August in Budapest

August in Budapest 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.

It’s Hungary’s grandest National Holiday that ends with an amazing fireworks show at 21.00.

August 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.

It’s not rare in August that intense storms with strong winds interrupt the hot spells making the air very humid afterwards.

TIP: We’ve been on a Street Food (Pizza/Lángos) cruise in Budapest and were able to see all the major bridges, including the Chain Bridge up close.

Highly recommended program!

Why Go On A Pizza / Drinks Cruise?

✅ Comfortable way to see all the famous landmarks on the riverbanks and the picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage protected city scape

✅ Have pizza choose from 5 types (from salami, to 4-Cheese, there’s even Hawaii) – true it’s not the best pizza in the world but it’s Ok.. If you have kids with you they will appreciat it and keep them happy

✅ Drink to your hearts content – it’s summer, the sun is shining, it’s scorching hot outside – you’re on vacation – why not have a couple of beers, prosecco or wine?

Note: Soft drinks, coffee tea are also available if you aren’t abooze drinker.

✅ Several departure times per day, between 17.00 and 21.00/22.15 – you can do a nighttime Danube tour or enjoy the sunset in the evening and appreciate the different faces of Budapest.

✅ Affordable for a 80-minute boat excursion – daytime cruise costs 42 EUR, most night cruises cost 46 EUR – not a bad price for a pizza and all-you can drink thing.

On weekends till September there will be no car traffic on the section of the lower embankment in Pest, between the Chain Bridge (Lánchíd) and Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), specifically on Jane Haining rakpart (view on Google Map), during weekends.

RAKPART~2025 is about the community and our river, the Danube.

This stretch of the riverbank turns into vibrant public area with exciting programs ranging from

• Concerts,
• Movie screenings,
• Yoga (every Saturday & Sunday at 08.00-09.00), to
• Dancing,
• Art & craft fair,
• Exhibitions,
• Workshops and more.

A short section – between Elizabeth Bridge and Eötvös Square – of the embankment in Pest will be closed for car traffic not only on the weekends but weekdays till August 15.

A whole festival will entertain visitors during this time organised by the Viadukt Bar.

Drop by Viadukt Bar, the art & gastro centre of the RAKPART 25 program series (Jane Haining Rakpart, Budapest, Hungary, 1052) for a cold drink and a range of activities and programs.

It’s located in the arcades under the tram tracks.

A popular reasturant operated here more than 100 years ago so the place oozes history.

Viadukt also hosts a colourful array of programs including exhibitions and concerts, so defineitely walk in if you happended to be strolling along the Danube Promenade.

Thousands of floating candles on the City Park Lake, the most beautiful Coldplay songs performed by a string quartet – an evening you’ll cherish forever.

Candle Lake is a unique new concert series that blends the beauty of nature, the magic of classical music, and the intimacy of candlelight into an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience.

The series brings iconic Coldplay melodies to life in the picturesque setting of the City Park Lake, presented as string quartet renditions amidst the glow of a thousand floating candles, creating an uplifting atmosphere.

Program:

• 8:00 PM – Gates Open: Arrive early, enjoy the sunset, and have a refreshing drink by the water.
• 9:00 PM – Concert Begins: An hour of enchantment – music and candlelight meet on the lake.
• 10:00 PM – Concert Ends: The music fades, but the mood lingers – stay for another drink.

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.

👉 Find out more about the programs of the Sziget Festival in 2025!

• 20. August/Tuesday, 19.00 – 21.00

Location:

• Banks of the Danube Between Petőfi Bridge & Margit Bridge

The spectacular fireworks that ends the St. Stephen’s Day festivities in Budapest will be launched from ships on the Danube between Petőfi and Margaret Bridges and the Gellért Hill on August 20. at 9 pm.

Drone and light show, visual painting on the facade of the National Gallery and the Parliament enhance the whole display.

Enjoy the show is from the deck of a cruise boat, along with a splendid dinner, snacks or just drink(s).

