For nine days, the area around Kaserne is taken over by what many Baslers consider the biggest event of the summer—the Basel Tattoo. The event, which is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, is the world’s second-largest and one of the most spectacular open-air tattoos. The whole Kaserne, which once served as military barracks, will be transformed into a stage for drum corps from all corners of the world, including bands from royal houses, that put on spectacular shows with drumming, original choreography, lights, costumes, and colors.
The Basel Tattoo, which will be celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, is the world’s second-largest and one of the most spectacular open-air tattoos. For the first time, all the Scottish classics will be incorporated into the program. Hits like "Amazing Grace," "Highland Cathedral," "Scotland the Brave," and many more—interpreted by 200 bagpipers—will evoke powerful emotions. The Flings and Things Highland Dancers will add a visual touch to the popular anthems, including a Scottish act, and enrich the show with innovative choreography and dynamic, elegant dance numbers. In addition to the Scottish hits, visitors can look forward to the local heroes of the Top Secret Drum Corps. The Basel drum stars are returning after a three-year hiatus and are eager to delight their audiences with a new choreography and fascinating drumstick tricks.
There will be formations from all over the world, including Great Britain’s Bands of his Majesty’s Royal Marines; the Jordanian Armed Forces Band, Royal Jordanian Honor Guard Silent Drill Team, and the Royal Circassian Honor Guard; Flings & Things Highland Dancers from Great Britain; the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band; the United States Air Force Band and Air Force Honor Guard; Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps; the Basel Tattoo Choir; the Basel Tattoo Guard; Malta’s Marsa Scouts Pipes & Drums; Great Britain’s Pipes and Drums of the Royal Air Force; Australia’s Scotch College Pipe Band; Australia’s Scots College Old Boys Pipes & Drums; South Africa’s Irish Pipes & Drums; and the Swiss Highlanders.
The event will be accompanied by a mini street-food festival as the whole street that lines the Kaserne will be bustling with beer stands and food tents offering culinary treats to suit everyone’s tastes. It’s a great place to gather and indulge before and/or after the shows and to meet the musicians and performers from the shows up close and personal. Access to the Tattoo Street is possible without a ticket.
The Basel Tattoo summer spectacle will also include a fabulous parade through the city streets on July 12 and a children’s day where kids can get some hands-on Tattoo experience from the professionals themselves on July 19.
There are a total of 11 shows at Kaserne during this year’s festival; eight shows start at 21:00/21:30, one show starts at 19:30, and two shows start at 17:30.
Tickets for the evening shows are CHF 89.90-160.00 (half price for children up to age 9). The early shows on Saturday, July 12 and 19, are CHF 74.90-140.00, free for kids under age 10, and half price for kids ages 10-16. Tickets can be purchased through their online ticket shop or via Ticketcorner.

To learn more about the origins of the Basel Tattoo, check out our article, "The Basel Tattoo."

Website
baseltattoo.ch/

Where
Kaserne Basel
Klybeckstrasse 1b
4057 Basel

Share Add to Calendar

Advertisement