Hungary hosts a number of rich and exciting festivals throughout the year from music and dance festivals to culture, arts, gastronomy and more. Holidays and festivals embrace the contrasts of the country itself, visitors to Hungary have the opportunity to experience small village folk and religious celebrations, as well as great international musical and cultural events featuring world-famous artists. See below a guide to festivals and summer events in 2023 in Hungary.
Music Festivals
Balaton Sound (28 June – 1 July)
Balaton Sounds is the largest waterfront festival in Hungary, it is one of the biggest and most colourful outdoor electronic music festivals in Europe, hosting the most famous and exciting DJs. During the day, festival-goers can relax, sunbathe and swim in the lake and at night they can enjoy the music on several stages.
Sziget Festival 30th anniversary (9 – 14 August 2023)
With more than 1,000 performances taking place each year, Sziget is proud to be one of Europe’s largest music festivals – and with household names like David Guetta, Billie Eilish, Florence + the Machine and Imagine Dragons set to grace the Danube’s leafy Óbudai island, 2023 is no exception. Billed as ‘The Island of Freedom’ Sziget will once again take over the entire island for its 30th anniversary this summer, inviting revellers to experience a different side to Budapest. Camping is included in six-day, three-day and consecutive day passes, and the regular free ferry service to and from the island makes Sziget a cost-effective way of combining a long weekend of sightseeing and accommodation with remarkable live music.
Cultural Festivals
Valley of Arts (21 – 30 July)
Művészetek Völgye, or the Valley of Arts is a ten-day, all-arts festival where visitors can enjoy concerts and the beautiful surroundings of Lake Balaton and the Highlands. Instead of built stages, the Valley of Arts transforms the streets, houses and gardens of three villages (Kapolcs, Taligándörögd and Vigántpetend) into concert halls, galleries, theatres and craft centres. Nearly 2,000 programmes will be organised in this special, one-of-a-kind, close to nature festival.
Festival of Folk Arts (18 – 20 August)
Located in Budapest at the Buda Castle and surrounding area, the Festival of Folk Arts is the most anticipated family event of the year, where visitors can admire the handicrafts of artisans as well as try it out themselves. This year’s Festival of Folk Arts will feature nearly 1,000 artisans, hundreds of performers with full days of stage entertainment, craft demonstrations, eating and drinking and folk playhouses. Moreover, this year’s guest of honour is the Republic of Korea, so craftspeople of the country will introduce visitors to calligraphy, temple and folk painting, Korean patchwork, pyrography, ceramics and paper weaving.
Wine & Gastronomy Festivals
Hévíz Wine and Gastro Promenade (17-20 August)
For four days, Hévíz will transform into a heaven for gastronomy and wine lovers, as visitors will be able to taste countless delicacies at Hévíz Wine and Gastro Promenade. Renowned winemakers, Hungarian gastronomic offers combining innovations and traditions, craftsmen, children’s programmes and local and international performers and musicians will entertain visitors during the course of the festival.
Downtown Beer Festival (29 August – 3 September)
At the very end of the summer, the heart of the city of Budapest once again gets filled with the best beers at the Downtown Beer Festival. Ice-cold golden beer, quality street food, warm summer evenings and amazing city night atmosphere. Local breweries and international selections await visitors with more than 250 types of beers and craft specialities next to the building of Parliament.
Hosted Festivals
European Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival (22-25 June)
2023 is the year of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the world-famous motor company, Harley-Davidson. This year, Budapest has the honour to join fans together to celebrate the special event. The European Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival promises to be a unique and thrilling party of multiple dimensions. Get ready for the first-class international live music performances across five stages, motor riding opportunities, stunt shows, open-air cinema, shopping, food, and of course, the unmissable Harley-Davidson Parade.
