ORBIVA PICKS: BASEL THIS WEEK 14-20 JULY 2025
Activities of the week:
1. Basel Tattoo 2025
2. Scream Machines – Art Ghost Train
3. Medardo Rosso: Inventing Modern Sculpture
4. Petersplatz Flea Market
5. Pop-up Rhine Swimming
6. UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Fan Zone & Quarter-final
Summer in Basel is a choose-your-own-adventure story—one minute you’re floating down the Rhine with the sun on your back, the next you’re cheering massed pipe bands under floodlights or hurtling through an art-filled ghost train.
If you’ll be in town between 14 – 20 July 2025 and don’t know what to do, bookmark the six can’t-miss happenings below and build yourself a truly Basel itinerary.
1.BASEL TATTOO 2025
Dates and times:
14 – 16 July 21:00
17 & 18 July 21:30
Sat 19 July 17:30 (matinee) & 21:30
Place: Courtyard, Kaserne Basel
Tickets : From CHF 74.90 (matinee) / CHF 89.90 (evening) up to VIP seats at CHF 191.90; purchase via Ticketcorner or baseltattoo.ch.
The Basel Tattoo 2025 is a world-class military music extravaganza taking place from July 11-19, 2025 at the historic Basel Kaserne (barracks) in Basel, Switzerland.
What makes this event so extraordinary is that it’s the world’s second-largest tattoo, bringing together the best and most spectacular music and show formations from all over the world. The Basel Tattoo is a two-hour show without a break, performed in the courtyard of Basel Kaserne, bringing together bagpipe music, brass band, drumming skills, and dance.
For the first time, they’re integrating all Scottish classics into the program, including hits like “Amazing Grace,” “Highland Cathedral,” and many more. International military bands and display teams from around the world, The Royal Guard of Oman’s band performing various musical formations, Spectacular bagpipe performances, wind-instrument music, and folk dances will be a part of the night.
Ticket Information: The event offers various seating categories ranging from:
Category 4 (brown): Starting from CHF 64.90 for early performances
Category 1 (yellow): CHF 119.90-129.90 for prime seating
VIP (pink): CHF 150.00-160.00 with premium amenities
Skybox experience: CHF 450 per person including dinner buffet, drinks, and exclusive access
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that combines military precision, musical excellence, and international camaraderie in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities!
Official website of the event: https://www.baseltattoo.ch/en/
2. Scream Machines – Art Ghost Train
Date: 22 May to 30 August1
Time: 11:00-18:002
Place: Solitude Park outside Museum Tinguely
Tickets: CHF 4, sold at the Museum desk.
1: except Monday
2: On Thursday, until 21:00
The “Scream Machines” project at the Tinguely Museum in Basel, running from May 22 – August 30, 2025, brilliantly merges the worlds of art and entertainment.
This large-scale installation, designed by British artist Rebecca Moss and Swiss artist Augustin Rebetez, takes visitors on a journey through an immersive artistic landscape Kunst-Geisterbahn | Museum Tinguely Basel. The project is built on the structure of a historic ghost train, offering visitors a 1-2 minute journey through a captivating artistic experience.
What makes this project particularly special is that it pays homage to Le Crocrodrome de Zig et Puce, a work by Jean Tinguely created in 1977 in collaboration with Bernhard Luginbühl, Daniel Spoerri, and Niki de Saint Phalle for the opening of the Centre Pompidou in Paris Kunst-Geisterbahn | Museum Tinguely Basel. This connection transforms the project from merely an amusement ride into something historically significant in the art world.
The ghost train will be set up in Solitude Park in front of the museum and will feature moving sculptures and video installations, creating an atmosphere that’s both spooky and humorous while exploring themes of death and art. The experience combines traditional ghost train elements with contemporary artistic vision.
This event is part of the celebrations for Tinguely’s 100th birthday anniversary, offering an interactive and experiential approach that pushes the boundaries of traditional art. You can purchase tokens to ride this artistic ghost train for just 4 CHF at the museum’s ticket desk during opening hours.
It’s a unique opportunity to experience art in a completely unconventional way – where visitors become active participants in the artwork itself rather than passive observers.
Official website of the event: https://www.tinguely.ch/en/exhibitions/exhibitions/2025/kunst-geisterbahn.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22352409980&gbraid=0AAAAAC8CCbedkc4dD7Q4yaUf9C3NE4ss1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj8jDBhD1ARIsACRV2Ttvw1HIEDr55Q2ELpTyAcB4PqnQ7KLCsWzG2M2AJ7FMCY4eBPr53DIaAl3fEALw_wcB
3. Medardo Rosso: Inventing Modern Sculpture
Date: 29 Mar – 10 Aug
Times:
Tue, Thu–Sun 10:00-18:00
Wed 10:00-20:00
Place: Kunstmuseum Basel Neubau
Tickets: from website of the museum, counter of the museum: Hauptbau (main building) & Neubau ground floor.
“Medardo Rosso: Inventing Modern Sculpture” at the Kunstmuseum Basel (March 29 – August 10, 2025) is a groundbreaking retrospective that promises to revolutionize our understanding of modern sculpture.
The artist, Medardo Rosso (1858-1928) was a sculptor, photographer, and master of artistic staging who revolutionized sculpture around. Although exceptionally influential, the Italian-French artist remains too little known today making this exhibition a rare opportunity to discover his pioneering work.