Prices: 55 EUR – 249 EUR (Likely To Sell Out!)

We pay 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.

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 cruise ship.

This year the display will be even more impressive than in previous years the close to 40 000 fireworks and pyrotechnique effefcts will be launched between Margaret and Petőfi bridges on a 4.5 km long stretch from

• 65 pontoons,
• 7 barges and
• two bridges: the Elizabeth and Liberty

• FREE for everyone

Opening Hours:

• 10.00 – 23.00,
• except on 20. August: 10.00 – 21.00 (the folk art 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:

• Folk dance and music performances and
• Craft fair
• Folk art workshops,
• Kids’ programs: puppet show, toys and games, craft workshops

The bohemian Kazinczy utca in the heart of the old Jewish Quarter turns into a lively street festival on three Saturdays in August.

Unique jewelry, recycled items, artistic face painting, and craft workshops await everyone – both little ones and adults!

The program will also feature:

• Twisted ice cream
• Table tennis, badminton
• Music
• Creative workshops – so you can be part of the process too!

The 3-month long open air festival on Margaret Island ends in August with a series of exceptional performances.

You cam lose yurself on the enchanting world of “Shrek, a Musical” on the August 01 and 02. Music lovers can look forward to the “Danube Symphony Orchestra’s, Frank Wildhorn And His Friends” on August 07, and a special 40th Anniversary Concert by the 100 Member Roma Orchestra on August 09.

Dance enthusiasts won’t want to miss “Forever Dance with the Stars” on August 14, followed by the captivating Leander Symphony on August 19. For something truly unique, experience the “Alice in Wonderland, Reloaded Circus Show” on August 23.

The month rounds out with lively performances from Chico and the Gypsies on August 27th and the classic “Evita Musical” on August 30.

Step back in time on the Steampunk Festival in the Klauzál Square Market on August 23rd.

Discover goggles, corsets, headpieces, accessories, lace, jewelry, and a myriad of fantastic and practical items. You can admire and even purchase these marvels of the era!

• Lectures: Learn about Steampunk archetypes from Dr. Leslie Aromo in “Whose Skin Should I Inhabit?” and uncover the role of women’s parasols in the Victorian era with Krisztina Kelemen.
• Self-Defense Demo: A special presentation for ladies.
• Photo Session: Dress in Steampunk attire for a free photoshoot with Dr. Leslie Aromo!
• Unique Inventions: Try out Dr. Leslie Aromo’s peculiar and special inventions during the fair.

Location:

• Klauzál téri Vásárcsarnok (Klauzál Square Market hall)
• Budapest, Akácfa u. 42-48, 1072 (View on Google Maps)

Location/Getting There:

• Óbuda, Fő tér/Main Square (view on Google Map)
• Getting There:
  • Trams 4, 6 to Margit híd Buda Bridgehead, then take H5 local railway (HÉV) to Szentlélek tér (3 stops, 6 min), walk cc. 250 m till Fő tér
  • Tram 1 also has a stop at Szentlélek tér in Óbuda, from there walk 250 m to Fő tér/Main Sqr.

The craft beer festival is a good reason for you to visit Óbuda, the III. District of Budapest.

The charming Main Square hosts the festival where you can taste the best of Hungarian carft brews along with quality street food by Food Truck Show.

Concerts in the evening ensure that you’ll have a great time especially after a couple of mugs of local beer.

Entry is FREE.

The open-air pools of this magnificent, historic spa are an ideal place to relax at on a sultry August day.

There are two pools:

• A larger one with wave function and a
• Smaller one a level above the wave pool with some neck and back massaging jets.

You can also try the pools inside (children under 14 are not allowed to visit the thermal scetions).

TIP: If you go early enough in the morning you will avoid the crowd and the hottest hours of the day.

After splashing and sunbathing do look around inside the bath.

It boasts great turn-of-the-19th-20th century architecture with beautiful stained glass windows and mosaics.

