Last Updated on 3 October 2025 by ZoliBP
Festivals and Programs in the First Month of Autumn
Picture this: the sun-kissed Danube River, a faint hint of autumn in the air, and the city of Budapest in all its glory. September in Budapest is a magical time, where summer’s warmth mingles with the crispness of fall. The summer holiday is over and the kids are back to school.
The weather is usually still very warm and sunny in September, with daily temperatures in the 20ies (Celsius). Light showers, rainy spells may occur so pack accordingly.
You can choose from many things to do in September in Budapest whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, a foodie, or a nightlife lover.
Let’s see what we recommend!
✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Table of Contents – September in Budapest
Table of Contents
🍻 Beer Festival in Budapest’s City Centre, Sept 02 – 07, 2025
September kicks off with a 6-day beer festival on Liberty Square right in the heart of the city.
So if you want to have a terrific time at a central location with quality beers and food then do drop by this event.
Location:
- Szabadság tér/Liberty Sqr. (View on Google Maps)
Entry:
- Free, but you need to buy a festival glass to taste beers (4 250 HUF) and you pay for the beers, other drinks and food
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 12.00 – 00.00
- Thursday- Saturday: 12.00 – 02.00 am
- Sunday: 12.00 – 00.00
🤔 What Can You Do At The Festival?
- Sample from beers by 250 Hungarian breweries
- Taste the best of local food: Hungarian specialties like lángos and stuffed cabbage as well as quality street food
- Enjoy concerts, mainly by local bands await visitors during the first week of September at Szabadság tér.
The best breweries in the country all in one place for 6 days!
👉 You can find more details – opening hours, program schedule – about the Beer Festival In Budapest City Centre here!
🍷 Wine Festival In Buda Castle, Sept 11 – 14, 2025
Location:
- Buda Castle & Its Terraces
Entry:
- Daily tickets: between 8 900 – 8 900 HUF (depending on the day)
- Included is a crystal tasting glass
- Can be bought online at the organiser’s website or at the venue.
Splendid wines, tasty food, gorgeous venue – an excellent combination for a trully amazing program in Budapest on the second weekend of the month.
Besides top quality local and international wines the 4-day event brings Buda Castle the best champagnes, cavas and crémants. Wine and champagne are best enjoyed with delicious food, and rest assured that you can indulge in it on the festival.
You can also sip the fantastic wines by wine makers of South America.
Gourmet & Street Food At The Wine Fest
Look for the Chef Market Gourmet Food Court where you can meet and taste the creations of Hungary’s top restaurant chefs as well as feast on quality street food by Zing Burger or Pizza me.
👉 Find out more about the programs of the 2025 Wine Festival in Buda Castle!
🚢 Dinner Cruise On The Danube – The Program You Didn’t Know You Needed!
A sightseeing boat tour is no doubt a must-do activity in Budapest, especially on a beautiful early autuman evening when the pleasant temperature ensure that you’ll have a wonderful time and you can enjoy a nice dinner while the setting sun bath the city in striking pastel colours.
On most ships there is an upper, open deck where the view is even more captivating in the cool September breeze.
We offer several Danube cruises with meal and drinks, most of them also have special programs like Hungarian Folk Dance Show or piano performance for a lovely evening.
TIP: Places to dinner cruises usually sell out rather quickly so make sure you secure your place!
Evening Cruise with Folk Show and Dinner
Cruise Starts: 19.00
Duration: 120 min – Price: From €89
🍻 Beer Festival – City Hall Park, September 11- 21, 2025
Celebrate fall with sampling excellent brews on the Beer Festival that welcomes everyone for 10 days right in the city centre in Városháza Park.
Taste the best IPAs, EPAs, APAs, exotic fruit beers, wheat beers and lagers.
