August 20th-St. Stephen’s Day 2025

Top Programs In Budapest Recommended For Tourists

Table of Contents – Programs on August 20th

What Does Hungary Celebrate On August 20.?

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

Folk Art & Craft Festival in Buda castle August 18 – 20, 2025

This awesome 4-day event takes palce in the historic Buda Castle. If you want to get a look into Hungary’s varied folk art and craft traditions as well as see other nation’s artistry then definitely include this program in your itinerary.

Entry is FREE.

👉 See more details below or on our Festival of Folk Arts in Buda Castle page

Street of Hungarian Flavours, 18 – 20. August, 2025

Hungary’s Cake & Sugarfree Cake 2025

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.

Where & When Can You Taste Hungary’s Cake 2025?

You can first taste it – along with the healthier, sugar-free version torte during the Hungarian Flavours Festival at Castle Bazaar.

Where?

• 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),
  • Döbrentei utca 9., Bp 1013 (On map)
  • Ybl Miklós tér 6, Bp 1013 (View on Map)
• In major confectioneries everywhere in the country.

When?

• August 18, Sunday: 10.00 – 14.00
• August 19, Monday: 10.00 – 18.00
• August 20, Tuesday: 10.00 – 18.00

Mákvirág (Poppy Flower) Is The Name Of Hungary’s Cake 2025

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

The pleasantly sweet flavor of the green pistachio mousse is complemented by the tartness of the bright red raspberry jelly, and rose water adds an extra special touch.

Pistachio adds a crunchy texture with white chocolate and is also present in the sponge cake as a flour. The cake is crowned with a shiny, rose water raspberry jelly and dried rose petals.

A slice contains only 232.4 kcal, and only 10,4 g carbohydrates.

Programs On August 18, 2025, Monday

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

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, 10.00 – 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 – 18:50 – Takáts Tamás Blues Band concert
• 19:00 – 19:50 – Dinamit concert
• 20:00 – 21:30 – EDDA concert

Programs on August 19, 2025, Tuesday

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 – 18.00

• 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 2025!

Festival Of Folk Arts, Buda Castle, August 18-19- 20, 2025

Fashion & Design Show – Millenáris Park – August 19-20, 2025

• 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 – Marwell & Benski
• 14:00 – 15:30 – DJ Panda
• 15:30 – 17:00 – Indigo Theory
• 16:00 – 20:00 – The Mooderators
• 17:00 – 18:30 – Sazabio
• 18:30 – 20:00 – Galactic Jackson
• 20:00 – 21:30 – Sobek Concert
• 21:30 – 23:00 – Metha

Pannonia Heritage Ship – FREE Visit, 10.00 – 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 – 18:50 – Roy & Adam concert
• 19:00 – 19:50 – Hevesi tamás concert
• 20:00 – 21:30 – Demjén Ferenc concert

Programs on August 20, 2025, Wednesday

Festivities At The Parliament, August 20, 08.00 – 09.15

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 – 18.00

• 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 – 15:30 – Monkeyneck
• 14:00 – 23:00 – Marwell & Benski
• 15:30 – 17:00 – Budai House Clique
• 16:00 – 20:00 – The Mooderators
• 18:30 – 20:00 – Peter Makto
• 21:30 – 23:00 – Lotfi Begi

Street Of Hungarian Flavours – Várkert Bazaar in Buda

Festival of Folk Arts – Buda Castle, August 18 – 20.

The Basilica – Holy Mass & Procession of St. Stephen’s Holy Right Hand

Open Day in the Hungarian Parliament – Holy Crown Of King St. Stephen

Expect a long queue!

Fashion & Design Show – Millenáris Park – August 19-20, 2025

Fashion and design related programs continue in the Millenaáris park in Buda.

Pannonia Heritage Ship – FREE Visit, 10.00 – 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.

• 16:30-17:20 – Hauber Zsolt x Bonanza Banzai Concert
• 17:30-18:20 – Exotic concert
• 18:30-20:00 – Első Emelet concert

Fireworks Display – August 20, 21.00/9 PM

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 August 20th:

For a more exclusive experience, try

• the Philosophers’ Garden (On Map) on Gellért Hill,
• Gül Baba Tomb (address: , Mecset u. 14, Budapest 1023 (On Map),
• Nehru Park, between Petőfi bridge and Liberty Brigde on the Pest riverbank (View on Map), or

Note: Most Danube bridges will be closed since the rockets will be lauched from there: iberty Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge and Margaret Bridge.

Buda Hills: If You Want Less Crowd

Although the Buda Hills like Normafa or Hármashatár-hegy are a bit far from the city centre there will be less people but it’s still wise to arrive early (1 -1.5 hour before the show).

Normafa Hill :

• Getting there: Take bus 21 from Széll Kálmán tér to Normafa. The bus stop at Normafa is not the terminus anymore, so get off at the Normafai út stop.
• The bus runs every 10 minutes in the evening, and the last departure is at 23:13. The journey takes about 28 minutes.

Árpád Lookout, Hármashatár-hegy:

• Address & Getting There: Glück Frigyes út, Bp 1025 (See on Map)

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 and browse our list of the Best 8 Fireworks Cruises on the Danube on August 20, 2025.

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.

Foundation of 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