August 20th-St. Stephen’s Day 2025

Last Updated on 21 August 2025 by ZoliBP

🤔 What Does Hungary Celebrate On August 20th?

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 at the following venues

🧵 Folk Art & Craft Festival in Buda Castle August 17 – 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

🍰 Cake & Sugar-Free Cake of Hungary 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.

The 2025 competition was announced with the theme “Dobos Cake 140,” as the famous Hungarian sweet – created by Dobos C. József Confectioner in 1885 – celebrates the 140th anniversary of its creation this year.

What’s The Dobos Cake?

🎂 Cake of Hungary in 2025 – DCJ Stílusgyakorlat

How much does a slice of Cake of Hungary Cost?

You can get a slice of this scrumptious dessert for around 1 500 – 2 000 HUF at cake shops in Budapest and in other places in Hungary.

Where & When Can You Taste Cake of Hungary 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, Monday: 10.00 – 14.00
• August 19, Tuesday: 10.00 – 18.00
• August 20, Wednesday: 10.00 – 18.00

Sugar-Free Cake of Hungary in 2025: Álmodozó (Dreamer) – A Healthy Option

A crunchy layer of cocoa nibs adds a satisfying texture, and the entire cake is crafted without any added sugar, making it suitable for people with diabetes and those mindful of their sugar intake.

A slice contains only 231,1 kcal, and only 13,7 g carbohydrates.

➡️ Programs on August 16 & 17 2025, (Saturday, Sunday)

The festive program series of St. Stephen’s Day begin on August 16, Saturday on four venues: on

• Erzsébet Square in the city centre – electronic and pop music concerts by Hungarian performers
• Garden of Philosophers behind Gellért Hill (a quiet hilltop park with statues of famous thinkers) – Panorama Classic – a mixture classical and light music concerts along with workshops and family activities (see schedule below)
• Tabán a hilly park on the slope sof Gellért Hill, “Retro Tabán” will feature Hungarian rock bands who will perform on all four days August 16 – 20 between 17.30 – 22.00
• St. Stephen’s Basilica – Szent István tér – a grand gala concert titled “You are beautiful, you are gorgeous, Hungary” by Zoltán Mága violinist will marks the beginning of festivities in the evening on August 16, Saturday between 20.00 – 22.00

Erzsébet Square – Szabadrét Festival

Location: Erzsébet tér (view on Google Maps)

August 16, Saturday Program:

• 12:00 – 13:30: DJ Panda
• 13:30 – 15:00: Artheon
• 15:00 – 16:30: Galactic Jackson
• 16:30 – 18:00: Monkeyneck
• 18:00 – 22:00: Marwell & Benski
• 18:00 – 19:15 : Palo Canto
• 19:15 – 20:15 : Sobek
• 20:15 – 21:15 : Richard Zalai
• 21:45 – 23:00: Lotfi Begi and Friends

August 17, Sunday Program:

• 12:00 – 13:30 : Tamas Szabo
• 13:30 – 15:00: Maxim Kuznyecov
• 15:00 – 17:00: Indigo Theory
• 17:00 – 18:30: Lenny Lenoks
• 18:00 – 22:00: Marwell & Benski
• 18:30 – 20:30: Peter Makto
• 20:30 – 22:00: Metha

Recommendation: If you love electronic music and want to experience a high-energy local crowd, I recommend catching Lotfi Begi and Friends on Saturday night. Lotfi Begi is a very popular Hungarian DJ and producer, and his set is guaranteed to be a dynamic and exciting party atmosphere that will give you a great taste of Budapest’s modern nightlife.

Garden of Philosophers – Panorama Classical

Location: Filozófusok kertje, Budapest, 1016 (View on Google Maps)

One of the most special venues for the St. Stephen’s Day festivities will once again be the Garden of Philosophers on Gellért Hill, where for two days, the spotlight will be on classical music, jazz, and interactive concert experiences.

Children activities and various workshops acompany the music programs.

August 16, Saturday Program:

• 14:00 – 15:00 : Songwriting Workshop
• 15:00 – 16:00: Classic Military Songs, from march to “lights out”
• 16:00 – 17:00: “Come Up on Stage!” – Joint Music-Making with the Modern Art Orchestra
• 16:00 – 20:30: Instrument Tinkering and Crafts Workshop
• 17:00 – 18:00 : Classical Hits, Popular Successes
• 18:00 – 19:00: “Come Up on Stage!” – Joint Music-Making with the Modern Art Orchestra
• 19:00 – 20:30 : Interactive Instrument Museum
• 19:00 – 20:30: Classical Concert Recordings from the MTVA Archive
• 20:30 – 22:00 : Movie Music Concert

August 17, Sunday Program:

• 14:00 – 15:00: Songwriting Workshop
• 15:00 – 16:00: Classic Military Songs, from march to “lights out”
• 16:00 – 17:00: Adventures in the World of Percussion Instruments
• 16:00 – 20:30: Instrument Tinkering and Crafts Workshop
• 17:00 – 18:00: Classical Hits, Popular Successes
• 18:00 – 19:00: Whistling on a Brass Tree (A playful Hungarian folk saying)
• 19:00 – 20:30: Interactive Instrument Museum
• 19:00 – 20:30: Classical Concert Recordings from the MTVA Archive
• 20:30 – 22:00: The Great Hungarian Songbook – Hungarian music from folk songs to today’s hits

Recommendation: If you’re interested in a unique, hands-on musical experience, you should absolutely check out the “Come Up on Stage! – Joint Music-Making with the Modern Art Orchestra” on Saturday. This is a rare opportunity to play alongside a professional orchestra, making it a truly memorable and interactive part of your trip.

➡️ August 18, 2025, Monday – Programs

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 for 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 17-18-19-20

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 pop-rock concerts featuring Hungarian bands.

• 17:30 – 18:30 – Back II Black
• 18:45 – 19:45 – Hevesi Tamás concert
• 20:00 – 22:00 – Neoton concert

➡️ August 19, 2025, Tuesday – Programs

Csárda Fesztivál/Inn Festival Vörösmarty Square

• The Inn/Csárda Festival continues with simple but tasty food as well as folk dance and music offerings.

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.

🚢 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.

• 17:30 – 18:30 – Takáts Tamás Blues Band concert
• 18:45 – 19:45- Deák Bill Gyula concert
• 20:00 – 22:00 – Bikini concert

➡️ August 20, 2025, Wednesday – Programs

🇭🇺 Festivities At The Parliament, August 20, 08.00 – 09.00

✈ Air Parade – Banks Of The Danube, August 20, 09.00 – 09.45

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.

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.

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