Maps reviews, KIFF holds a 4.5-star average. Review themes that appear repeatedly include:

Atmosphere and Closeness to Artists

Many reviewers mention the intimate setting. “If you want to be close to the artists, this is the right place,” one Local Guide wrote, calling the atmosphere familiar and the infrastructure good.

Friendly and Professional Staff

The security team earns particular praise. A visitor attending a sold-out metal show remarked on the “friendly security team” adding to the positive experience.

Party Experience Feedback

A minority of feedback concerns the music flow at club nights. One reviewer regretted the DJ cutting songs after a minute during a 90s party, which “was a shame when you like a song.”

Location and Getting to KIFF in Aarau

KIFF sits at Tellistrasse 118, 5000 Aarau, in the Telli quarter. The venue encourages arriving by public transport, bike or on foot. From Aarau railway station, bus No. 2 toward Telli / Rohr gets you to Delfterstrasse in four minutes; the venue is a 50-metre walk from the stop. Walking from the station takes about 20 minutes via Bahnhofstrasse, through Kreuzplatz, along Rössligutstrasse and the Zickzack path into the Telliring.

Parking is available on and around the site, but the spaces are managed by a third party and cost CHF 2 per hour. KIFF coordinates concert end times with public transport: main acts finish by 00:30 at weekends and 23:30 on weeknights. Late buses and onward connections to Zürich, Basel, Bern and Luzern are listed on the contact page.

Hours, Contact and Booking

No standard opening hours are published because KIFF operates according to its event calendar. General inquiries and lost-property matters go to Denise Seiler at info@kiff.ch. Band and booking requests reach Moritz Gemperli at booking@kiff.ch. Press inquiries are handled by Shannon Hughes at presse@kiff.ch. For rental and job enquiries about bar, cloakroom or box office, contact Philipp Knoblauch at philipp.knoblauch@kiff.ch, or call +41 62 824 06 50.

KIFF advises planning private rentals early and prefers enquiries at least three months before the event date. Ticket links for public concerts are posted on the programme page and direct to the ticket provider’s site.

Common Questions About KIFF

Can I rent a room at KIFF for a private party?

Yes. The Saal, Foyer and Silo are available Sunday to Wednesday, with exceptions possible. Catering, seating and staffing can be arranged individually. Contact philipp.knoblauch@kiff.ch at least three months in advance.

What type of music does KIFF programme?

The booking covers rock, hip-hop, metal, techno, pop, reggae, hardcore and more, plus occasional comedy and community talk events. Check the programme page on the KIFF website for the current calendar.

Is KIFF wheelchair accessible?

The Foyer on the ground floor is barrier-free. The Saal (2nd floor) and Silo (lower ground floor) are accessible via a small passenger lift, though it has size limitations. Contact the team in advance if you need specific access support.

Where can I park, and how much does it cost?

Parking is available on and around the Tellistrasse site, but the spaces are operated by a third party and cost CHF 2 per hour. KIFF strongly recommends using public transport, cycling or walking.

How do I get home after a late concert?

Weekend headliners end by 00:30, weekday shows by 23:30. The contact page lists last bus times from Delfterstrasse and late-night rail connections to Zürich, Basel, Bern and Luzern. Check the SBB website or app for exact connections.