Castle Bazaar in Buda organizes free open air folk dance house events duirng summer

Set on one of Budapest’s most scenic terraces, these events promise joyful evenings for all ages, accompanied by vibrant live Hungarian folk music.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or new to the rich world of Hungarian folk traditions, the talented instructors will guide you every step of the way.

You’ll not only enjoy lively dance tunes but also be captivated by beautifully lyrical melodies from various regions of the country, including Rábaköz, Kalotaszeg, Mezőség, and Szatmár.

Alternating throughout the series are two outstanding bands: the Hungarian Heritage Award-winning Szalonna and His Band, and the talented young musicians of Marci Szabó and Friends.

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

Opening hours:

• Exhibitions are open Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00 – 17.00

What To Do At Várkert Bazar?

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

Explore the beautifully restored arcaded buildings and promenade to enjoy

• A fine view of the Danube and the Pest side,
• The green peacefulness of a neo-Renaissance garden on 5000 sqm,
• Exhibitions on various topics
• Shops,
• Cafes, bistros and an

The underground event hall usually offers 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 usually on Hungarian historical topic.

Location: Kossuth Square, In front of the Parliament Building

Getting there: trams 2, 2B, 23, M2 metro (red line)

The impressive Parliament building provides a backdrop for free mini concerts on Kossuth Square every thursday starting at 17.00/5 pm.

Performances by various bands range from classical music, swing, to jazz and acoustic pop music.

Concert Dates & Time:

• August 07 – Csilla Auth soloist with Péter popper pianist
• August 14 – Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra – Viola-Clatinet-Piano Trio: gems of Classical and Romantic music
• August 28 – Finance Guard Orchestra

Concerts start at 17.00/5 pm. All concerts are free.

The Church of Our Lady in Buda Castle (better known as Matthias Church) gives home to wonderful classical music performances played by orchestras from around the world.

The repertoire includes classical pieces ranging from Gregorian, Baroque to spiritual music and contemporary church works.

Tickets To The Concert

Prices depend on seat category.

• Category A tickets price (right behind the VIP seats): 42 EUR
• Category B tickets price: 34 EUR
• VIP tickets (at the best spot for the best experience): 50 EUR.

Free cancellation if something comes up and you aren’t able to attend the program.

The largest church of Budapest located right in its heart has perfect acoustics for classical concerts.

Take the opportunity to listen to a 70-minute organ recital whitin the walls of this stunning neo-classical building.

Program Of The Concert:

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Fantasie in F minor K 506
• Alessandro Stradella (1639-1682): Pietà Signore
• Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751): Adagio
• Liszt Ferenc (1811-1886) – Camille Saint-Saёns (1835-1921): Legend in A major (St. Francis of Assisi’s Sermon to the Birds)
• Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901): Prayer of Fiesco from opera Simone Boccanegra
• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Polonaise, Minuet and Badinerie from Suite in B minor BWV 1067
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565

This immersive exhibition explores the musical and cultural traditions of Earth through over 30 countries and 100 performers. It’s designed to be a sensory experience, highlighting how music accompanies human life across different cultures.

Furthermore, this exhibition is often cited as being very engaging and suitable for a wide range of ages.

Location: City Park, Olof Palme sétány 3, 1146 Budapest (within the House of Hungarian Music building). View on Google Maps!

Opening Hours:

• Listen. is open until August 31, 2025.
• Generally open daily 10.00 – 18.00, but always check their official website for the most current hours.

This temporary exhibition showcases the work of Hungarian-born New York-based photographer Sylvia Plachy, a prominent figure in humanist photography.

Her photos are both personal and universal, and the exhibition explores how the meaning of a photograph shifts in various contexts.

Location: Nagymező u. 8, 1065 Budapest (View on Google Maps)

Opening Hours:

• The temporary exhibition is open until August 31, 2025.
• The Photography Center is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10.00 – 18.00.

