Café Bar Mokka

A Thun space where subculture found its home

Café Bar Mokka in Thun has been, since 1986, an independent cultural venue outside the mainstream. At its heart lies a question that remains relevant to this day: where can people find a space where they can simply be themselves, without having to explain themselves?

Over 6,000 concert evenings have been hosted to date, featuring acts ranging from Element of Crime and Fettes Brot to Sophie Hunger and Fatoumata Diawara, right through to Stiller Has and Züri West. Mokka is not just a venue, but also a social space: a breeding ground for sound and subculture, shaped by a DIY ethos, hospitality and the heart and soul of its founder, MC Anliker, who passed away in 2016. The team in charge today continues in this vein. Culture at the Mokka is created by people, instinct and passion – and the community spirit is always stronger than any individual interest. This is also reflected in the program: alongside regular concerts, new projects and formats are constantly being developed. In summer 2026, the 21st edition of the “Am Schluss” festival will take place, followed by Baze performing Züri West’s repertoire in the venue’s own garden. In September, collaborations with Grand Hotel van Cleef and Mühle Hunziken will follow.

Café Bar Mokka remains a place that remains true to itself while never repeating itself. Always under the motto: “Wir waren hier und es hat uns gegeben.” (“We were here and we existed.”)

Excerpt from the jury statement

Mokka is more than just a venue. As a vibrant and resilient cultural space, it is recognized for its commitment to free and uncompromising music.