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Event Details
Welcome to the Basel Autumn Fair 2026 in Basel
From October 24 to November 8, 2026, the old town of Basel once again becomes the largest amusement fair in Switzerland. With a tradition dating back to 1471, the Autumn Fair is one of the country's oldest folk festivals and draws around a million visitors from Switzerland and neighboring countries every year.
Highlights and Attractions at the Basel Autumn Fair
- Around 500 rides, market stalls and food stands spread across seven fairgrounds
- Historic squares such as Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz and Petersplatz forming the backdrop for the celebrations
- The traditional Hääfelimäärt market on Petersplatz, which stays open two days longer than the rest of the fair
- Nostalgic fairground rides alongside modern attractions
- Sweet Mässmogge, the fair's traditional sugar candy
- Classic bites such as Chäsbängel, a baguette filled with melted fondue cheese, and Magenbrot spiced biscuits
- An indoor Hallenmesse area for rainy days
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The fair runs for two weeks and is open every day. From Sunday to Thursday, rides and stalls operate from 12 pm to 10 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 pm. Across seven squares in the Basel city center, including Messeplatz and Kasernenareal, rides, market stalls and culinary offerings line up close together, creating a dense festival atmosphere right in the middle of the historic old town.
Admission and Costs for the 2026 Autumn Fair
Entry to the Basel Autumn Fair itself is free, as it is an open street festival with no ticket required. Individual rides, games and food stands are paid for separately on site, with prices varying by attraction and vendor.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Basel
- Traveling by public transport is strongly recommended, as the city center gets very busy during the fair
- Parking is available in several multi story car parks around the old town
- Late October and early November usually bring cool, sometimes damp autumn weather to Basel, so warm clothing is advisable
- Accommodation in the city center should be booked well in advance given the large number of visitors
- It is worth walking between several squares, since each one offers its own rides and specialities
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
