Festivals, Things to Do Recommendations, 1st May/Labor Day
May Day in Budapest used to be a major holiday of the Communist Party. Large processions followed by beer and frankfurter in the City Park marked 1st May a couple of decades ago.
Today political parties still use May Day/Labor Day to advertise their programs and recruit followers, but luckily 1st May – Labor Day – has also become a family day with a range of festivals and programs in the capital, and other towns of Hungary.
One of the most popular event is the May Day Picnic in City Park, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy food, drink, and live music.
There are also games and activities for kids along with a a small amusement park, making it a fun event for the whole family.
This year the Hello Europe 5-day festival also offers a wide range of programs for everyone to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hungary’s joining the EU.
It begins with a traditional May Day Festival/Majális in City Hall Park / Városháza park on May 1st that lasts till May 5th. See other programs of the Hello Europe Festival below.
TIP: 1st May (falls on Wednesday in 2024) is a bank holiday in Hungary: shops, markets, most museums will be closed. Thermal baths will be open according to Sunday opening hours and ticket prices, public transport operates according to Sunday/holiday schedule.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents – May Day In Budapest
Hello Europe Festival, May 01 – 05, 2024
Venue:
- Several venues across Budapest including Városháza park, Liberty Bridge, the Great Market Hall
Admission:
- Free
In 2024 Budapest celebrates that Hungary has been the member of the European Union for 20 years.
To commemorate this significant event the capital city welcomes everyone with a 5-day long exciting program extravganza including
- A May Day Festival in Városháza Park/city Hall Park right in the centre on May 1st, Wednesday
- Picnic on Liberty Bridge between May 03 – 05 with concerts, fire dancers’ dazzling performance, sport activities and a lot of fun and relaxation.
Free concerts, children’s programs, theater performances, gastronomic experiences, in other words, a true urban festival awaits you!
Majális/May Festival In Városháza Park, May 01 – 05
A true Majális spirit awaits little ones and adults alike at City Hall Park from May 1st to 5th!
Venue:
- Városháza park/City Hall park, Károly krt., Budapest 1052 (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- May 01 – 05: every day: 11.00 – 18.00,
What To Expect?
All-day free programs: Enjoy a non-stop lineup of activities designed to engage and entertain the whole family, including:
- Concerts
- Craft workshops
- Hip-Hop dance demonstration and worskhop
- Theatre performances
- Clown show
- Pantomime performance
- Magician
Gastronomy delights: no majális is complete without typical festival food so you will find tasty deights like lángos, chimney cake, burgers as well as drinks in Városháza Park.
Kids’ zone: The little ones can have a world of fun and adventure in a special kids’ zone featuring a merry-go-round, an upcycled playground, and classic face painting and glitter tattoos.
Picnic On Liberty Bridge, May 03 – 05
Between May 03 and May 05 the Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge), the beautiful green crossing over the Danube, will once again become a haven for pedestrians, reclaiming its space from cars.
Embrace the liberating atmosphere as the bridge transforms into a bustling hub of activity, echoing the lively summers of Szabihidas past.
Some of The Programs:
- Live Act with Fre Dancers and the Students of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music’s Folk Music Department – May 03, Thursday at 19.30 – 22.00
- Pepito the clown – children program – May 04, Friday, at 13.00 -15.00
- Folk music concert by the Students of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music’s Folk Music Department – May 04, Friday, at 17.00
- Magician show by Rolando – May 04, Friday, at 16.00 -17.00
- Street circus performance – May 04, Friday, at 19.00 – 20.00
- DJ Panda – May 04, Friday, at 20.00 – 22.00
- Yoga on May 05, Saturday, 09.00 – 11.00
- Puppet show – May 05, Saturday at 13.00 – 15.00
- Kárpát FM Folkclassic Band – May 05, Saturday at 14.00 – 15.00
- DJ Vibee – May 05, Saturday, 20.30 – 22.00
Central Market Hall – Light Projection Show On The Façade
The Central Market Hall‘s façade comes alive with a captivating projection show on May 04th and 05 for two evenings. The spectacular event will showcase the rich cultural diversity of the European Union.
Venue:
- Central Market Hall (Központi Vásárcsarnok),
- Address:Vámház krt. 1-3, Bp 1093 (View on Map)
You can witness the show between: 20.00 and 23.59 on both days.
