August in Budapest

Programs and Activity Recommendations

August offers the richest selection of events, festivals and other programs in Budapest. The main event of the month is St. Stephen’s Day, on August 20.: a National Holiday ending with fireworks at 21.00.

Festivals, Fireworks, Other Programs in the Last Month of Summer

Quick Links: Weather – Festivals, Events – Wine Tastings – Sunset/Monnlight Cruise – Sights, Tour Tips – TIP: Concerts, Folklore – Summer Mini Concerts – Jewish Tours – Museum Exhibitions – Cafes, Pubs – Parties, Nightlife

Weather in August

Weather tends to be scorching hot and dry in the last month of summer.

There are heat waves with no clouds and rain in sight, so do bring your sunglasses, summer cap, sunscreen and comfy, light clothes and shoes.

Plan your program to avoid the hottest hours on the midday sun, or if you do have to be outside, take frequent rests and have a bottle of water with you.

TIP: Read also our Tips on How to Beat the Heat in Budapest?

Festival of Folk Arts (Mesterségek Ünnepe) Buda Castle, August 18 – 21.

Admission: full price: 2 000 HUF, discount tickets for children (aged between 4 – 14), and retirees: 1 000 HUF, free for kids under 4.
Opening Hours: 10.00-23.00, except on 20. August: 10.00-21.00 (the fair is open between 10.00-21.00 each day)

The 4-day festival is organised each year in the courtyards of the Royal Palace on Buda Castle Hill.

An ideal program for families because the festival offers a couple of great activities for children of all ages: concerts, puppet show, folk art workshops, toys and games, and a merry-go-round.

There is also a folk art market where you can buy quality products (ceramics, glass, wood, leather, and enameled artifacts).

Concerts, culinary delights, a harvest process round up the event that is tightly connected to St. Stephen’s day on 20. August.

See detailed programs on our Folk Art Festival in Buda Castle page or visit the organiser’s website.

St. Stephen’s Day – August 20 – 21./Saturday – Sunday

We play honor to our first King, St. Stephen (cc. 970-980 – 1038.) who formed a stable Christian Kingdom of Hungary out of the seven nomadic tribes arriving in the Carpathian basin at the end of the IX. century.

It is also the holiday of the new bread baked from the newly harvested wheat and rye, as well as a thanksgiving for good harvest.

Some say the August 20. festivities are a kind of “bread and circus” but I think it offers a variety of programs both in the capital and the countryside.

It is a sort of closing celebration of summer helping everyone to prepare in mind for the coming of autumn and the new school year.

The holiday ends with spectacular fireworks over the Danube and the bridges that you can enjoy from the open deck of a large cruise ship, the Európa:

Programs include

The Danube and Erzsébet Bridge at Dusk
State ceremonies on Kossuth tér in front of the Parliament building, 8.30-9.30

Family activities, concerts and folklore performances at Clark Adam Square, 10.00-21.00 on August 20. only.

Street of Hungarian Flavours August 20-21.: gastro promenade from 9.00 till 20.00 at Várkert Bazaar in Buda, between Lánchíd utca and Döbrentei tér: you can taste and buy local delicacies and Hungary’s Cake: traditional stuffed cabbage Szabolcs style, a special noodle soup, the Felvidék region’s cabbage soup and poppy seed scone, Hungary’s bread – an all-natural sourdough rye bread and potato bred, as well as other bakery goods.

Blessing the new bread at cc. 15.00 at the Statue of St. Stephen in Buda Castle,

Holy Mass and the procession of Saint Stephen’s alleged holy right hand at St. Stephen’s Basilica starting at 17.00,

An impressive fireworks show that you can watch from the Danube .

Summer Festival till 31. August

Venue: Margaret Island-Open-Air Stage, Water Tower, Városmajor Open-Air Stage

The last month of the Budapest Summer Festival offers a wide range of cultural programs in various genres:

Ballet: Romeo and Juliet will be staged by the Les Ballets de Monte Carlo on 05. August at 20.00.

Magic Night – a show by 4 talented illusionists from all over the world, Date: 12, 13. August at 22.00

Concerts: the festival offers a great number of concerts in various genres each year (folk, world music, jazz, crossover).

Tickets: 3 900, HUF, 4 900 HUF, 5 900 HUF, 6 900 HUF, 7 900 HUF, 8 900 HUF.

Sziget Festival, 09 – 16. August 2017

One of Europe’s most popular outdoor pop-rock music festival takes place on an island in the Danube (hence the name: Sziget which means island).

