Top Programs In Budapest Recommended For Tourists
August 20. is Hungary’s most prominent National Holiday offered a varied and rich program in previous years, but this year even more festivities, concerts, foodie events welcome tourists and locals alike in Budapest.
Here is our guide to the wide range of programs taking palce between August 18 – 20, 2023.
Table of Contents
What Does Hungary Celebrate On August 20.?
20. August is St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary and it is a public holiday.
We celebrate the foundation of the Hungarian state more than 1000 years ago.
The new bread is blessed on this day too at the Festival Of Folk Arts in Buda Castle.
Besides commemorations organized by political parties, countless programs await both locals and tourists all the day round
Including things to do for families with children.
Festivities start already on 18th August/Friday with the spectacular fireworks closing the holiday on 20th August, Sunday.
TIP: See also our guide to Fireworks Cruises in Budapest on St. Stephen’s Day or Book Your Place right now using the links below!
Book A Fireworks Cruise! (Limited Spots, No-Risk, Free Cancellation!)
Main Program Venues On The St. Stephen’s Day Festivities
Chain Bridge Is Open To Pedestrians Only
The renewed bridge can be used only by pedestrians (and bikers, e-scooters) over the holiday weekend. It’s you best option to get to Buda from Pest and back.
The Street of Hungarian Flavours gastro festival starts right at the Buda end of the bridge and goes as far as Elizabeth Bridge, in front of the Castle Bazaar.
The most notable events will take place in
- Buda Castle – Folk Craft Fair & Festival, August 18-19-20
- Várkert Bazár/Castle Bazaar & Gardens – Street Of Hungarian Flavours Gastro Festival, August 18-19-20
- Vigadó Square and the Danube Promenade – Vigadó Piano: Live cafe and bar music concerts plus street food along the promenade
- Vörösmarty Square – Inn Festival/Csárda Festival plus folk dance and music, august 18-19-20
- Erzsébet Square – Szabadrét Festival with light music concerts on August 19-20
- Parliament & Kossuth Square – the main state ceremonial programs take place here in the mroning of August 20: Flag Hoisting, Inauguration of military
- Danube Embankments in Buda and Pest: Air Parade performed by the Hungarian Defense Forces, August 20
- Europe Biggest Fireworks Show combined with 3D visuals and light painting – along the danube river between Petőfi bridge and Margarte Bridge
- Millenáris Park, Buda (Kis Rókus u. 16-20, 1024) – Fashion & Design Festival , August 19-20
- Tabán – A hilly area located between Gellért Hill and Castle Hill. Rock concerts in the evenings on August 18-19-20
Street of Hungarian Flavours, 18 – 20. August, 2023
A Gastro Promenade on the Danube Bank in Buda, in front of the Várkert Bazár/Castle Bazaar.
Opening Hours:
- 18. Aug/Saturday: 10.00 – 21.00,
- 19. Aug/Sunday: 10.00 – 21.00 , and
- 20. Aug/Monday: 10.00 – 18.00.
Location: Between Várkert Bazaar and Döbrentei Square in Buda (north of Chain Bridge)
Programs start on 18th August:
TIP: Visit the Street of Hungarian Flavours (Magyar Ízek Utcája) in front of the Várkert Bazaar, Buda, – a beautiful, refurbished series of buildings built at the end of the 19.century – to have a taste of traditional Hungarian food and drinks.
You Can Taste:
- Typical Hungarian dishes: stews, stuffed cabbage
- The 3 winners of the St. Stephen’s day bread contest (a white sourdough bread, honey apple rye bread, and a whole bread),
- Cakes and pastries
- Milk loaves, scones and other delicacies (jams, preserves, honey, cheese).
Cake of Hungary – along with the Sugar-free Cake – will also be introduced there on 18th August that everyone can taste in the southern palace building of hte Castle Bazaar/Várkert Bazár.
Note: Prepare for a long queue though.
Hungary’s Cake & Sugarfree Cake 2023
Each year a special cake is prepared to celebrate our country’s foundation.
The National Guild of Hungarian Confectioners selects the best recipe submitted by confectioners from all over Hungary.
You can first taste it – along with the healthy version torte (see photos below)
- On 18th, 19th and 20th August, during the culinary programs of the holiday (Street of Hungarian Flavours in Buda at the Várkert Bazaar between Clark Adam tér and Szilágyi Dezső tér), then
- In major confectioneries everywhere in the country.