Themes of the projection include:
- Peace
- Culture
- Environmental protection
- Mobility
- The future
- Development
- Technology
- Growth
Kígyó utcai Aluljáró (Kígyó Street Underpass) – Submersive by Cinema Mystica, An Audio-Visual Sanctuary
Descend into the Kígyó utcai Aluljáró (Kígyó Street Underpass) and prepare to be transported into an immersive realm of sound and light.
Cinema Mystica will transform this ordinary space into an extraordinary digital art haven, utilizing
- Lasers,
- Intelligent lights,
- Speakers, and
- Mystical fog to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Address:
- Ferenciek tere 10, Bp 1052 (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- May 03 – 05: 18.00 – 20.00 every day
Light Art Museum Exhibition at Városháza Díszudvar (City Hall Courtyard)
The Light Art Museum will bring its unique brand of light art to the Városháza Díszudvar (City Hall Courtyard), presenting a captivating installation.
Venue & Address:
- Városház u. 9 11, Bp 1052 (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- May 03, Friday: 20.00 – 24.00
Those who prefer the retro May Day experience won’t be disappointed either, as on May 1st, the trade unions will also join the program series, usually in Ciyt Park.
May Day Picnic In City Park (Városliget), May 01, 2024
Venue:
- City Park, district XIV., M1 metro (yellow line) Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square) stop
Entry: FREE
Budapest’s largest recreation area, the City Park/Városliget hosts a festival on each Labor Day.
This event is a local favorite and a great way to enjoy the spring weather.
City Park is a beautiful location with plenty of green space for picnicking, and the live music and dance performances add to the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the food vendors offering typical festival food (frankfurter/hot-dog, burger, lángos: the ultimate Hungarian street food: savoury dough deep fried in oil served with optional toppings like sour cream and cheese), there are also several activities for kids, including face painting and games.
- Craft fair,
- Food and drinks,
- Concerts featuring local pop stars starting at 11.00 each day
- Cooking competitions,
- A small amusement park with boucy castle and carousel
Bring a blanket and join the locals for a relaxing day in the sun!
May Day In Pavilon Kert/City Park
Address: Városliget/City Park, Állatkerti krt. 3., Budapest 1146
Opening Hours: 11.00 – 19.00
TIP: if you want to avoid the madness of the May Day Picnic head for the Pavilon Kert, an awesome gastro garden and event venue, for some typical Hungarian delicacies such as
- Buja Disznó(k)’ Wiener schnitzel and other fried stuff,
- Ligeti Lángos’ potato langos and
- Kató Néni Finomságai for sweet treats like: chimney cake specials and artisan ice creams.
Spring Breezes at Széll Kálmán tér: A Modern Majális, May 01 2024
Széll Kálmán tér transforms into a vibrant hub of music, delicious food, and lively entertainment for a modern take on the traditional Majális (May Day) celebration!
The festivities kick off at noon and continue well into the evening, ensuring an unforgettable Majális experience for all.
Venue:
- Széll Kálmán tér, Buda (See on Map)
Restaurants located on the square will offer tasty bites and activities:
- Nemdebár
- 101 Bistro: cheese burger bao, crispy chicken bao, spinach and tofu croquette bao
- Pingrumba: kebab, baklava, non-alcoholic coolers and cocktails, children’s craft programs; face painting, bubble blowing
- Sárkány: wine bar
- Zappi: Neapolitan pizza
Tabán Festival, May 1st 2024 – 15.30 – 22.00
Venue:
- Tabán, district I., Buda Kereszt köz, 1016 (View on Map)
Admission:
- Free
The Tabán Festival looks back to decades of tradition (except for a 10-year break).
Budapesti people celebrate the first day of May with live concerts from early afternoon till late night in the Tabán area in Buda.
This year’s performers include prestigious Hungarian rock & blues bands:
- 15:30 Alapi Power Band
- 16:30 Mini
- 17:45 Mobilmánia
- 19:00 Deák Bill Gyula
- 20:30 Bikini
- Host: DJ Dominique
The Tabán concerts used to be all about rebelation against the communist regime, today it has a more relaxed atmosphere with the most popular Hungarian pop-rock bands giving concerts all afternoon.
Quick fact: The Tabán area is the hilly part between Buda Castle and the Gellért Hill in district I., and partly in district XI. It used to be a very idyllic city part around the turn of the 19th-20 century with lots of cozy cafes, bars and restaurants, the prototypes of Budapest’s all popular ruin pubs today.
In the 1960s the Tabán underwent a landscaping project then the park slowly became neglected.
The area today is more or less organised and clean.
The renovated Rác Spa and Hotel, a former Turkish Bath of Budapest stands at the edge of the park.. The first May Day Festival in the Tabán took place in 1968.