Location & Getting There:
- Városháza Par/City Hall Park in downtown, address:
- Getting there: M3 (blue) metro, trams 4 & 6
Admission: FREE
Opening Hours:
- To be Announced Later
Some of the brewers that will be present:
- Cerna Hora beers
- Ferdinand beers
- Litovel beers
- Sümegi Sörfőzde
- Holba (Czech) beers
- Békésszentandrási Sörfőzde
- Kapucinus Sörfőzde
- Pivo
- Black Heaven Barbecue
- Ludas Sörfőzde
- Zsombói Sörfőzde
- Pizz’burger
- Timko Brewing
- Grill Király(Grilled dishes)
- Cseh sörök
- Cheche Burger
- Legenda Sörfőzde
Grilled meats, burgers, snacks to go with the beers!
🍲 Cholent Festival, September 14, Sunday
The 2025 Cholent Festival will take place on Sunday, September 14, in Budapest’s City Hall Park, serving as the opening event for the “Week of Synagogues.”
At this culinary festival, you can taste the iconic Jewish dish, cholent, with thousands of servings available in various versions:
- Hungarian Cholent, Israeli Cholent, Indian Cholent, Fitness Cholent.
What to Expect?
The festival will feature cholent, a unique mixture of
- slow-cooked beans,
- arley, and
- smoked meat, available in several different variations.
Additional Details:
- Opening Hours: 11.00 – 17.00, Sunday, Sept 14th
- Location: City Hall Park, Budapest (View on Google Maps)
- Ticket Prices: According to reports, tickets will cost between 4,000 and 4,500 HUF.
🍔 Food Truck Show & BKK Car-FREE Weekend, Sept 20 – 21, 2025
Location:
- Vámház körút near the Great Market Hall and Liberty Bridge
The best of Hungarian street food and food trucks – 50 altogether – will offer their goodies right in downtown Budapest over the first weekend of October.
Here’s the list who will be present- from American, Mexican, Asian flavours to quick Hungarian bites.
The drink selection will also be ample: craft beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee.
- 2 Tonna Partykonyha
- Belfrit
- Black Heaven
- Burger’M
- Calzo Mio
- Crispy Chips & More
- Crunchy
- GR Gyros
- Karton Bisztró
- Kele Lángos
- Kolbice
- Lassú Disznó
- Mama Earth
- Meraki
- Mexikói Büfé
- Mexkitchen
- NEMO
- Piknik Utczabár
- Pizza Me
- Pizz’Burger
- Pláne
- Raclette by Lili
- Smokey Monkies BBQ
- Szafi
- Szürkeharcsa Halbár
- Tésztafeszítő Kisiparos
- The Grilled Piggy
- ToastWagen
- Tom Yum
- Zabáljcsak!
Sweet treats to choose from: churros, strudel, waffel, pancakes, frozen yogurt.
🚴♂️ Mobility Week – Car-Free Weekend, Sept 20 – 21
This year’s Mobility Week theme is “Mobility for everyone,” encouraging us to build a society where transportation services are accessible, affordable, and safe for all.
Public transport, walking, and cycling should be a fair option for everyone.
The highlight of the Budapest program is the Car-Free Weekend from September 20-21. The event will take place from Kálvin Square to the Buda side of Liberty Bridge and on the Pest lower embankment. You can enjoy a variety of eco-conscious programs, including test rides on sustainable and vintage vehicles.
Samba Music & Dance Parade on the EMBANKMENT, Sept 21, Sunday
Get a taste of some crazy Brazilian Carnival atmosphere right on the Danube riverbank in Pest (See venue on Map!)
On September 21 at 6:30 PM, join the Bloco de Samba Girassol at Jane Haining Rakpart for an hour of samba rhythms, drums, and carnival vibes.
Expect lively music, authentic instruments, and a joyful atmosphere that will make you want to dance along.
It’s free, open to everyone, and a perfect way to experience Budapest in a fun and exciting way!
🛒 Day of Markets/Hello Piac, Erzsébet Sqr, September 20
Address, Getting There:
- Erzsébet tér, district V.
