Basel Events and Festivals

(Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland)

A number of truly exceptional festivals take place during the yearly calendar of Basel, such as the Fasnacht carnival at the end of February, Baselworld in April, and ArtBasel in late May or at the beginning of June. These are amongst the biggest things to do in Basel, although do bear in mind that much of the accommodation quickly becomes fully booked when these events take place.

Other notable festivals to look out for include the Viper International Film, Video and New Media Festival in March, the Stimmen in June and July, and the Autumn Fair in October. Sports fans will always enjoy watching the City Marathon (Migros Basler Marathontage), while for a spot of culture, the Musical Theatre Basel on the central Erlenstrasse regularly stages many popular musicals, theatrical events and grand productions, seating audiences of just over 1,500 people.

Basel Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Vogel Gryff Festival - early January, a celebration of the city's three mythological characters, the Lion, Wildman and the Eagle (Vogel Gryff), based around the Middle Rhine Bridge and the central streets

February

• Muba (Trade Fair) - mid February, a historical trade fair dating as far back as the Second World War, previously known as the Swiss Performance Exhibition (Schweizer Leistungsschau)
• Fasnacht - late February, a huge three-day carnival held during the week following Ash Wednesday

March

• Viper International Film, Video and New Media Festival - throughout March, often simply referred to as the Basel Viper and offering the chance to enjoy films from all over Europe, along with many multi-media exhibitions

April

• Baselworld - early April, an exhibition showcasing the very latest watches, jewellery and innovations
• International Music Festival (Les Museiques) - mid April, many museums and similar venues around central Basel play host to an array of different concerts, including both chamber music and classical music, with some noteworthy orchestras in attendance

May

• ArtBasel - late May / early June, an international art show first held in 1970 and now attracting some 300 art galleries from all over the world, along with pieces by more than 2,000 artists and around 50,000 visitors

June

• Stimmen - late June to late July, a popular song festival which grows in size every year and features many leading singers and around 35,000 visitors, many of which gather for the concerts in the Lörracher Market Place

July

• There are no significant festivals in Basel during the month of July

August

• Swiss National Day Celebrations - August 1st, festivities take place all over Switzerland and in Basel, much of the activity is concentrated along with banks of the Rhine River, with water sports, plenty of events for all ages, and evening fireworks

September

• International Dance Festival - mid-September, expect to see performances by leading ballet companies, showcasing their modern dance interpretations

October

• Herbstmesse - last Saturday of October, the biggest market of its kind in the whole of Switzerland, held on the very last Saturday each October around the Münsterplatz and brimming with traditional Swiss handicrafts
• Basel City Marathon (Migros Basler Marathontage) - late October, thousands of runners and spectators come together for the city's ultimate running race, which starts at the Messeturm im Kleinbasel and finishes some 42 km / 26 miles later at the Grossbasel
• Basel Autumn Fair - late October / early November, an extremely historic event lasting two weeks, the city's Autumn Fair has been held for over 500 years and is held in seven areas within the inner city, including Peter's Square

November

• AVO Session Basel - early November, often featuring many famous rock and pop groups from all over Europe, including the United Kingdom. Those looking to attend the AVO Session should try to book tickets well ahead
• Christmas in Basel (Weihnachtsstimmung in Basel) - November 20th to December 25th, heralding the very start of seasonal festivities in the city, with many thousands of colourful lights illuminating the streets between the Freie Strasse and also the Aeschenplatz. Also look out for the towering Christmas tree, which always dominates the Messeplatz
• Stadtlauf (City Run) - last weekend in November, a traditional race through the city's central streets, passing many of the festive decorations
• Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) - last Saturday in November to December 23rd, the perfect chance to pick up that illusive stocking filler, with more than 100 different market stands and plenty of hot mulled wine to go round

December

• New Year Celebrations - December 31st, a great excuse to party, with midnight fireworks and celebrations all over the city, both private and public