Budapest Events

Locals’ Guide to Budapest Events: A Year-round Celebration of Culture, Music, Food, and Fun

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively cultural scene.

Our city is a popular destination for travelers from around the world who come to enjoy the city’s many festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

Let us guide you through the top Budapest events that take place throughout the year. We’ll also give you some tips on the best time to visit for events, and find some family-friendly and free programs that are perfect for those traveling on a budget.

Budapest Events Calendar: A Year-round Celebration

Budapest is a city that loves to celebrate, and there is always something happening throughout the year.

From music festivals and art exhibitions to food fairs and cultural events, there is something for everyone in Budapest.

Here are some of the top events that take place throughout the year:

Budapest Events
Budapest Events Calendar

Upcoming Budapest Summer Events & Festivals – Don’t Miss Out!

If you are planning a trip to Budapest and want to make the most of your visit, here are some upcoming events that you won’t want to miss:

August is the busiest month regarding festivals, concerts, and outdoor programs. TIP: See our detailed list of events and things to do suggestions in Budapest in August 2023!

  • The biggest event of this summer in Budapest is the World Athletics Championship between August 19 – 27. A spanking new, ultra-modern Athletic Stadium in southern Pest gives home to the series of sport events.
  • Sziget Festival: The Sziget Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Europe and takes place in August. Each year the festival features an impressive lineup of international and Hungarian musicians, as well as theater performances, art exhibitions, and sporting events.
  • Budapest Beer Festival: The Beer Festival in downtown Budapest is held annually at the end of August, and it is a celebration of Hungarian beer culture. You can taste a variety of local beers, learn about brewing techniques, and enjoy live music and dance performances. In addition to the beer tastings, visitors can sample local foods and participate in workshops and seminars on beer and food pairing.
  • Festival Of Folk Arts: The 3-day event held in Buda Castle in August is a celebration of traditional folk craft and art. The festival brings together folk artists from all over the world to showcase their work. Visitors can take part in workshops, and learn about the richness and diversity of traditional fok cultures from around the world. A plus point that there is always tasty local food at the festival.
  • St. Stephen’s Day on August 20.: The biggest national holiday of Hungary offers great many programs ranging from Air Show over the Danube, a foodie festival called Street Of Hungarian Flavours, free concerts at various locations. The day ends with an amazing Fireworks Show starting at 21.00/9 pm.

Related Posts: Find out what are the best summer things to do in Budapest!

TIP: See also our guide to what to do and see in Budapest in 3 days

A couple of loaves of bread cross tied with ribbon in the Hungarian national tricolor
August 20th-St. Stephen’s Day 2023

Top Programs In Budapest Recommended For Tourists August 20. is Hungary’s most prominent Natio…

son eating his ham and corn pizza and me having a langos on a river cruise in Budapest
Had A Great Time On The Street Food Cruise with Pizza or Lángos & Drinks In Budapest🍕🍺!

Street Food & Light Party Atmosphere On A 85-Min Danube Boat Tour🚢😊 As locals living in Budapest…

budapest fireworks event featured
Budapest Fireworks Cruise with Dinner/Drinks

Watch The Show From A Boat on the Danube! Date & Time: 20. August, 2023, 18.00 – 22.30 Loc…

A young male chef in white cap roasting sausages in a giant pan on the outdoor Hungarian Flavours sfestival
Street of Hungarian Flavours 2023

Date: August 18 -20, 2023 Location: Castle Bazaar & Garden, Lánchíd u. 15, Budapest1013 The Stre…

sziget festival event featured
Sziget Festival, 05-10. August 2023

Date: 05 – 10. August 2023 Location: Hajógyári-sziget (a former shipyard), Óbuda, III. Distric…

budapest beer festival featured
Beer Festival in Budapest City Center 2023

Taste Great Beers by Large Beer Makers, and Smaller Artisan Breweries! Date: 29. August – 03. …

Budapest In Spring

The Hungarian capital is most charming in spring. The warm, sunny weather and less tourists compared to summer make spring and ideal time to visit.

A range of exciting events and festivals are held in spring especially around Easter.

  • Budapest Spring Festival: The Budapest Spring Festival is one of the city’s largest cultural events and takes place in April. The festival features classical music concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions.
may events
May Day in Budapest

Festivals, Things to Do Recommendations, 1st May/Labor Day May Day in Budapest used to be a major ho…

march15 featured
15th March-Revolution Day: Programs in Budapest, 2023

National Holiday in Hungary On 15th March Hungarians commemorate the Revolution and the following Wa…

spring festival featured
Budapest Spring Festival (Budapesti Tavaszi Fesztivál)

Date is Not Official Yet! Spring Festivities with A Wide Range of Cultural Programs The Budapest Spr…

easter fair budapest featured
Spring & Easter Market in Budapest

Date: 24. March – 11. April 2023 Location I: Vörösmarty Tér Location II: Deák Ferenc Tér &…

hungarian easter eggs featured
Easter in Budapest (Húsvét)

Events, Festivals, Things To Do Around Easter Date: 09 – 11. April 2023 Location: Various Venu…

book festival featured
International Book Festival Budapest

Date is Not Official Yet! Venue: Millenáris, Kis Rókus u. 16-20., Buda, district II., tram 6/M2 (red…

Autumn In Budapest

As the leaves on the trees are slowly turning to all shades of yellow and burnt orange Budapest doesn’t stop to take a breath after the buzzing summer months.