- M1, M2, M3 metros, Deák F. tér station
Opening Hours:
- 11.00 – 19.00
Entry: FREE
If you love vintage style accessories, furniture, textiles head for Erzsébet tér that turns into a vast community market on Saturday, 23. September.
The main objective of the event is to promote high quality handcrafted products made by people with disabilities.
What Can You get at Hello Piac?
You will surely find something exciting among the many items:
- retro-style graphic prints,
- fridge magnets,
- jewelry,
- vintage lamps,
- handmade lace,
- kitchen and garden accessories.
🍺 OktoberFest Budapest, September 26-28, 2025, Oct 03-05
The Oktoberfest Budapest Beer Festival will be held for the 11th time sometime at the last weekend of September – first weekend of October.
The festival will take place in the most beautiful locations in the capital, including
- Fröccsterasz in Elizabeth Square,
- Paulaner Beer Garden on Margaret Island, and the
- Savoyai Terasz in Buda Castle.
Festival Dates in 2025:
- September 26 – 28
- October 03 – 05
🎶 Concerts, Folk Dance Performances
💃 Amazing Folklore Show with Dinner – NEW Venue!
The a spectacular folk revue performance in Budapest’s newest cultural hotspot, Paprika Revue House, is a must-do if you want to dive into Hungarian culture and gastronomy at one place.
Fine local food, hospitality combined with music and dancing at a modern theatre restaurant.
✨ Highlights
- 5-course dinner featuring traditional or modern menus
- Unlimited drinks included in most packages (beer, wine, elderflower syrup/raspberry syrup with water)
- Spectacular costumes, lights, music, and grandiose performances
- Perfect for groups, families, and special celebrations
- Central location in District VII/Old Jewish Quarter (Dob and Síp utca)
Folklore Revue Show with Dinner & Unlimited Drinks
Program Starts: 20.30
Duration: 3 Hours – Price: From €69
Concerts In Matthias Church
Fridays Starting at 19.00/7 pm
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): 40 EUR
- Category B tickets price: 32 EUR
- VIP tickets (at the best spot for the best experience): 48 EUR.
Free cancellation if something comes up and you aren’t able to attend the program.
Organ Concerts In The Basilica
Address:
- Szt. István tér, district V., M3 (blue line) metro Arany János utca station
The grandest church of the city on Szt. István Square is an ideal venue for organ and other classical concerts.
It hosts 70-minute organ recitals every Thursday evening.
Concert Dates in September 2025:
- Sept 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
- Duration: 70 minutes (no break)
Tickets
- 29 – 38 EUR depending on seat category
Good To Know:
The more than 110-year old organ was constructed when the Basilica was finished in 1905.
The lead musician is Miklós Teleki, one of the best organ player in Hungary.
The 70-minute concerts include works by
- Bach,
- Mozart,
- Tommaso Albioni complete with
- Arias and solo pieces.
TIP: 👉 See more organ concerts in Budapest!
Organ & Choir Concerts in the Church of St. Michael
This charming baroque church stands in the famous pedestrian shopping street of the city, Váci utca.
The professional Danube String Orchestra performs here usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 pm.
The program includes Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Mozart: Lacrymosa, Händel: Halleluja, etc.
Dates in September 2025:
- Wednesdays: 3rd, 10th, 17th
- Saturdays: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Address:
- Váci utca 47/b, in Váci Street
Tickets:
- From 54 EUR – Check availability below!
Shopping TIPS
Market at Klauzál Square
Address: Klauzál tér 6., district VII., trams 4 and 6., Király utca stop (View on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 06.30 – 21.00
- Sun: 07.00 – 18.00
To see where and how locals do their everyday shopping drop by the refurbished Klauzál Square Market in the heart of the historic Jewish Quarter.
The market opened at the end of the 19. century roughly at the same time as the famous Great Market at Fővám tér.
It was one of the 5 covered and modern food markets of Budapest at the time, built in the place of a burned down theatre.
It’s less crowded than the Great Market, perhaps not as huge but still a beautiful, airy place where you can shop for local goods and some lángos, the Hungarian street food (try Marika néni Lángos sütője on the gallery).
