Cities all across Switzerland mark their National Day on August 1 with celebrations of all kinds, mostly consisting of food, drink, music, and fireworks. In Basel, more than 120,000 people come into town on the eve of Swiss National Day (July 31) to celebrate along the Rhein. There are festival stands, music on various stages, and a spectacular fireworks display at 23:00, which is launched from two barges on the Rhein, near Mittlere Brücke.

Basel’s official celebration of Swiss National Day takes place on August 1 on the Bruderholz. In the park around the water tower, the evening will be celebrated with music, dance, a circus show, plenty of children’s activities, a speech by Basel’s president of the Grand Council, singing of the national anthem, and an impressive fire spectacle and fireworks display. There will be an open bar and DJ until about 1:00.

Many of the smaller communities around Basel also have their own Swiss National Day celebrations, mostly on the day itself. The following is a short list of what is happening in various communities. To get more detailed information about the day’s events, check with your local Gemeinde (town offices) around mid-July. Also note that given the continuing drought and cantonal ban on fires and fireworks, the programs may change and fireworks be cancelled!

• Allschwil (Läubern)
  July 31, 18:00-02:00
  This event, with a panoramic view over Basel, will offer food and drinks at family-friendly prices starting at 18:00. The evening will feature three show acts; a greeting from the municipality; and a celebratory address, including the national anthem. Before nightfall, children are invited to a lantern parade from Winzerweg to the festival grounds. After the fourth surprise show act, the stage will be open to dancers, or you can enjoy the DJ music from the grounds under what will hopefully be a beautiful starry sky.
• Basel (along the Rhein)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  There will be party stands with food and drink, water sports shows, live music, large fireworks display at 23:00, as well as many privately launched fireworks (avoid open shoes and keep kids close).
• Basel-Bruderholz (water tower)
  August 1, starting at 18:00
  The evening includes traditional and modern music, dance groups, circus, official speech (21:15), singing of the national anthem (22:00), and a big fireworks display (22:30); this is the official celebration for Basel-Stadt.
• Bettingen (Gemeindehausplatz)
  August 1, 18:00-23:30
  There will be party tents with food and entertainment, speeches, national anthem, live music, a lantern parade, as well as fireworks with musical accompaniment.
• Binningen (around Binningen castle)
  August 1, 16:00-24:00
  There will be food trucks with diverse offerings, live music, a free lantern workshop for kids and a lantern parade, and a drumming show.
• Laufen (im Stedtli)
  July 31, from 18:00
  There will be party tents with food and entertainment, speeches, a children’s lantern parade at 21:30, and live music.
• Liestal (Sichtern)
  August 1, starting at 17:00
  The celebrations include party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, lantern parade, bonfire, and fireworks.
• Münchenstein (Areal Obere Loog)
  August 1, 18:00-2:00
  Here you can find activities for kids, including a bouncy castle and lantern parade, as well as plenty of musical entertainment. There will also be a grill fired-up by the scouts of Münchenstein, drinks, and plenty of fun. Bar service will be offered until 2:00.
• Oberwil (Unterer Wehrlinplatz)
  August 1, 17:00-1:00
  There will be plenty of activities for the kids, party stands, speeches, live entertainment, dance music, and a lampion parade at 21:45 .
• Rheinfelden (Kurbrunnenanlage)
  August 1, 18:00-23:15
  There will be party stands, speeches, a lantern parade through the old town, singing of the national anthem, and fireworks over the Rhein with music.
• Riehen (Sarasin Park)
  August 1, 18:00-24:00
  There will be an extensive program for children and families with circus entertainment, lantern parade, food stands, bars, and plenty of entertainment. The evening will be crowned by a fireworks display. Party and dance atmosphere are guaranteed until midnight.
• Therwil (Bahnhofschulhaus)
  July 31, 18:00-24:00
  There will be party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, games, and a lantern parade.

photos: © kanton basel-stadt

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