What sets Rosso apart is his radical experimental approach. He made photography central to his sculptural process, insisting on taking his own pictures rather than hiring photographers like Auguste Rodin did. From 1900 onward, Rosso used photography not just to stage his sculptures but also to test how angles, lighting, and framing altered perception.
Rosso’s work challenged traditional sculpture by focusing on impermanence, intimacy, and the fleeting moment. He favored wax and plaster over bronze, materials typically reserved for preparatory studies, creating works that were soft, fragile, and defied claims of durability. His subjects were ordinary people – workers, the unemployed, the overlooked – rather than the powerful elite typically immortalized in sculpture.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter one of the most innovative yet underappreciated artists who fundamentally changed the course of modern art. The exhibition reveals how Rosso’s revolutionary approach to form, material, and photography continues to influence artists today.
Official website of the event: https://kunstmuseumbasel.ch/en/exhibitions/2025/medardo-rosso
4. Petersplatz Flea Market
Date: 19 July 2025
Time: 07:30 – 16:00
Place: Petersplatz
What a charming treasure hunt! The Flohmarkt (Flea Market) Petersplatz is Basel’s beloved weekly flea market that transforms the picturesque Petersplatz into a treasure trove every Saturday morning.
Saturdays in Basel are for strolling through leafy Petersplatz, in the heart of the University complex, and having a rummage at the weekly flea market. The flea market on Petersplatz is the largest weekly flea market in the region, making it a must-visit destination for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts.
From fine antiques to dungarees for the little ones, you can find everything you need for everyday life here – at extremely low. If it doesn’t have to be new, but must be special, you’ll find it on the flea market at Petersplatz. From bicycles to handbags: there is a wide range of second-hand goods on Petersplatz.
Located in the historic university quarter, this market combines the charm of medieval Basel with the thrill of discovering unique finds. Take some time to browse the many stalls and you may just uncover a real bargain!
Perfect for a leisurely Saturday morning hunt for vintage treasures, antiques, and everyday essentials at unbeatable prices!
Official website of the event: https://www.basel.com/en/attractions/flea-market-petersplatz-4d76867def , https://www.bs.ch/en/verwaltung/prasidialdepartement/amter-und-bereiche/external-affairs-and-marketing/fairs-and-markets/basel-markets/petersplatz-flea-market , https://www.myswitzerland.com/de/erlebnisse/veranstaltungen/flohmarkt-petersplatz/
5. Pop-up Rhine Swimming
Date: 19 July 2025
Time: 13:00-18:00
Place: entrance of Museum Tinguely
The Pop-up Rhine Swimming is one of Basel’s most beloved summer traditions, offering both locals and visitors a chance to float down the Rhine River through the heart of the historic city.
Once a year, there is an official summer event where up to 5,000 swimmers gather on the Kleinbasel bank to dive into the refreshing water and float down the river. Rhine swimming in Basel is an annual event since 1980 and it always takes place on the first Tuesday after the school holidays in summer.
Thousands of swimmers float leisurely down the river holding on to brightly coloured “Wickelfisch” (waterproof bags that keep your clothes dry while you drift). The whole distance is about 1.8 kilometers long, taking you through Basel’s stunning old town.
The Sports Department of Basel-Stadt organizes an accompanied swim in the Rhine every Tuesday during the summer months of July and August, perfect for those who want to try it with trained guards. Many locals consider the ideal Rhine swim to be late afternoon, when the water has been warmed by the day’s sunshine.
It’s a truly magical way to see Basel from a completely different perspective – floating past medieval buildings and historic bridges in the cool Rhine waters!
Official website of the event: https://www.basel.com/en/events-calendar/pop-up-rhine-swimming-3b26ac03ea , https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/events/pop-up-rhine-swimming/?utm_source=
6. UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Fan Zone & Quarter-final
Date: 19 July 2025
Time: entry starts at 18:00, match starts at 21:00
Place: Barfüsserplatz Fan Zone (Grossbasel), Messeplatz Fan Zone (Kleinbasel)
Basel, host city of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, is bringing football fans together for an exciting public viewing experience on July 19, 2025. This special evening will showcase quarter-final excitement at two major fan zones located in the heart of the city.
Located in central Basel, Barfüsserplatz, one of the city’s most vibrant squares, will serve as the meeting point for football enthusiasts on the evening of July 19th. The quarter-final match (Group D Winner vs. Group C Runner-up) starting at 21:00 will be broadcast live on a large LED screen. This historic square will bring football excitement to the heart of Basel, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The fan zone, which serves as the focal point of the public viewing experience, will feature food trucks and bars to support fans throughout the match. While all UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches will be broadcast live on the big screen, the quarter-final excitement on July 19th will reach its peak.
Located in the center of Kleinbasel, Messeplatz offers a second fan zone option for football lovers seeking a more family-friendly atmosphere. This square, which hosts world-renowned events like Art Basel and the Basel Autumn Fair, will also be the stage for football excitement on the evening of July 19th.
To fuel fans’ enthusiasm from kickoff to final whistle, food trucks and bars serve up energy-boosting refreshments. The Fan Zone’s culinary offerings include tarte flambée, pasta, burgers, and ice cream, crafted with locally sourced seasonal ingredients and featuring a minimum of 75% vegetarian choices.
This is where champions are forged – a must-see match for any football fan looking to witness the future stars of women’s football battle for European glory!
Official website of the event: https://weuro2025basel.ch/en/