On the ground floor you’ll find a PrímaPék Cafe & Bakery, a pretty good place for a leisurely pastry + coffee breakfast.
There’s also a
- Boci dairy shop,
- a butcher selling quality Hungarian sausages, salamis and other pork delicacies.
Klauzál market regularly hosts various events, small-scale festivals around major holidays (Easter, Halloween) and special markets during the Christmas/Advent period in December.
🌿 GREEN MARKET Budapest – September 14 (Sunday) at Klauzál Square Market Hall! 🌿
Discover a lively marketplace where sustainability meets creativity. At GREEN MARKET, you’ll find everything from
- Delicious local food and artisan goods to
- Unique vintage fashion,
- Handmade jewelry,
- Eco-friendly products,
- Zero waste alternatives, and natural materials.
GREEN MARKET is not just about shopping – enjoy the lively atmosphere full of colors, flavors, and inspiration, and join workshops and activities throughout the day.
This family-friendly event welcomes kids and pets, too 🐶👶. Entry is free! Come explore, connect, and be part of a community that cares about sustainability and creative solutions for a greener future.
📍 Location:
- Klauzál Square Market Hall (Budapest, District VII, Akácfa u. 42–48.)
⏰ Date & Time:
- September 14, Sunday, 10:00 – 15:00
TIP: 👉 Visit also some great Farmers’ Markets in Budapest!
🎨 Museum Exhibitions in Budapest in September
This month offers a range of great exhibits for both grown ups and kids. The unpredictable fall weather with more and more rainy days makes museum hopping a very tempting way to spend time in Budapest.
Here are our hand-picked recommendations for current temporary and permamnet exhibits.
#1 -📸 World Press Photo Exhibition, Sept 26 – Nov 09, 2025
Experience the power of visual journalism at the World Press Photo Exhibition 2025, arriving in Budapest from 26 September to 9 November 2025. Held at the striking Biodóme of the Budapest Zoo in Városliget (City Park), this traveling showcase brings to life the most compelling and widely acclaimed photojournalism and documentary photography of the year.
Why visit?
- Witness real stories: The exhibition gathers the winners of the 68th annual World Press Photo Contest, selected by an independent jury from more than 60 000 submitted images by 3 500+ photographers across 141 countries
- Reflect on the world: These images offer powerful, intimate glimpses into current events, human experiences, and global issues—designed to make you stop, think, and feel.
- A stop in your Budapest itinerary that offers a global lens – brief but profound.
- Unique venue: the modern steel grid and translucent plastic buidling of the Biodome is an architectural curiosity of Budapest in itself, combined with the press photo exhibiion is great couple-of-hour program.
Location & Practical Info
- Where: Biodóm, located at Állatkerti körút 16, at the far end of the Budapest Zoo (1146 Budapest) Easy to reach via M1 undergound/yellow metro line (Széchenyi fürdő station) and nestled right in City Park.
- Opening Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun: 10:00–18:00 Fri–Sat: 10:00–20:00
- Tickets (available online and at the location): full price: 5 500 HUF, students/seniors: 3 900 HUF
#2 – 🖼 “The Art of Life. Art Nouveau Poster Art and Material Culture in Hungary (1895–1914)”, Till October 05, 2025
The exhibition at the Hungarian National Gallery explores the golden age of Hungarian Art Nouveau poster art and its connection to the material culture of the era.
It features over 200 artworks, including 120 posters by prominent Hungarian artists like József Rippl-Rónai and János Vaszary, as well as masters of the genre like Géza Faragó and Mihály Biró.
The exhibition also includes works by international artists such as
- Alphonse Mucha,
- Gustav Klimt, and
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec to provide a global context.
Visitors can see how these posters, often featuring the Art Nou
veau ideal of the female figure, advertised everything from theaters to commercial products. The display is complemented by period objects like books, ceramics, and furniture.
