Budapest Events

Here are the main Budapest Events that take place through the Calendar year. There is always a lot of things going on in Budapest however here is a snapshot of the main Budapest Events.

Budapest Event Spring Festival

This event began back in 1981 and has become a nationwide celebration of Hungarian culture, talent drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world who appreciative classical, opera and jazz. The Academy of Music and Budapest Convention Centre play host to most of the classical concerts on the programme, opening with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir rendering Wagner and Berlioz. The city resounds with chamber music recitals and church concerts, while opera buffs feast at the State Opera House. Other Hungarian towns and cities where the festival concerts and events are held include Sopron, Szombathely, Pecs and Szentendre.

Venue: Various; Date: 14-30 March 2008; Website: http://www.festivalcity.hu/

Budapest Event : The Fair

This joyful celebration of summer, enjoyed by the people of Budapest was first organised by the city council in 1991 to commemorate the departure of Soviet troops from Hungary. Now it has become defined as one of the most popular and enjoyable events on the city calendar, incorporating a host of free attractions. These include a classical music concert, a summer carnival, a costume contest, jazz concerts in the park and children's entertainment For more information contact the Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht on +36 (0)1 486 3300 or info@festivalcity.hu

Venue: Felvonulási Square, Heroes’ Square, City Park; Date: June 2008, TBC

Budapest Event Hungarian Forumla 1 Grand Prix

One of the most popular meetings on the Formula 1 motor-racing circuit is the Hungarian Grand Prix. World class race drivers pit their wits and skills against each other on the Hungaroring track about 12 miles (20km) from central Budapest.

Venue: Hungaroring Circuit, Mogyorod; Date: 3 August 2008; Website: www.hungaroring.hu/html_e/open_e.htm

Budapest Event Sziget Festival

The green island of Obuda in the Danube River just north of Budapest is the venue each summer for what has become one of the largest open-air rock and pop gatherings in Europe. Thousands gather on the island for a weeklong music extravaganza with more than 1,000 performances across 60 venues. The island is equipped with basic camping facilities and numerous pubs and restaurants, which cause it to become a 'festival city' for the duration of the event. Literary events, classical music, theatre, dance of all genres and art exhibitions also add spice to the happening festival scene which has something to offer all age groups.

Venue: Obuda Island; Date: 12-18 August 2008; Website: www.sziget.hu/festival_english

CELEBRATION OF CRAFTS: FORUM FOR LIVING FOLK ART
Many of the most prominent craftsmen and women in Hungary showcase
their skills in workshops set up throughout the Buda Castle, while visitors
can also take in performances of folk music and dance.
The Feast Day of King St Stephen on 20th August is marked with a procession
of harvesters and the blessing of the new bread, followed by the most amazing firework.
 

MORE INFORMATION:
NESZ (Federation of Craft Associations)
H-1011 Budapest, Szilágyi Dezső tér 6.
Tel.: +36-1/214-3147 Fax: +36-1/214-3523
E-mail: neszfolk@axelero.hu
Web: www.nesz.hu/content/view/257/95/

31st August–7th September : BUDAPEST
JEWISH SUMMER FESTIVAL
A wide-ranging festival that focuses on Jewish culture.
It features a week of books and films, exhibitions and gastronomy events,
as well as those international “languages” of culture – music and dance.
 

MORE INFORMATION:
Jewish Tourism and Cultural Centre
H-1075 Budapest, Síp u. 12.
Tel.: +36-1/343-0420 Fax: +36-1/462-0478
E-mail: zsikk@t-online.hu
Web: http://www.jewishfestival.hu/

10th–14th September BUDAPEST
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
The best wine makers introduce themselves at exhibitions and a fair
organized in the grounds of Buda Castle, and once again there is
the essential wine auction and grape-harvest procession.
The festival also includes cultural programmes, and classical and jazz concerts.

MORE INFORMATION:
Hungarian Grape and Wine Culture Kht.
H-1113 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 152.
Tel.: +36-1/203-8507 Fax: +36-1/204-0053
E-mail: winecult@t-online.hu
Web: http://www.winefestival.hu/

30th September–4th January BUDAPEST
KLIMT AND THE BEGINNING OF THE VIENNESE SECESSION
The exhibition arriving at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest from the Albertina in Vienna wishes to portray the art of these few years. It was not only modern art and the roots of the Viennese Secession that were born in this period as European artists also started to develop ties and thus mutually influence one another at this time.

MORE INFORMATION:
Museum of Fine Arts Budapest
H-1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41.
Tel.: +36-1/469-7137 Fax: +36-1/469-7171
E-mail: info@szepmuveszeti.hu
Web: http://www.szepmuveszeti.hu/

23rd November–29th December BUDAPEST 
BUDAPEST CHRISTMAS
Folk and applied artists sell their wares, made exclusively from natural materials,
 in Vörösmarty Square. Browse the stalls and enjoy a cup of two of steaming mulled wine.

MORE INFORMATION:
V.I.P. Arts Management Kft.
H-1065 Budapest, Hajós u. 13–15.
Tel.: +36-1/302-4290, Fax.: +36-1/332-4816
E-mail: viparts@viparts.hu
Web: www.viparts.hu/english/index.html
 

31st December BUDAPEST

 “NEW YEAR’S EVE” GALA AND BALL IN THE OPERA HOUSE
Prominent artists of the Hungarian State Opera House and
foreign star guests perform in this gala concert staged
in one of Europe’s most attractive buildings. The festive supper is prepared
by chefs from the internationally renowned Gundel Restaurant,
and is followed by a New Year ball that lasts until dawn.

MORE INFORMATION:
BTH Budapesti Turisztikai Szolgáltató Kht.
H-1056 Budapest, Március 15. tér 7.
Tel.: +36-1/266-0479 Fax: +36-1/266-7477
E-mail: info@budapestinfo.hu
Web: www.budapestinfo.hu/en