Basel – Basler Herbstmesse 2027

Basler Herbstmesse 2027 transforms Basel into a huge fair again from 23 October to 7 November. Traditionally, seven fairgrounds offer rides, market stalls, Basel specialities and plenty of autumn fair atmosphere. Petersplatz, with the Hääfelimäärt, remains open until 9 November. The dates have been confirmed by the Canton of Basel-Stadt. If you want to combine the fair with culture, the old town and culinary discoveries, this is one of the most extraordinary fairs in Switzerland.

Basler Herbstmesse 2027: seven locations full of experiences

Basel’s «Mäss» does not take place on a single large festival ground. Instead, the attractions are spread across the city centre: Messeplatz, Rosentalanlage, Münsterplatz, Barfüsserplatz, Kasernenareal, Petersplatz and Hallenmesse. This means you can discover very different sides of Basel as you stroll around. Large rides are often found at Messeplatz and Rosentalanlage, while Kasernenareal is known for a more dynamic line-up. At Münsterplatz, the historic surroundings and rides create a special backdrop. You can travel between the squares by tram and bus.

With around one million visitors and several hundred attractions, this traditional fair is one of Europe's major fairs. For 2026, the canton reported around 460 rides, booths and stalls. This figure refers to the previous year's event; the specific line-up of rides for 2027 has not yet been announced.

Basler Herbstmesse 2027: Mässglöggli and opening

The opening is a special experience. For centuries, the “Mässglöggli” in the tower of Martinskirche have rung in the autumn fair. By tradition, it begins on the last Saturday before 30 October. When the bells ring, the rides start up at the fairgrounds. In addition, children traditionally get free rides for the first 15 minutes. The ceremonial opening at Martinskirchplatz is therefore a lovely tip for families and anyone who would like to discover Basel's customs.

Ferris wheel, rides and funfair favourites

A visit to the autumn fair includes thrilling rides, children's carousels, classic booths and impressive views from the Ferris wheel. There are also games and shooting stalls, as well as walk-through attractions and show rides. The individual attractions coming to Basel for 2027 will only be confirmed once the new showmen's list is published. So don't assume that a favourite ride from the previous year will be there at the next event.

It is the setting between old churches, squares and narrow lanes that makes the fair special. When the lights come on in the evening, the fairground atmosphere blends with the historic backdrop of Basel's city centre. It's worth visiting several locations for photos and a leisurely funfair stroll.

Hääfelimäärt at Petersplatz and Basel specialities

Petersplatz is a world of its own: under the trees, you will traditionally find market and craft stalls, small gift ideas and a relaxed market atmosphere. The Hääfelimäärt stays open two days longer than the other fairgrounds, so you can visit on 8 or 9 November too. If you are looking for more than rides, allow plenty of time for this market area.

Food is also an essential part of the Basel Autumn Fair. Typical specialities include Magenbrot, Mässmogge, Marroni and Chäsbängel, a bread roll filled with warm cheese. You will also find sweets, savoury snacks and many other food options. This makes your stroll a culinary voyage of discovery too.

Opening times, admission and visitor tips

The different fairgrounds have their own opening times. For planning your day, the key thing to know is that Messeplatz and Rosentalanlage usually open earlier than some of the other locations. Petersplatz follows its own daily schedule and stays open after the main fair has ended. You can find the individual time slots in our opening times overview; until the schedule for 2027 is published, they are based on the official information for 2026.

Access to the fairgrounds is free. However, you pay for individual rides, games and refreshments directly to the vendors. An early visit is worthwhile, especially at weekends, as popular areas can get very crowded. Weatherproof clothing is also a good idea in autumn in Basel.

A tradition since 1471 and how to get to Basel

The autumn fair has been held since 1471. At the time, Basel was granted the right to hold a fair permanently. Today, the event is an integral part of Basel’s urban culture. The traditional sound of the fair bells is just as much a part of it as the many generations of showmen, market traders and visitors.

The easiest way to reach the different venues is by public transport. The Messeplatz tram stop is particularly convenient for Messeplatz, the indoor fair and Rosentalanlage. For Petersplatz, the Universität or Universitätsspital stops are good options; Barfüsserplatz also has its own tram stop. If you come by car, public car parks are available, but the city centre can be very busy. The organiser therefore recommends travelling by tram and bus.

You can find more funfairs and fairs in the funfair calendar. Information about locations and current opening times is available from the official visitor information for Basler Herbstmesse. The dates for 2027 come from the official calendar of the Canton of Basel-Stadt; the other visitor information is current as of October 2026.