Hungarian Railway Museum – Free Entry on 01. May
Opening Hours On 01. May/Monday:
- 10.00 – 18.00
On May 1st, Monday, you can enter the Hungarian Railway Museum & Park free of charge.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see Europe’s largest outdoor railway experience park and try some of the machines and activities for free like the turntable demonstration.
Although admission to the park is free on this day you have to pay to try most interactive programs, except the turntable demonstration which is free.
- Riding on the garden railway: 600 HUF/person
- Engine shed turntable (runs at the beginning of each hour): free
- Handcar ride: 400 HUF/person
- Ride on the 1026 steam locomotive: 2 000 HUF
If you’re here in Budapest with kids then visiting the museum and park is an excellent program for the whole family.
Yoga On Margaret Island, 01. May – Isle of Serenity
Location:
- Nagy-rét: The large green lawn between the Water Tower, the Open-Air Theatre and the Ensana Thermal Margitsziget Health Spa Hotel.
Price
- The yoga classes are donation based meaning that there isn’t a set fee. You pay what you think is afair price for the class.
Margaret Island is another spacious green patch in the heart of the city; a perfect place to celebrate May Day in Budapest.
You can join a outdoor beginner Yoga class on 01. May/Monday starting at 10.00 on the Nagyrét next to a big plane tree.
The program starts with 108 Sun Salutations then continues with an Astanga Yoga Class at 11.00. Bring some food, vegan snacks to end the program with a picnic.
Bring a yoga mat and water with you.
The outdoor yoga classes (donation based) on Margaret Island continue throughout summer on Weekdays and Sundays . In May, classes start at 17.00 on Sundays at 11.00. June-September classes begin at 18.00 on Weekdays and at 11.00 on Sundays.
TIP: The musical fountain at the southern corner of the island welcomes visitors with a water and music show.
Twice a day a children playlist is played: at 11.00 and 16.00 featuring Hungarian kids’ favourite tunes
- Vuk by Kati Wolf,
- Miki manó by 100 Folk Celsius,
- Micimackó Winnie the Pooh by Zsuzsa Koncz etc.
Read more about attractions and things to do on Margaret Island.
Unique Experiences
If you’re looking for something truly memorable to do during your visit to Budapest, there are several events that are worth checking out.
Lower Embankment In Pest Is Open To Pedestrians, Bikers Etc.
On May 1st, the Pest lower embankment will be open again for those who want to move and relax.
Enjoy the car-free environment and walk, bike or roller skate along the section between the Irányi Street ramp near the Elizabeth Bridge and Margaret Bridge on May 1st, 2024.
Budapest Street Art Tour
If you’re a fan of street art, don’t miss the Budapest Street Art Tour.
Join their guided walking tour of the city’s most impressive murals and graffiti.
The tour is led by local experts who can provide insight into the artists and their work, and it’s a great way to discover a different side of Budapest’s vibrant art scene.
See also our itinerary suggestion and guide to street art and firewall paintings in Budapest!
Maypoles & Wildflower Wreaths
In Hungary and many other Central European countries, the Maypole, also known as the May Tree or Maypole Tree, is a traditional symbol of the arrival of spring.
It’s usually a tall, wooden pole that’s erected in the center of a village or town square, decorated with colorful ribbons, flowers, and other decorations.
The tradition dates back to pre-Christian times, when people believed that erecting a Maypole would bring fertility and good fortune to the community. It’s usually erected on May 1st – in some parts of the country on Pentecost, both being public holidays in Hungary and many other countries in the region.
The celebration of May Day and the erection of the Maypole is a fun and festive event, with
- Traditional dances,
- Music, and
- Food.
In Hungary, the Maypole is also known as the “Majális fa”, and the tradition is still very much alive today. Many villages and towns organize May Day celebrations with music, dance, and traditional food, and the Maypole is always the center of attention.
Another lovely May Day tradition in Hungary is to visit a nearby forest or park to gather wildflowers, which are used to create wreaths that are hung on the front doors of homes.
If you’re interested in experiencing this tradition for yourself, head to one of Budapest’s many green spaces, such as
- Margaret Island or
- Normafa in the Buda Hills.
More May Events, Festivals…
The rest of May offers a wide range of events and programs in Budapest, check this blog post for a detailed guide.
Related:
Public Holidays in Hungary – Summer Things to Do in Budapest – Visit Budapest in June – Visit Budapest in July – Budapest in March – April Programs – See also our Facebook page
