11 Must-See Festivals in Budapest

Nestled along the stunning Danube, Budapest is an ideal location for festivals, and the city knows how to put on a spectacular show.

Almost every month, Budapest plays host to a variety of events, celebrating everything from food and drink to music, dance, and the arts.

If you’re looking to join in the fun, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most exciting festivals happening in Budapest throughout the year.

Rosalia Festival

Every year in May, Budapest kicks off the summer season with the Rosalia Festival, a weekend event full of wine and fun.

Organized by the same team behind the September Wine Festival, the Rosalia Festival is Hungary's only event devoted entirely to rosé wine, champagne, and sparkling wines.

Spanning three days, the festival features a Rosé Garden, tastings, jazz performances, Hungarian food stalls, and activities for children.

Dates: May 31 - June 2, 2019

Rosalia Festival, Budapest, City Park, 1146 Hungary; +36 1 203 8507

Sziget Festival

For over 25 years, the week-long Sziget Festival has taken over Óbudai-sziget, an island in the Danube, every August, featuring more than 1,000 performers and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe.

As one of Europe's largest music festivals, Sziget Festival draws top artists, including 2019 headliners Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran.

Festival-goers enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as dance artists deliver dramatic performances, and many take a dip in the Danube at the sandy beach.

Dates: August 1 to 13, 2019

Sziget Festival, Hajógyári Island, Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Summer Festival

Taking place in June, July, and August, the Budapest Summer Festival brings world-renowned classical musicians and ballet performers to Margaret Island, right in the heart of Budapest.

The festival features a diverse lineup of opera, ballet, and classical music, with some jazz and pop performances mixed in. Most events are held at the scenic Margaret Island Open-Air Stage.

Be sure to catch performances at the open-air stage, set against the backdrop of Margaret Island’s historic water tower.

Dates: June through September

Budapest Summer Festivals, Open-Air Theatre, 1122 Budapest, Városmajor; +36 1 375-5922

Budapest Christmas Markets

Prepare to be enchanted by Budapest’s annual Advent Christmas fair, held in the square in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

From late November to early January, the area is alive with market stalls offering trinkets, toys, handmade crafts, and an abundance of delicious Hungarian food and drinks.

Visitors on Sundays can witness the Advent candles being lit, a cherished tradition.

To complete the festive atmosphere, a charming ice rink sits at the heart of the market, adding a magical touch to the holiday season.

For even more holiday delights, head to Vorosmarty Square, where the city's main Christmas market is hosted.

With over 100 stalls offering gifts and food, all carefully curated by a jury, the market ensures top-quality products.

St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market, Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051. Dates: November 23, 2018 - January 1, 2019.

Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Budapest Vörösmarty tér, 1051. Dates: November 9, 2018 - January 1, 2019.

Budapest Wine Festival

Every September, Buda Castle transforms into a vibrant, sun-soaked celebration as numerous wine producers showcase their latest vintages, all in a laid-back yet festive atmosphere.

Purchase a glass and tour the stalls for tastings, enjoying Hungarian snacks along the way.

Four stages of music and entertainment rotate throughout the four-day festival, with a special Harvest Parade around Buda Castle that celebrates folk music and dance.

Dates: September 5 - 8, 2019

Budapest Wine Festival, Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014

Budapest Fish Festival

During winter, Hungarians warm up with halászlé, a fiery fisherman’s soup packed with paprika and river fish.

In early March, many flock to the three-day Budapest Fish Festival to savor this spicy dish alongside a variety of other fish dishes.

Heroes’ Square hosts cooking competitions, wine tastings, folk music, family-friendly activities, and a myriad of food stalls offering mouthwatering dishes.

Dates: March 2 - 4, 2019

Budapest Fish Festival, Heroes' Square, Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146

Danube Carnival

Throughout June, the Margaret Island Open-Air Stage and various other outdoor venues along the Danube come alive with vibrant folk dances during this week-long celebration.

Hundreds of international dancers and musicians bring their unique cultural performances to blend with Hungary’s traditional styles at this annual festival.

One of the main attractions of the carnival is the Parade along the Danube Promenade, leading to Vörösmarty Square.

Dates: To be confirmed

Danube Carnival, +36-20-314-2062

Festival of Folk Arts

Each August, Buda Castle hosts a three-day celebration of Hungarian craftsmanship, with artisans from across the country showcasing centuries-old traditions.

Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops and watch master craftsmen demonstrate their skills in spinning, weaving, carving, and painting, passed down through generations.

The festival features vibrant folk dances, live performances, and an abundance of food stalls serving delicious traditional Hungarian dishes and drinks.

Held alongside the St. Stephen's Day festivities from August 20, the event offers visitors the chance to enjoy food markets along the Danube, concerts, and breathtaking fireworks displays.

Dates: August 18 to 21, 2019

Festival of Folk Arts, Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary

Palinka and Sausage Festival

As the chill of October sets in, it's time to indulge in Hungary's famous brandy, palinka, to warm up the soul.

The Palinka and Sausage Festival, held in the scenic Castle Hill for three days every October, features a selection of local palinka distillers and the finest sausages from the region, making it the perfect autumn treat.

Stroll through the festival’s stalls to sample a wide variety of palinka flavors, a unique and quirky way to enjoy Hungarian culinary culture.

Dates: October 2 to 4, 2019

Palinka and Sausage Festival, Castle Hill, Budapest

The Budapest Spring Festival brings an array of vibrant live performances, from music to dance and theatre, at various venues across the city.

The Budapest Spring Festival in April is another major event on the city's already packed cultural calendar, celebrating music and the arts across the city.

Over a 17-day period, the city hosts a series of classical music concerts at various venues, attracting music lovers from all over.

Alongside the music, the Budapest Art Week runs in parallel, offering a rich program of workshops, film screenings, and art exhibitions at nearly 70 locations throughout the city.

Dates: April 5 to 22, 2019

Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest

Downtown Beer Festival

While Hungarian wine and palinka have traditionally been in the spotlight, the country is now witnessing a growing beer revolution.

Over three days in June, more than 60 microbreweries from all over Hungary gather in City Park, showcasing their newest brews and innovative flavors.

Attendees have the chance to sample beers from guest breweries representing Bavaria and the Czech Republic, along with delicious offerings from the street food market.

Dates: To be confirmed

Downtown Beer Festival, City Park, Budapest, Kós Károly stny., 1146 Hungary