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 20th anniversary this year, is the world’s second-largest and one of the most spectacular open-air tattoos. For the anniversary edition, you can look forward to a new arena and, above all, a top-class lineup of participants with a strong royal touch. With The Band of His Majesty's Irish Guards and The Band of His Majesty's Scots Guards, two royal guards from Great Britain will be represented in Basel in 2026. This means that all British royal guards will now have been guests at the Basel Tattoo. His Majesty The King's Guard Band and Drill Team will travel from Norway. They already participated in the first Basel Tattoo in 2006 and are returning just in time for the anniversary. And Switzerland will be represented, as always, with a strong showing from the Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band. Scotland will also make an impressive appearance: The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will bring their characteristic bagpipe rock fire back to Basel, while the Massed Pipes and Drums, with 200 bagpipers, will provide the powerful traditional soundscape. The Canadiana Celtic Highland Dancers from Canada and the Kilgore College Rangerettes from the USA will provide dazzling dance performances—each group with its own unique style, but both with precise choreography, elegance, and synchronized dynamics. The lineup is rounded out by the powerful Scottish soloist Cammy Barnes, a singer and songwriter with a global reputation. The Blue Devils from the United States, who are multiple world champions, will first present their own highly precise solo performance. Afterwards, they will join forces with the audience favorites, the Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland, for an exclusive, joint short act. This combination will create a unique, boundary-pushing drum spectacle that can only be experienced at the Basel Tattoo 2026.
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 18 and a children’s day where kids can get some hands-on Tattoo experience from the professionals themselves on July 25.
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 89-162 (half price for children up to age 9). The early shows on Saturday, July 18 and 25, are CHF 75-145, 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