Tipsy Fig Respect Is The Name Of Hungary’s Cake 2023 (Spicces Füge Respektus)
Tipsy Fig Respect won this year created by Pál Lakatos from the Levendula és Kert Confectionery in Szigetszentmiklós town.
The winning cake is made without flour and composed of the following layers:
- Almond flour butter joconde sponge,
- Soft salted-caramel mousse cream, and
- Walnut-caramel brittle, which also includes
- Cocoa nibs.
The Tokaj aszú (sweet wine) and sour cherry fig jelly, along with acacia honey milk chocolate mirror glaze, make this flavor profile truly unique.
It is crowned with acacia honey white chocolate ganache and walnut shortbread disk.
The term “spicces” (tipsy) in the cake’s name refers to the presence of wine in the fig jelly, while “respektus” is a tribute to the creator’s teachers and mentors.
Hungary’s Sugar Free Cake: “Kikelet/Spring”- A Healthy Option
With the sugar free birthday cake people with diabetes or the health conscious can also enjoy a slice of dessert.
In 2023 a creation named Kikelet (spring/budtime) made by Lawal-Papp Zsófia the pastry chef of the Papp Cukrászda from Makó won.
She envisioned the cake around a drop of black tea, shaping the perfect balance with
- Blueberries and a hint of
- Lavender, complemented by
- Vanilla white chocolate mousse and an
- Almond and lemon sponge cake made without wheat flour.
The delicacy is without sugar, white flour, artificial additives and preservatives.
The flavor and color palette of “Kikelet” evoke the joyful spirit of spring and the rejuvenation of nature, which is also reflected in the decoration
A slice contains only 236.8 kcal, and only 11,8 g carbohydrates.
Programs On August 18, 2023, Friday
Csárda Fesztivál/Inn Festival Vörösmarty Square, August 18-19-20, 10.00 – 23.00
The finest of the country’s csárdas come together in the heart of Budapest fro three days:
You can taste typical local dishes along while watching dazzling folk dance performances as part of a Folk Music Festival.
- You can taste the food specialties of Hungary’s best inns and pubs in the historic plaza, Vörösmarty Square at the northern end of Váci utca.
- You can also enjoy folk dance performances and music here starting from 15.15 in the afternoon.
Vigadó Piano (Vigadó Square) – August 18-19 -20
Hungarian café music is a unique cultural gem, and its popularity remains unwavering. Even those less familiar with the genre know its greatest hits by heart.
Visitors can enjoy bar piano concerts and hit songs all day at the stage set up in Vigadó Square.
The high-quality live music experience will be complemented by an exclusive culinary adventure on the Danube Promenade.
Street Of Hungarian Flavours – Várkert Bazaar in Buda, 10.00 – 21.00
Concerts, children programs and the Street of Hungarian Flavours (Magyar Ízek Utcája) gastronomy festival.
Folk Art & Craft Festival In Buda Castle – August 18-19-20
A 3-day folk craft festival and fair with workshops, concerts, and other events with food and drink to tide you over if you plan to spend several hours there.
Ideal for families with kids since there will be lost of exciting activities for children.
Vajdahunyad Castle In City Park/Városliget – Magical Grove/Varázsliget – For Children, August 18-19-20
The renewed City park awaits mainly families with kids with exciting programs.
Families visiting the ever-improving City Park, from Vajdahunyad Castle to Kós Károly Promenade, will experience genuine wonders.
There will be programs
- For training princes and princesses,
- Performances by entertainers such as the Firebirds, and even
- Stilt walkers.
Apart from the cultural events, playful military demonstrations, including laser shooting, await both the young and the old.
Pannonia Heritage Ship – FREE Visit, August 18-19-20, 09.00 – 18.00
Location: Id. Antall József Rakpart – The Embankment Between The Chain Bridge & Margaret Bridge
The historic ship built in 1927 boasts striking interior that you can visit fre eof charge.
Tabán (Retro Tabán) – Rock Concerts
The peaceful, green hills behind Buda Castle, called Tabán will be a venue for retro rock concerts.
