21 February: Budapest Opera Ball

The stage and the theatre of the Opera House transforms into Hungary’s biggest and most exclusive ball-room on the last Saturday of the ball season. During the last ten years the elite of Europe have visited the ball, among them the ex-prime minister Mr. Barré and the head of house of Rothschild, Baron Guy de Rothschild.

20 March – 4 April: Budapest Spring Festival

The Budapest Spring Festival is Hungary’s biggest cultural festival. More than 200 events (concerts, open air events, street performances) take place during the last two weeks of March.

July – August: Budapest Music Festival

The Budapest Music Festival takes place in three different parts of Budapest: at the Basilica, at the Opera House and in the Castle district of the city. It offers every type of music from classical to klezmer (Jewish folk music).

24 – 26 July: F1 – Hungaroring

The track Hungaroring (part of the Formula One competition) is situated only 19 km from Budapest. Thanks to its perfect position in a valley, it is possible to see 80% of the race track, no matter where you sit.

12 -17 August: Sziget festival (music festival)

This is one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, offering you more than 1000 concerts and other events during the best week in the summer. The festival takes place on an island on the outskirts of the city. This area of Budapest is transformed into the most heavily trafficed neighbourhood during the festival, thanks to all the visitors.

20 August: Saint Stephen’s Day (the national holiday) and fireworks

The 20th August is the day all the Hungarians are waiting for. Programs such as street festivals, markets, barbecue terraces and different performances start on that day. Later it continues with an airplane show and ends with fireworks. If you don’t want to miss the fireworks, look for a spot along Danube, where a superb view is guaranteed.

22 August: Budapest Parade

Say goodbye to the summer with a giant carnival. More than 60 trucks with mobile scenes drive through the city while around 600.000 visitors follow them around dancing. Become part of the Parade and enjoy the late summer evening.

25 August – 1 September: Jewish summer festival

This festival focuses on traditional Jewish culture. Jewish klezmer music, films, photo and other exhibitions tempt the visitors at the end of the summer.

5 – 9 September: International wine- and grape festival at the Castle

The wine festival has become one of the most popular and most important professional events in Central Europe. It is located in one of Budapest’s most beautiful area – the Castle district which has also been listed as a historical building by Unesco. During the wine festival both Hungarian and foreign wines can be tasted and bought.

24 November – 1 January: Christmas and New Year’s market

In the middle of Vörösmarty Square you can find a cosy, traditional Christmas market with tables loaded with food and mulled wine. Don’t miss the chance to try the roasted chestnuts, it’s something to be tasted and come back for. If you are looking for a unique present from Hungary, the design- and handicraft market is a must for you.

30 December: Budapest Gypsy Orchestra’s yearly concert

Once a year, on the 30th December, the world famous Budapest Gypsy Orchestra gives a magnificent concert in Budapest. The orchestra is unique, since the members are 100 Hungarian gypsies. They combine traditional gypsy and classical music during their evening concert. Tips: reserve your tickets long before, since the concert is extremely popular.

30 - 31 December: Budapest New Year’s Eve in the city

Say farewell to the passing year at one of the three best known squares in Budapest. Three squares, three music styles – everybody finds his way to celebrate the last day of the year.

31 December: New Year’s Eve Ball at the Opera House

If you prefer to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in an amazing cultural milieu, we can recommend the New Year’s Eve Ball at the Opera House. Parts of popular operas and musicals are performed on the stage. To conclude the performance the world famous restaurant Gundel offers a festive dinner.