The idea for the Denkfest Festival was born in 2009 at a retreat of the Swiss Freethinkers. The goal was to bring scientists on stage, to make their work accessible to the general public and to facilitate a lively exchange.

The first edition took place in September 2011. During these four days, 40 artists, lecturers and panelists performed in front of 420 participants from 15 countries. Speakers and participants agreed that it was an extremely stimulating and enjoyable occasion.

In September 2014, the second Denkfest took place in Zurich. The main topics were evidence-based medicine, evolution and ethics for the 21st century.

The "Denkfest 2017" was dedicated to the topic "Reformations of Thought" - it was our contribution to the Reformation anniversary year. The first speaker was the historian Bernd Roeck, who asked whether the Reformation was a necessary precursor to the Enlightenment. In total around 650 people took part.

The "Denkfest 2020" has to be postponed by one year because of Covid-19. It will probably take place from September 10-12, 2021, at the Volkshaus Zurich.