The week-long Sziget Festival on Hajógyári-sziget brings an impressive line of international and local performers each year.

Besides concerts all sorts programs and activities await visitors of all ages.

Junibor Wine Festival, at the Basilica, 25 – 28. August, 2017

Venue: Szent István tér, in front of the Basilica
Opening Hours: 25. Aug/Thurs: 16.00-24.00, 26-28.Aug/Fri-Sun: 12.00-24.00

You can taste wines by the 32 young Hungarian wine makers and also meet and talk to them on the Szent István Square.

The event is organised for the IV. time by JUNIBOR, an association of wine makers under the age of 40.

Good wine is even better with good food.

The following street food will be offered during the 4 day: Twist & Chips, Zing Burger, Lakatos Műhely, SteamBOO, Ricsi’s World Jewish Street Food, POPS! Ice Cream, Castello Cheese.

Programs:

Meeting with the wine makers: every day at 18.00 – 21.00.

Tasting of favourites/kedvencek kóstolója: sampling of wines not available at other places, August 27, Saturday at 16.00-17.00: This one can be attended with ticket only: 3 500 HUF, can be bought at DiVino Wine Bar locate don the square.

Cholent Festival, Kazinczy Street, 27. August

Opening Hours: 10.00 – 21.00, August 28., Sunday

This Jewish gastronomy festival is held for the 2nd time. The location is Kazinczy Street a vibrant cultural and gastronomy spot of district VII and the city.

The section of Kazinczy between Király and Wesselényi Streets will be turned into a cultural and foodie festival focusing on the emblematic Jewish dish, the cholent.

Kids program (theatre performance) at 11.00 – 12.00 and at 15.30-16.15, concerts and magician show in the afternoon and lots of cholent prepared in various ways, from all over the world.

Entry to the event is free but you have to pay for food and drinks. A basic cholent is 1 000 HUF, extra cholent: 1 500 HUF.

Óbuda Summer Festival, till 30. August

Location: several venues in Óbuda (Old Buda), district III.

If you’ve had enough of the city centre head for the lovely, historic district of Óbuda:

concerts,

theatre performances,

designer auction,

classical music,

exhibition and

children programs welcome everyone.

Jewish Cultural Festival, September 04 – 11.

Venue: several places mostly in the Old Jewish Quarter, district VII.

The Jewish Cultural (Summer) Festival is a multicultural event of several genres: concerts (jazz, klezmer, world music), theatre, contemporary art, film, gastronomy and other. More information on the event’s website.

Jewish Heritage Tours : Discover the turbulent history of Budapest’s Jewish community.

See the most important cultural monuments including the major synagogues – with interior visit of the Dohány Street Synagogue – the Jewish Museum and other sights.

A great opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of the former Jewish Ghetto, today an eclectic mix of art, history, gastronomy and entertainment – home of the best ruin and garden pubs.

Small groups, expert guiding in English and German!

Buy Tickets! [/box]

See also the latest historical find of Jewish heritage in Budapest: a 13.-century mikveh (ritual bath) can be visited on Mondays on guided tours.

Sights, Attractions Not To Miss, Unique Tours

TIP: Sunset & Moonlight on the Danube with Cocktails

See the sun setting or the moon rising over Budapest while sipping chilled cocktails on a 1.5/2-hour sightseeing trip on the Danube. Two large cocktails are included.

Prices: both cruises are 23 EUR/full price (students: 22 EUR).

Sunset Cruise with Cocktails
Please choose your option: Select options

Várkert Bazaar – Guided Tours

Location: Ybl Miklós tér, district I., between the Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge

The refurbished Castle Bazaar & Royal Gardens (Várkert Bazár), historical building complex designed by Miklós Ybl, was inaugurated 2 years ago.

You can get to this wonderful new attraction by boat from Pest.

The boat service departs from Petőfi tér at Erzsébet bridge and stops at the new port at the Castle Bazaar.

Beautifully restored arcaded buildings, a promenade offering

a fine view of the Danube and the Pest side,

a neo-Renaissance garden on 5000 sqm,

exhibitions,

shops,

cafes and

an underground event hall offer great program for a summer afternoon.

There’s an escalator that takes you up almost to the Royal Palace (you have to walk a bit to get there).

The southern palaces regularly host exhibitions.

TIP: You can visit the palaces and gardens on a 60-90- minute guided tour. Expert guides will tell you about the history of the buildings and the beautiful neo-Renaissance garden in English, German, French or Hungarian languages.

