Basel guide · Season
Baselin October.
The autumn fair, international tennis and new exhibitions: what is on in Basel this October, with official dates.
In short
In October 2026 the Basler Herbstmesse fills squares and halls across the city from 24 October to 8 November (Petersplatz until 10 November), and Swiss Indoors Basel brings ATP tennis to St. Jakobshalle from 24 October to 1 November. At the Fondation Beyeler, the Ruth Asawa exhibition opens on 18 October.
Herbstmesse 2026
Basel’s autumn fair runs from 24 October to 8 November 2026, with rides, stalls and food on several squares and in the exhibition halls. Petersplatz, with the Hääfelimäärt, stays open until 10 November.
Opening hours
- Most squares: Sunday to Thursday 12:00–22:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00–23:00.
- Messeplatz and Rosentalanlage open at 11:00.
- Petersplatz with the Hääfelimäärt: daily 11:00–20:00, until 10 November.
Where
Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, Messeplatz, Rosentalanlage, Kasernenareal, the Hallenmesse and Petersplatz.
Official information: Basler Herbstmesse: visitor information Official information: Canton of Basel-Stadt: Herbstmesse
Also on in October
Roy Lichtenstein: Sweet Dreams, Baby!
A special exhibition on the Pop Art painter at Basel’s main art museum.
Official website: Roy Lichtenstein: Sweet Dreams, Baby!
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
Ruth Asawa
An exhibition devoted to the American artist Ruth Asawa at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen.
Official website: Ruth AsawaTickets: Ruth Asawa
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
Swiss Indoors Basel
An ATP Tour indoor tennis tournament that brings top players to Basel every autumn.
Official website: Swiss Indoors BaselTickets: Swiss Indoors Basel
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
Basler Herbstmesse
Basel’s autumn fair: rides, food stalls and market stands spread across several squares of the city.
Official website: Basler Herbstmesse
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
Questions & answers
From 24 October to 8 November 2026. Petersplatz, with the Hääfelimäärt, stays open until 10 November.
On most squares Sunday to Thursday 12:00–22:00 and Friday and Saturday 12:00–23:00. Messeplatz and Rosentalanlage open at 11:00; Petersplatz is open daily from 11:00 to 20:00.
On Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, Messeplatz, Rosentalanlage, Kasernenareal, in the Hallenmesse and on Petersplatz.