According to police, only three brawls were recorded and four people were asked to leave the premises.
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The Basel-City cantonal police reported on Monday that the Basel Autumn Fair had been a peaceful event. Despite the sometimes very high numbers of visitors, the number of thefts remained “encouragingly low”.
According to the press release, only three brawls were recorded and four people were asked to leave the premises. Last year, the figures stood at five in each case. The police reunited seven children with their carers this year, which is three more than in 2025. In addition, 37 lost property items were handed in.
At peak times, officers actively supported a private security firm at the food court on Messeplatz, the police noted. On the evening of November 7, the Messeplatz stop on tram line 6 towards Riehen could not be served at times.
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According to their own statements, the police maintained a “strong presence” throughout the duration of the fair. Patrols were carried out by both uniformed and plain-clothes officers, and the youth and prevention police were on duty alongside the youth prosecution service and their partners from the neighbouring canton of Basel-Country. In addition, a container was operated on Isteinerstrasse to facilitate contact with the public.
‘Good, though not outstanding’
The fair organisers look back on a “good, though not outstanding, Autumn Fair 2026”, city authorities said on Sunday. The first weekend of the fair suffered from poor weather, but stalls saw high traffic on the second and third weekends.
Many of the fairground operators and market traders shared this view. The total number of visitors is estimated at around one million.
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According to the organisers, this year’s 37 new attractions were well received, including the world-first “Invader” and the free-fall tower “Gravity”. The craft village was a hit with the public and the food court was very well attended. As the fair’s multi-storey car park there is due to be demolished, the canton intends to introduce a new catering concept next year.
On Petersplatz, the autumn fair continues until Tuesday with the “Hääfelimäärt”. Its 209 market stalls, 26 sweet stalls and 28 food and drink outlets are open from 11am to 8pm.
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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.