Price: 2 900 HUF/prs. Tours depart from the Southern Palace/Déli palota, (Ybl Miklós tér 5., distr. I.) Duration: cc. 60-90 minutes.

Registration is required at the (+36 ) 30 -198 5274 mobile number. Tickets can be bought at Southern Palace/Déli palota, (Ybl Miklós tér 5., distr. I.).

Tour Dates in August:

03/08. Wednesday, 17.00
06/08. Saturday, 17.00
10/08. Wednesday, 17.00
17/08., Wednesday, 17.00
24/08., Wednesday, 17.00
26/08., Friday, 15.00
31/08., Wednesday, 17.00

New: Mikveh – Jewish Ritual Bath Found in Buda Castle

Location: Várkert Bazaar,
Guided Tours: on Monday at 14.00, 16.00 and 18.00
Tickets: full price: 2 000 HUF

A historic Jewish bath (mikveh) found during the restoration works at the Western cellar system in Buda Castle can be visited every Monday on guided tours starting at 14.00, 16.000 and 18.00.

The bath dating back to the 13. century was found 8 years ago during excavations and finally has opened to the public in August. It is one of the oldest finds in the castle located in the labyrinth system in the Western section.

The mikveh, an important part of Jewish religious rituals when a full immersion in clean water is required to ensure purity prior entering the synagogue, were carved out from stone and the underground spring supplied the water for it.

The bath is at the restored Várkert Bazár (Castle Bazaar), on the hill leading up to Buda Castle.

See more examples of Jewish Heritage in Budapest!

Miniversum – Great Program for Rainy Days!

Address: Andrássy út 12., ground floor of the Krausz Palace, district VI.
Open: Sunday-Thursday: 9.00-19.00, Friday-Saturday: 9.00-21.00

The latest kids’ attraction of the Hungarian capital is located in a beautiful palace on Andrássy avenue.

The interactive train table features some of the best-known landmarks of three European countries:

Hungary,

Austria and

Germany.

Exciting adventure on 300 sqm!

There’s a cafe with an assortment of mini cakes, pastries, pancakes, sandwiches coffee and soft drinks.

Bike Tours – City Centre, Szentendre

If you prefer traditional bikes and are not scared of some exercise try one of these tours by bicycle by experienced, English-speaking bikers and tour guides.

The Bike Tour with Goulash explores the city centre from Andrássy Av. to the Castle in Buda and ends with eating a goulash soup in a garden restaurant (duration cc. 4,5 hrs).

The second tour is longer (20 kms with many stops, cc. 7-8 hrs) but you’ll get to see the charming artists’ town in the Danube Bend: Szentendre. You’ll get back to the capital by boat.

Concerts, Folklore Shows in August

Budapest has a vivid cultural scene with many concerts and art exhibitions in all seasons. Summer is especially rich in concerts and other cultural programs.

Seat in the Basilica for an organ concert,

go to a 1.5-half our gala concert of classical, operetta, folk/gypsy pieces in the Vigadó Hall or see a

folklore show in the Danube Palace introducing the dance and music heritage of Hungary.

Dates & Booking

Summer Mini Concert Series – “The City of Music” – Free Event

Location: at 10 venues in Budapest

Date & Time: till August 18.: at most venues: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

The Hungarian capital deserves to be called “The City of Music” as well. This summer you can listen too mini concerts for free at various locations:

balcony concert,

brass orchestra in Hussar costume,

nostalgic saxophone band,

carillon music,

string quartet,

Transylvanian folk music.

all these at scenic landmarks of the city: the Basilica, Deák Square, Vörösmarty Square, Deák tér, Várkert Bazaar, Magyarság Háza in Buda Castle, Vajdahunyad Castle, Margaret Island

For example at the Basilica you can enjoy bell concert and flute music on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 16.00 and 16.30.

Concerts last cc. 15-20 minutes and are performed by musicians of Budapest’s prestigious orchestras.

Concerts in Matthias Church

Cello Recital Every Other Wednesday 16.00 – 16.15

Dates in August: 03., 17., 31.

The Church of Our Lady in Buda Castle (better known as Matthias Church) hosts free cello recitals every other Wednesday. The 15-minute program can be attended with an entry ticket to the church.

Two Bach suits will be performed by Szalainé Veronika Csobó:

C-major suit: Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrée, Gigue;

G-major suite: Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuett, Gigue.

Organ Recital, 26. August, Friday, 19.30

The church is also a place for free organ recitals on Friday and Sunday evenings. On 26. August Bálint Karosi from New York will play on the church’s historic grand organ.