- 18:00 – 19:00 – Abaházi.RT koncert
- 19:00 – 20:00 – Takáts Tamás Blues Band concert
- 20:00 – 21:00 – Charlie concert
Programs on August 19, 2023, Saturday
Csárda Fesztivál/Inn Festival Vörösmarty Square
- The Inn/Csárda Festival continues with simple but tasty food as well as folk dance and music offerings.
Alkotmány Utca – Golden Train (Aranyvonat), Promenade Of Cities Exhibition, 09.00 – 20.00
- In the street running between the Parliament and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út you can view the impressive golden train made in 1938 for the 900th anniversary of the death of King St. Stephen, the country’s first Christian king. The Golden Train will be exhibited between 10.00 – 20.00.
- The Promenade Of Cities will be on from 09.00 till 18.00.
Vigadó Piano- Vigadó Tér, August 18-19-20, 10.00 – 22.00
- The beautiful, historic Vigadó Hall on the Danube Promenade gives a backdrop to a series of Operetta pieces and musical shows performed by the artists of the Hungarian Operetta Theatre.
Street Of Hungarian Flavours – Várkert Bazaar in Buda, 10.00 – 21.00
Concerts and the Street of Hungarian Flavours (Magyar Ízek Utcája) gastronomy festival.
TIP: Read more details about the Street Of Hungarian Flavours festival in 2023!
Festival Of Folk Arts, Buda Castle, August 18-19- 20, 2023
A 3-day folk craft festival and fair with workshops, concerts and other events.
Ideal for families with kids since there will be workshops and activities for children, although expect crowd, especially on the last day of the festival.
- 10:00 – 19:00 Fabatka Porta – folk playground
- 10:00 – 21:00 Folk art & craft programs (Tóth Árpád sétány)
Fashion & Design Show – Millenáris Park – August 18-19-20, 2023
- The Millenáris Park in Buda (address: Kis Rókus u. 16-20, Budapest 1024) will host a fashion and design show featuring creative and value-creating programs in collaboration with contemporary Hungarian fashion and industrial designers.
- You can participate in various craft workshops, sustainability programs, and attention-grabbing roundtable discussions involving Hungarian designers.
Szabadrét Festival/Concerts – Erzsébet Tér, 16.00 – 23.00
The festival in the park on Erzsébet Square is geared more towards the younger generation with electronic music and a vibrant atmosphere.
- 14:00 – 23:00 – Silent Disco
- 14:00 – 23:00 – Video Booth
- 14:00 – 20:00 – UV Face and Body Painting
- 14:00 – 15:30 – Lelle Concert
- 14:00 – 23:00 – Lemonade Stand
- 15:30 – 17:00 – DJ Panda Concert
- 17:00 – 18:30- Minka Concert
- 18:30 – 20:00 – Sobek Concert
- 19:50 – 20:00 – Light and Fire Juggling Show
- 20:00 – 21:30 – Galactic Jackson Concert
- 21:30 – 23:00 – Lenny Lenoks Concert
Pannonia Heritage Ship – FREE Visit, 09.00 – 18.00
Location: Id. Antall József Rakpart – The Embankment Between The Chain Bridge & Margaret Bridge
The historic ship built in 1927 boasts striking interior that you can visit fre eof charge.
Tabán (Retro Tabán) – Pop Concerts
The peaceful, green hills behind Buda Castle, called Tabán will be a venue for concerts by Hungarian retro pop bands.
- 18:00 – 19:00 – Hevesi Tamás concert
- 19:00 – 20:00 – Ismerős Arcok concert
- 20:00 – 21:00 – Demjén Ferenc concert
Programs on August 20, 2023, Sunday
Festivities At The Parliament, August 20, 08.00 – 09.00
As usual, a series of state ceremonies launch the holiday programs in the morning, on St. Stephen’s day, August 20. to commemorate the Foundation of the Hungarian State.
The main venues of the state programs are Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament, and Heroes’ Square.
Besides the state celebrations, a wide range of other programs welcome visitors both in the morning and in the afternoon ensuring wonderful time for the whole family.
- The celebration starts with the hoisting of the Hungarian national flag on Kossuth Square at 08.00 am.
Air Parade – Banks Of The Danube, August 20, 09.00 – 10.00
Venue: over the Danube at the Parliament
Turn your eyes towards the sky at the riverbank where the Hungarian Defense Forces will perform a spectacular air show with the backdrop of the imposing building starting at 09.00.
