Basler Fasnacht (February/March (Monday after Ash Wednesday)). Switzerland's largest carnival and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, beginning with the eerie 4am 'Morgestraich' when all lights go out and lanterns glow.
Art Basel (June). The world's premier modern and contemporary art fair, which was founded here in 1970 and now defines the global art calendar.
Basel Tattoo (July). One of the world's largest military music festivals, with massed pipes and drums in the Kaserne courtyard.
Herbstmesse (Autumn Fair) (Late October–November). Switzerland's oldest and largest funfair, a Basel tradition dating to 1471, sprawling across several squares.
Basel Christmas Market (Late November–December). One of Switzerland's most beautiful Christmas markets, on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.