See more organ concerts in Budapest!

Evening Concerts in the Zoo

Dates: 05. July – 23. August, Wednesdays at 20.30

Tickets: 3 500 HUF, can be bought at the Zoo’s cashier (closes 1 hour before the zoo’s closing time).

The summer evening concert series in the Zoo and Botanical Garden look back to years of tradition.

On the last day of the concert series the Budapest Bar will be performing starting at 20.30 (gates open at 19.00).

Concerts are held at

the Square at the Main Entrance and

at the Great Lake/Nagytó.

Find out more about the Summer Concerts in Budapest Zoo.

Folklore Show with Dinner

Date & Time: every Friday starting at 19.00

A great program combining tasty local food and wines with a 30-minute live folklore performance introducing some authentic Hungarian dances and music.

The venue is a stylish city centre restaurant and the program starts at 19.00 every Friday.

See the menu, price and reservation for the Budapest folklore with Dinner program!

Opera Gala on Bakáts Square, August 27.

Date & Time: 27. August, Sunday at 20.00

Tickets: full price: 2 000 HUF, student/retiree: 500 HUF

Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and Saint-Saëns works will be performed on this little square in district IX., Ráday utca.

Museum Exhibits in August

The more than 100 museums and exhibition halls of Budapest always offer some exciting exhibits. Visiting some of them is a great program either on a rainy day or on a sultry afternoon.

Cafe-Pub-Restaurant TIP

Budapest is chock full of restaurants, cafes bars and pubs. Here are our picks to try in August.

Budapest Baristas

Address: Múzeum krt. 15.
Open: Mon-Fri: 7.30-20.00, Sat-Sun: 9.00-19.00
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A new specialty coffee bar is behind the unoriginal name on Múzeum krt (just across the Hungarian National Museum) in a spacious, airy historic building (formerly antique and used books shop) that incorporates parts of the medieval city wall of Pest.

The road already has a new wave coffee shop, Fekete (translates to black, though they seem to focus more on milky coffee beverages) just a few blocks from Bp baristas.

It looks like coffee bars will replace the antiquarian shops the Múzeum ringroad has been lined with up until recent years.

A flat white with strawberry cheese cake in Budapest Baristas

Anyway, the compulsory

La Marzocco espresso machine,

Hario V60,

Chemex

AeroPress and

other gadgets for alternative ways of getting the most out of the freshly roasted beans supplied by one of Hungary’s best micro-roasteries, Casino Mocca are all there on the shiny new counter.

You can enjoy your choice of drink up on the gallery, though it seemed a bit narrow when I first visited the place, or behind the shopwindows facing the street.

Besides quality coffee, you can have muesli, fresh croissant, and cake and dessert creations ranging from brownie, strawberry cheesecake, tapioca pudding, and paleo (sugar and dairy free) goodies.

TIP: If you love third-wave coffee try also Fekete just a short walk from BP Baristas also on Múzeum körút, No. 5.

It started out as a tiny cafe with a La Marzocco machine then opened a second place in the courtyard next door where they’re focusing more on filtered coffee and also serve cakes and simple, tasty food.

See other favourite cafes, espresso bars in Budapest!

Léhűtő Pub – Craft Beers on Tap

Address: Holló utca 12-14., district VII., Gozsdu court
Open: Mon-Tue: 16.00-24.00, Wed-Thurs: 16.00-02.00, Fri-Sat: 16.00-04.00, Sun: 16.00-24.00
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There are few things better than a nice glass of cool, fresh draught beer – and if it’s a specialty made by a local micro brewery that’s even better.

Besides local tastes, Léhűtő offers a nice selection of import IPAs, ales, dubbels, stouts, weizens. Some snacks are also available to go with your beer.

Partying in August

The outdoor clubs are still full of life at night. The major clubbing hot spots of the city are:

Kazinczy utca in district VII. – a range of retro, garden pubs like Szimpla Kert, Kirakat, Kocka, or 400 Bar

Barba Negra Track: open air concerts at the Buda end of the Rákóczi Bridge

Dürer Kert (Ajtósi Dürer sor 19-21., district XIV.): one of the most popular underground party places in Budapest at the southern edge of City Park. Facebook
Several dance rooms, a garden, great parties and DJ nights. Besides the wide selection of drinks, they also offer food: sandwiches, toasts, burgers, breaded cheese or chicken breast fillet, fries. Although it’s a bit far from the centre, Dürer is an excellent place to have a great time on a warm August night.