Basel guide · Events
Eventsin Basel.
Fasnacht, the autumn fair, the Christmas markets, Art Basel and the Basel Tattoo: the moments that transform the city.
In short
Basel’s biggest annual events are the Basler Fasnacht carnival in late winter, the Herbstmesse autumn fair, the Christmas markets on Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz in Advent, the Art Basel fair in June and the Basel Tattoo in July. Dates change every year, so check the official websites before you book.
What’s on
Upcoming events in Basel
Dates confirmed by the organisers, in date order. An event leaves this list once it has ended.
On now
On now
Roy Lichtenstein: Sweet Dreams, Baby!
A special exhibition on the Pop Art painter at Basel’s main art museum.
Why go: Easy to combine with a walk through the Old Town: the museum is at the edge of the centre.
Official website: Roy Lichtenstein: Sweet Dreams, Baby!
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
On now
Ruth Asawa
An exhibition devoted to the American artist Ruth Asawa at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen.
Why go: A reason to visit the Beyeler in autumn and winter; Riehen is a short tram ride from the centre.
Official website: Ruth AsawaTickets: Ruth Asawa
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
November 2026
On now
Basler Weihnachtsmarkt
Basel’s Christmas market on two Old Town squares, with stalls selling gifts, food and drinks.
Why go: The main reason to visit Basel in Advent; the Münsterplatz market is in front of the cathedral.
Official website: Basler Weihnachtsmarkt
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
January 2027
On now
Vogel Gryff
Kleinbasel’s traditional feast day, when three heraldic figures dance through the streets of the district.
Why go: A local custom few visitors know about, on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhine.
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
On now
Museumsnacht Basel
One evening when many of Basel’s museums open late with a special programme. The organisers list the date as planned.
Why go: A lively way to see several museums in one night in winter.
Date planned by the organisers
Official website: Museumsnacht Basel
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
On now
Frida Kahlo
An exhibition devoted to Frida Kahlo at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen.
Why go: Check the museum’s website for tickets before you go.
Official website: Frida KahloTickets: Frida Kahlo
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
February 2027
· three daysOn now
Basler Fasnacht
Switzerland’s largest carnival. It opens with the Morgestraich at 4 am, when the city lights go out and lantern-carrying cliques fill the streets with pipes and drums.
Why go: Unique to Basel. Accommodation fills up early, so plan well ahead.
Official website: Basler Fasnacht
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
June 2027
On now
Louise Bourgeois
A major exhibition devoted to Louise Bourgeois at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen.
Why go: It opens just before Art Basel, so art-fair visitors can see both.
Official website: Louise BourgeoisTickets: Louise Bourgeois
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
On now
Art Basel
The international art fair. The main show is at Messe Basel, and exhibitions and events fill the city that week.
Why go: One of Basel’s busiest weeks of the year: book accommodation early.
Official website: Art BaselTickets: Art Basel
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
July 2027
On now
Basel Tattoo
A large open-air show of military bands, drum corps and dance groups. Ticket sales start on 25 November 2026.
Why go: A summer evening show on a big scale; book once ticket sales open.
Official website: Basel TattooTickets: Basel Tattoo
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
October 2027
On now
Swiss Indoors Basel
The 2027 edition of the ATP Tour indoor tennis tournament.
Why go: Dates are already confirmed if you are planning an autumn 2027 trip.
Official website: Swiss Indoors Basel
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
March 2028
On now
Basler Fasnacht
The 2028 dates of Basel’s carnival, as published by the Fasnachts-Comité.
Why go: Useful if you are planning well ahead: accommodation for Fasnacht fills up early.
Official website: Basler Fasnacht
Dates checked on 27 September 2026
There are no confirmed upcoming events in this list right now. Check the annual events below.
Every year
Basel’s big annual events
A few moments in the year transform the city. If your dates are flexible, plan around one; if they’re fixed, book early.
Basler Fasnacht
Switzerland’s largest carnival. It opens with the Morgenstraich at 4 am, when the city lights go out and lantern-carrying cliques fill the streets with pipes and drums. Buy a Fasnacht badge from a street vendor and wear it.
Next edition: 15 February 2027
Official informationHerbstmesse
The autumn fair spreads rides, food stalls and crafts across squares including Petersplatz, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
Official informationChristmas markets
Two of Switzerland’s best-loved Christmas markets, with mulled wine, raclette and handmade gifts.
Next edition: 26 November – 23 December 2026
Official informationArt Basel
The international art fair. The main show is at Messe Basel, but exhibitions and events fill the whole city that week.
Next edition: 17 – 20 June 2027
Official informationBasel Tattoo
A large international military tattoo of massed bands and drum corps.
Next edition: 16 – 24 July 2027
Official information
Notes from a local
What the usual guides leave out
The Fasnacht begins with the Morgestraich at 4 am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, when all the lights in the city centre go out.
Official informationAt the Morgestraich, darkness comes first: no flash photography and no fireworks.
Official informationSpectators do not dress up: no face paint, clown noses or jester hats, and no swaying, bawling or heavy drinking.
Official informationNever pick confetti (Räppli) up from the ground and do not throw it at the people taking part. Oranges and sweets handed out are not thrown back or into the crowd.
Official informationWear your Fasnacht badge (Blaggedde) where it can be seen: it covers part of the costs of the people who make the Fasnacht.
Official informationCome early for a good spot, do not link arms across the street and give way to the costumed groups as they march.
Official information
Checked against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026.
Questions & answers
Art Basel 2027 takes place from 17 to 20 June 2027 at Messe Basel, according to the organisers.
Basler Fasnacht 2027 begins with the Morgestraich at 4 am on Monday, 15 February 2027 and lasts three days.
Confirmed events in October 2027 include: Louise Bourgeois (13 June – 17 October 2027); Swiss Indoors Basel (23 – 31 October 2027).
The Basler Weihnachtsmarkt runs from 26 November to 23 December 2026 on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
Coming to Basel for an event?
Where to stay depends on the event. The Old Town puts you within walking distance of the Christmas markets, Fasnacht and the Herbstmesse squares; the areas near Messe Basel and the station are practical for Art Basel and other fairs.
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