Alkotmány Utca – Golden Train (Aranyvonat), Promenade Of Cities Exhibition, 09.00 – 20.00
- In the street running between the Parliament and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út you can view the impressive golden train made in 1938 for the 900th anniversary of the death of King St. Stephen, the country’s first Christian king. The Golden Train will be exhibited between 10.00 – 20.00.
- The Promenade Of Cities will be on from 09.00 till 18.00.
Inn Festival /Csárdafesztivál, – Vörösmarty Square, 14.00 – 22.00
- Folk dance performances and concerts, cooking show between 14.00 – 22.00
Vigado Piano – Vigadó Tér, 10.00 – 22.00
- The beautiful, historic Vigadó Hall on the Danube Promenade gives a backdrop to a series of bar music and piano concerts.
Szabadrét Festival/Concerts – Erzsébet Tér, 16.00 – 23.00
- The festival in the park on Erzsébet Square is geared more towards the younger generation with electronic music and a vibrant atmosphere.
- 14:00 – 23:00 – Silent Disco
- 14:00 – 23:00 – Video Booth
- 14:00 – 20:00 – UV Face and Body Painting
- 14:00 – 15:30 – Vedat Akdağ concert
- 14:00 – 23:00 – Lemonade Stand
- 15:30 – 17:00 – Indigo Theory concert
- 18:30 – 20:30 – Peter Makto concert
- 20:40 – 20:50 – Light and Fire Juggling Show
- 21:30 – 23:00 – Metha Concert
Street Of Hungarian Flavours – Várkert Bazaar in Buda
The impressive gastro festival on the river bank in Buda continues on the last day of the St. Stephen’s Day celebrations.
A huge selection of meat dishes, strudel, bread, lángos, chimney cake, lavender products, honey, paprika spice, craft beer, lemonade, pálinka (local fruit distilate) at a scenic venue.
Festival of Folk Arts – Buda Castle, August 18 – 20.
The Festival of Folk Arts in Buda Castle will be still going during the August 20. holiday.
This year the festival will be focusing on the theme of woodworking with Korea as guest nation invited to show their artworks.
- 10:00-19:00 Fabatka Porta – folk playground
- 10:00-21:00 Craft programs (Tóth Árpád sétány)
- 10:30-11:00 Magyar Mozaik (Szentháromság tér)
- 12:00-12:45 Korean Folk Art (Szentháromság tér)
- 13:00-14:00 Heritage Gala (Szentháromság tér)
- 14:30-15:00 Concert – Navratil Andrea és a Kobzos Együttes (Szentháromság tér)
- 15:00-16:00 Blessing Of The Bread (Szentháromság tér)
- 16:00-17:00 Folktrend (Szentháromság tér)
- 18:00-19:00 Korean Folk Art (Szentháromság tér)
- 19:30-20:00 Concert – Fitos Dezső (Szentháromság tér)
The Basilica – Holy Mass & Procession of St. Stephen’s Holy Right Hand
The mass will take place in front of the St. Stephen’s Basilica at 17.00.
- Route of the procession: Szent István tér – Zrínyi utca – Október 6. utca – József Attila utca – Széchenyi tér – Zrínyi utca – Szent István tér
Open Day in the Hungarian Parliament – Holy Crown Of King St. Stephen
The Parliament building can be visited without preliminary registration and free of charge from
- 09.15 till 18.00
- Last entry is at 16.00.
You can view the
- Grand Staircase,
- The Holy Crown of St. Stephen, and the
- Dome Hall.
Blessing of the Bread and Harvest Procession
The blessing of the new bread and a harvest procession
- Starts at 14.30 on Szent György tér in Buda Castle and
- Ends at the statue of St. Stephen (Fishermen’s bastion) with the blessing of the new bread.
Fashion & Design Show – Millenáris Park – August 18-19-20, 2023
Fashion and design related programs continue in the Millenaáris park in Buda.
Pannonia Heritage Ship – FREE Visit, 09.00 – 18.00
Location: Id. Antall József Rakpart – The Embankment Between The Chain Bridge & Margaret Bridge
The historic ship built in 1927 boasts striking interior that you can visit fre eof charge.
Tabán (Retro Tabán) – Pop & Rock Concerts
The peaceful, green hills behind Buda Castle, called Tabán will be a venue for concerts by Hungarian retro pop and rock bands.
