Baloise Session 2026
Intimate club-style concerts in Basel: major international stars in a seated, candle-lit hall — a format unique in Europe.
Location : Bâle (Basel-Stadt) · Usual period : October–November
This edition
Unique boutique music festival in Basel from October 16 to November 4, 2026. Intimate concerts in small venues with exclusive atmosphere inspired by legendary New York music clubs. Diverse musical programming: rock, pop, soul, jazz, world, blues and more, each evening with specific musical theme.
The festival
The Baloise Session is a boutique music festival held in Basel. Its format is built around seated evenings at candle-lit club tables, a setting the organisers compare to the legendary music clubs of New York. The venue is deliberately small, which creates an intimate atmosphere and brings the audience close to the performers.
Each evening has its own musical focus rather than a single overarching genre. The programme spans rock, pop, soul, jazz, world music, blues and singer-songwriter material, among other styles. Concerts are given thematic titles, and most nights pair two acts.
The 2026 edition runs from 16 October to 4 November 2026, with concerts generally starting at 20:00. The published line-up includes Mark Forster with Kamrad on the opening night and with Lo & Leduc the following day, Nile Rodgers & Chic with Rick Astley and then with Natasha Bedingfield, Calum Scott with Tori Kelly, Stephan Eicher with Imany, Erykah Badu with Max Herre & Joy Denalane, James Arthur with Nicotine Dolls, Joe Bonamassa with Brandy Clark, and Picture This with Amistat. The festival also maintains an archive of past concerts, the Artist History, with videos, photos and additional material, and a blog on pop and rock music.
Getting there, on site
The 2026 edition takes place from 16 October to 4 November 2026, with concerts scheduled at 20:00. Tickets for most listed dates were not yet on sale at the time of the source: those evenings appeared with a waiting list, while the closing night on 4 November 2026 was shown with tickets available. Advance sales are announced through the festival newsletter.
The source does not provide details on the venue address, how to reach it, camping or accommodation, on-site services or catering. It does mention an exclusive VIP Club offer that combines the concert with culinary highlights, presented as a package for companies, business partners and friends.
