The Best Summer Festivals in Budapest. Budapest may be famous for its snow-capped, winter wonderland landscape, but summer is the season of fun and frivolity in the city. There are few better ways to celebrate the rising temperatures and longer days than a festival or two, and luckily, Budapest has a packed summer events calendar. From music at the Sziget Festival to culture at a short film festival and thrills at the Hungarian Grand Prix, these top festivals in Budapest are sure to make this summer one to remember.
Budapest Summer Festival
Margaret Island Theater is the country’s most exclusive open-air summer theater, located in the heart of Budapest. Running from May till August, The Margaret Island Summer Festival is the country’s longest and most colourful cultural festival, appealing to local and international visitors alike, as well as every age group in the family, with more than 70 programs – mostly its own productions in a wide variety of genres. More information
Location: Margaret Island
Danube Carnival – 7-14 June, 2024
The Carnival is a unique colour patch in the cultural life of Budapest that, while incorporating our homeland’s rich folk dance and music heritage, also brings the most different types of folklore traditions from around the world. The original carnival vibe will evoke to several points of Budapest with the help of national ensembles and music bands as well as guest performers from abroad. More information
Location: Margaret Island Theater, Erzsébetligeti Theater, Vörösmarty Square, Kobuci Kert
Hungarian Grand Prix – 19-21 July, 2024
If you’re the type that finds nothing as heartbreakingly thrilling as the sound of dozens of engines gunning in unison, then there’s nowhere better to be than Budapest at the end of July, when the Hungarian Grand Prix comes to town. One of the highlight races in the annual F1 calendar, this is your chance to see racing world greats compete live. More information
Location: Mogyoród
Sziget Festival – 7-12 August, 2024
The proliferation of summer festivals in Budapest means there’s live music on tap all season long. One of the top draws for audiophiles, both local and visiting, is the Sziget Festival, which can rightly be considered Europe’s answer to Coachella thanks to its top-billed acts, upbeat crowds, artistic side programming and bohemian vibe. More information
Location: Óbudai-sziget
Festival of Folk Arts Budapest – 17-20 August, 2024
A charming showcase of traditional Hungarian craftsmanship, this celebration of folk crafts takes place within the impressive confines of Buda Castle. Expect live music and dancing alongside stalls selling intricate woodcarvings and handmade ceramics. There are also plenty of opportunities to sample authentic Hungarian cuisine as well as locally made wine and spirits. More information
Location: Buda Royal Palace
Beer Festival in Budapest City Center – 28 August – 1 September, 2024
Besides wine celebrated on the numerous wine festivals organized in Budapest throughout the year, beer, especially speciality beer made by small, craft breweries, has become more and more popular in recent years. Good opportunity to taste more than 250 types of beer, from domestic beer specialities to the best international beer selection. More information
Location: Szabadság square
BuSho Film Festival (Budapest Short International Film Festival) – 3-8 September, 2024
Affectionately referred to as BuSho, the Budapest Short International Film Festival is an exploration of contemporary Hungarian culture and combines film screenings with presentations and workshops. Genres range from animation to fiction films and experimental pieces and films are screened with English subtitles. More information
Location: Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Puskin Cinema, Kino Cafe, P’Art Mozi