Location, Opening Hours:
Ground Floor, Hungarian National Gallery (Buda Castle, Szent György tér 2, Bp 1014, See on Map)
Ticket Price:
- 6 400 HUF / 3 200 HUF
- A combined ticket for all exhibitions of the National Gallery, including this one, is available at a discounted price.
TIP: Parisi Courtyard – Historic Sight & Luxury Hotel
Location: Ferenciek tere, district V. downtown, M3 metro (blue line)
The magnificent Parisi Courtyard’s (Párisi Udvar) restoration works have been finished this year to give home Hungary’s first Hyatt Hotel.
The 110-room luxury establishment joined the Unbound Collresturant ection of the international hotel chain.
The historic building functioned as a shopping centre in the early 20. century.
It boasts an amazing glass arcade with a hexagonal dome that have been restored to its original look.
A blend of several architectural styles – Art Deco, Moorish, Venetian – result in a unique sight worth exploring while in Budapest!
The beautiful passge – as well as the hotel’s cafe and restaurant – are open not just for the guests of the hotel but for walk-in visitors, so do include Párisi Udvar in your must-see list!
✅ Quick TIPs – Exploring Budapest Outdoors
Early autumn is my favourite time of the year and I try to spend as many hours outdoors as possible.
This the perfect time to hike in the Buda Hills or just stroll leisurely in the greener neighburhoods of the city.
#1 – Walk In Buda Castle
Start with the classics. Wander around Buda Castle, enjoy the stunning views of the city from up there, and visit the Fishermen’s Bastion for some Instagram-worthy pics.
TIP: Take a look at also our post about the top attractions in Buda Castle District!
#2 – Margaret Island
Rent a bike and pedal around Margaret Island/Margitsziget. It’s like a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Danube River, perfect for a picnic or just chilling by the fountain.
TIP: For an ever more fun try riding on the bringo the island’s charateristic 4-wheel bike.
#3 – City Park (Városliget)
Head over to City Park for a leisurely stroll around the lake, rent a paddleboat, and say hi to the ducks. You can also visit Vajdahunyad Castle, a mock fortress reminiscent of Dracula’s fortress – it’s like a fairytale and houses the Musuem of Agriculture.
#5 – Climb Gellért Hill:
Hike up Gellért Hill, for the best experience, all the way up to the Liberty Statue. Trust me, it’s worth the climb, and it’s a bit less crowded than Buda Castle and offers an incredible view of the city
#6 – Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd):
Take a walk on Liberty Bridge – the green connection between the two city parts -, especially in the evening when it’s beautifully lit up. You might even catch some street performers
#7 – Caving Under Budapest
For something unique, explore the underground caves below Budapest. It’s an adventure you won’t forget!
#8 – Outdoor Baths:
Don’t miss out on Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Széchenyi and Gellért are the most popular therefore most touristy ones. Both have outdoor pools where you can soak and relax. Széchenyi Bath is the largest and you can connect it with visiting the City Park.
TIP: Budapest also known for its Turkish Baths – try one of them for a more distinctive experience.
#9 – Wine Tasting
Hungary is known for its wines and September marks is the start of grape harvest. Consider a wine tour in the Etyek-Buda wine region, just a short drive from the city. Note: The tour includes trnasfer as well as lunch or dinner).
#10 – Hidden Gardens
Seek out Budapest’s secret gardens and less-known green neighbourhoods, like Orczy Garden or Semmelweis Garden. They’re tranquil escapes from the city buzz.
#11 – Bike along the Danube Promenade
Rent a bike and ride along the Danube Promenade, taking in the striking views of the Parliament building and Chain Bridge.
TIP: 🚲 Guided Downtown Budapest Electric Bike Tour
Explore the heart of Budapest on our Guided Downtown Electric Bike Tour. Experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere as you ride through its streets on an electric bike, accompanied by an expert guide.
TIP: 👉 See also what’s on in Budapest in October!
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Budapest in June – August Things to Do – 23. October National Holiday – Halloween Programs Budapest – November Programs – Our Facebook Page