The National Gallery – located in Buda Castle – hosts various exhibitions. In July 2025, you can expect to find:

• “Intertwined”: June 21 – September 21, 2025.
• “Shadowless. Retrospective Exhibition of Gyula Czimra (1901–1966)”: May 23 – September 14, 2025.
• “The Art of Life. Art Nouveau Posters and Material Culture of the Hungarian Secession (1895-1914)”: April 4 – October 5, 2025.
• “Habitat. Nature and Landscape Constructs”: March 21 – August 31, 2025.
• “Artists and Models: Representations of the Studio in the Collection of International Art after 1800”: March 27 – July 27, 2025.

Location: Buda Castle, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest (See on Google Maps)

Highlights/Why Go?

The Natural History Museum is a fantastic choice for families with kids! It boasts extensive collections on the natural history of Hungary and the Carpathian Basin.

You can expect exciting and educational temporary exhibitions. Past popular exhibitions have included

• “Ice Age” and
• “Lost Worlds – the Age of Dinosaurs in Hungary,” often featuring body reconstructions, skeletons, and interactive displays.

One of the current temporary exhibition is the The Visible Invisible: Mines and Caves in Ultraviolet Light – Ágnes Berentés’s Photo Exhibition

The Fin Whale Skeleton in the main hall is always a hit!

Housed in a stunning new building in the City Park, the Museum of Ethnography offers engaging exhibits on Hungarian folk culture and traditions.

They often have interactive elements and family-friendly programs. Their

• “ZOOM – A Change in Perspectives” permanent exhibition and various temporary exhibitions (like
• “Heavy Fabric. Women – Traditional Costume – Life Stories” or
• “Hungary in Colour. Hidden Photographs from 1862”) can be very interesting for all ages.

Location: Dózsa György út 35, 1146 Budapest (facing Heroes’ Square). View on Google Maps!

Located in Buda Castle, this museum showcases the history of Budapest from its earliest times through the medieval period and beyond. It’s interesting for families to explore the castle’s history and see historical artifacts.

While not always overtly “kid-focused,” the setting itself and some of the displays can capture a child’s imagination.

Location: Buda Castle, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest

Opening Hours:

• Daily (Mon-Sun): 10 AM – 6 PM.

Entry Tickets:

• Adults: 3,800 Ft.
• Students (6-26) and seniors (62-70): 1,900 Ft.
• Children under 6 and seniors over 70: free.
• Free entry on the last Saturday of the month for children under 18. Budapest Card holders get free entry.

raqpart is an open-air riverside bar located right by the iconic Chain Bridge on the Pest side, offering spectacular views of the

• Danube River,
• Buda Castle, and
• Matthias Church, especially stunning at night.

By day, it’s a laid-back terrace perfect for sunny drinks and relaxation, transforming into a lively club by night with live DJs playing house and electronic music, often attracting a large crowd.

You can enjoy a wide range of drinks, including cocktails, wine spritzers, and “adult lemonades,” along with bar bites like burgers and fish & chips, and even shisha.

Venue:

• raqpart: Jane Haining rkp., Bp 1051 (See on Map)

Pontoon is another exciting outdoor party venue situated on the Danube River in downtown Budapest.

Picture yourself relaxing on a floating platform with the city’s famous skyline all around you.

Enjoy great food, cool drinks, and dance to the latest music vibes.

Address:

• Id. Antall József rkp. 1, Bp 1051 (See on Map)

The Salsa in the Park dance program, which has been a huge success since the summer of 2022, entertains Latin music fans at the Open-Air Stage of the House of Music this year.

The Budapest-based Son tres band which has toured all over Europe will provide the live music.

This a really fun and romantic outdoor program for a sumemr evening!

If you’re into open-air parties, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Budapest Park.

This massive outdoor venue hosts some of the biggest concerts and parties in the city.

From international DJs to live bands, the lineup is always impressive.

The spacious dance floor and the energetic crowd create an electrifying atmosphere that you won’t want to miss.

Address:

• Fábián Juli tér 1, Bp 1095 (View on Map)