September and October are still very much busy months in terms of festivals, concerts, cultural and foodie programs.

After spring autumn is the other best season to arrange a city break to Budapest. The weather is usually still favourable for exploring the sights on foot or bicycle, the days are still long, the nights pleasantly warm to have a great time in the city.

christmas fair food budapest featured
Christmas Fair & Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Sqr.

Date: November 17, 2023 – January 01, 2024 Location: Vörösmarty Square Visit the Budapest Chri…

OktoberFest Budapest
OktoberFest Budapest

A Beer Festival with Family Programs – FREE Entry Dates: Sept 29 – Oct 01 & Oct 06 &…

Sweet day
Sweet Days Budapest Festival

Date: September 22-24, 2023 Location: Szent István Square, in front of the Basilica, and Zrínyi Stre…

Wine Festival in Buda Castle
Wine Festival In Budapest Castle

Date: September 07-10, 2023 Location: Buda Castle The Budapest Wine Festival is a great opportunity …

obuda advent featured
Advent in Óbuda

Christmas Festival on Fő tér (Main Square) The Main Square and the neighbouring area of Óbuda hosts …

winter festival varoshaza park featured
Advent Festival in Budapest Városháza Park, Downtown

A charming winter and Advent festival await visitors in Budapest’s city centre in Városháza/To…

Winter In Budapest

Our city doesn’t sleep in winter. On the contrary, it is buzzing with winter festivals and Christmas Fairs.

  • Christmas Markets: From mid-November to early January, Budapest is transformed into a winter wonderland with several Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. The markets offer a range of traditional Hungarian food and drink, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Budapest is known for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display. You can enjoy the fireworks from various locations in the city, including the Danube River banks and hilltop locations.
christmas eve cruise featured
Christmas Eve Cruise Budapest With Dinner & Live Music 2023

Take a wonderful Christmas Eve cruise on the Danube in Budapest and enjoy a four-course dinner, live…

europa party ship budapest featured
Budapest: New Year’s Eve Party Cruises 2023/24

5-Course Gala Dinner or 5 Cocktails or Dinner & Unlimited Drinks Budapest New Year’s Eve P…

christmas market basilica featured 1
Christmas Market By Budapest Basilica

Europe’s Most Beautiful Advent Fair & Winter Festival The Christmas Market and Advent Feas…

christmas fair food budapest featured
Christmas Fair & Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Sqr.

Date: November 17, 2023 – January 01, 2024 Location: Vörösmarty Square Visit the Budapest Chri…

valentine s day deatured
Valentine’s Day Budapest

Program Tips for a Romantic Day Valentine’s day in Budapest (Bálint nap in Hungarian tradition…

100gipsy event featured
New Year Concert of the 100 Member Gipsy Orchestra

Music and Wine See the famous Hundred Member Gipsy Orchestra perform live in the Budapest Congress C…

Best Time to Visit Budapest for Events

Budapest offers events and festivals throughout the year, but the best time to visit really depends on what you are looking for.

If you are interested in winter events, like Budapest’s handful of Christmas Markets then the months of November to January are the best time to visit.

If you are a music lover, then August is the best time to visit for the Sziget Festival.

young people having fun on sziget festival

If you prefer warmer weather and outdoor events, then the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit.

For culture lovers, we recommend the Budapest Spring Festival in April or the is the perfect time to visit.

Budapest spring festival

Family-Friendly and Free Events in Budapest

Traveling with a family or on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun in Budapest. There are plenty of family-friendly and free events that you can enjoy during your visit to the city.

Here are some of the best options:

  • Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden: The Zoo is a popular attraction for families and is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. The zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, including animal shows and feeding sessions.
  • Children’s Railway: The Budapest Children’s Railway is a unique attraction that allows kids to operate a real railway line under adult supervision. The railway operates from March to November and you can enjoy nature and amazing panorama on the hilly ride in Buda.
  • Free Walking Tours (Tip-Based): Budapest offers several free walking tours that are perfect for those traveling on a budget. The tours cover a range of topics, including the history of Budapest, the Jewish Quarter, and street art. Note: It’s customary, but not compulsory, to give a tip the at the end of these free tours, an amount that you think it was worth to you.
  • Free /Budget-Friendly Concerts: Budapest looks back to rich music traditions and our city hosts many concerts throughout the year like classical music performances at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, jazz concerts at the Budapest Jazz Club or free mini-concerts in summer at some presitigious venues.
girl feeding lemur in budapest zoo

Conclusion

Budapest is a city that truly comes alive through its events and festivals. Whether you are interested in music, food, culture, or history, there is always something happening in Budapest. That will capture your imagination.

From the winter wonderland of the Christmas markets to the summer music festival of Sziget, Budapest is a city that offers a year-round celebration of all things wonderful.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of Budapest. With so many events and festivals to choose from, there has never been a better time to visit this amazing city.

See also our Facebook page, for fresh news.