- 16:30-17:30 – Roy és Ádám Trió Concert
- 17:30-18:30 – Bon-Bon concert
- 18:30-19:30 – Neoton Família concert
Fireworks Display – August 20, 21.00/9 PM
The highlight of the August 20th-St Stephen’s Day holiday is the Fireworks launched from
- 7 barges and 65 pontoons over a 4.5 km long stretch on the river Danube between Petőfi bridge and Margaret Bridge, and from
- Elizabeth and Liberty Bridges
The 30-minute long dazzling show can be seen from numerous points in Budapest,especially the river banks in Pest and Buda.
Visual show projected onto the Parliament, the National Gallery, and the Gellért Hill enhances the festive display.
Best Spots to View the Fireworks Show:
- On the Danube embankments between the Chain bridge and Margaret Bridge
- Any spot from where the Parliament can be seen well: Fishermen’s Bastion in Buda Castle, the Citadel on Gellért Hill provide excellent viewing spots.
- A rooftop bar like the High Note Skybar of the Aria Hotel – offers a 360 degree view of the city (reservation is required).
- Intermezzo Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace of Hotel President in Hold utca (reservation for the dinner & fireworks: +36 1 510 3407)
- Margaret Island – the southern tip, Note: Margaret bridge will be closed off from 18.00 on Sunday and trams 4, 6 won’t stop on the bridge, so get to the island before 18.00. The bridge will be re-opened and tram servcie will be available from around midnight).
TIP: One of the best venues to enjoy the Fireworks is from a ship on the Danube.
You’ll be also treated to a pleasant dinner and live music.
Read more details on the Fireworks Show with Cruise and Dinner/Drinks on the Danube on August 20, 2023.
Book A Fireworks Cruise (No-Risk, Free Cancellation)!
Opening Hours Of Shops, Cafes, Baths, Museums
This year St. Stephen’s Day falls on Tuesday. Most shops, markets, services will be closed on both Monday and Tuesday.
The majority of cafes and restaurants – especially in the city centre – are open though.
Most Museums also welcome visitors on the holiday. The thermal baths, lidos are also open:
- Széchenyi Bath: 06.00 – 22.00,
- Gellért Spa: 06.00 – 20.00
Note: Public transportation services operate according to holiday schedule but with the Fireworks and other festivities changes in service – especially trams 2, 2B, and 23 along the Pest riverbank – can be expected.
Most of the bridges in the city centre, Petőfi Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge will be closed off all traffic on 20. August between cc. 18.00 – 23.00.
August 20 – Historical Background
Stephen (István in Hungarian, was born in 969. and died in 1038.) was Hungary’s first king and he laid the foundation of the state by converting the nomad and pagan Magyar people (Hungarians) into Christianity.
Founding a State
Until the end of the 10th century the seven Hungarian tribes often attacked and robbed Western European nations. After a major defeat in 955, the Hungarian leaders decided to
- give up the raids,
- focus on settling down and
- found a strong state.
István realized that he can only achieve this by converting Hungarians into the Roman Catholic religion.
The Crown of the First King
He received a crown from Pope Sylvester II and became Hungary’s first king in 1000 AD. The Holy Crown has survived the coming centuries and it is now Hungary’s most precious treasure.
You can view the Holy Crown in the Parliament (open day on 20. August)
King Stephen consolidated his power.
He built churches all around the country and invited Catholic priests to help to lay down the foundations of Christianity. István formed new, strict legislations instead of the former pagan rules and took administrative measures to organize the country.
As a result of King Stephen’s efforts, Hungary became a strong state and a protector of Western Europe during the Medieval Ages. Read more about the History of Budapest.
The Holy Right Hand
Stephen was canonized on 20th of August in 1083 and became the patron of Hungary. For the canonization procedure King Stephen’s remains were exhumed.
According to the story his right hand was found as fresh as the day he was buried.
The hand was detached and since then everybody can view our first king’s mummified right in St. Stephen’s Basilica .
20. August became Hungary’s national day and stayed to be until 1945, when Communist leaders prohibited celebrations due to the religious nature of the holiday. In 1990 the Hungarian Parliament declared 20. August national holiday again.
Related:
Sziget Festival – More Budapest Programs in August – Jewish Cultural Festival – Free Mini Concerts – Our Facebook
