Budapest Events

The Margaret Island Theatre is the country’s most highly regarded outdoor summer theatre, located in the heart of Budapest, in the beautiful natural and built environment of Margaret Island, surrounded by the Danube. The Margaret Island Theatre, with the historic Water Tower in the courtyard, is Hungary’s and Budapest’s most renowned summer theatre, offering a rich cultural programme, and is a major tourist draw.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix in July brings high-octane excitement to the city. On Friday, the Formula 1 circus at the Hungaroring begins with the competitors’ free practice. The qualifying race takes place on Saturday and the official race on Sunday. 

The annual Budapest Marathon in autumn totals around 28,000 runners from more than 50 countries. Be part of the race and enjoy the route. From Heroes’ Square, it heads through the middle of the city, along the famous Andràssy Avenue to the Chain Bridge and onwards. After the run, recovery is the order of the day – best in the thermal water of our spa hotels.

The Festival of Folk Art takes place in the Castle District in August. It is devoted to Hungarian culture, folklore and handicrafts. The most well-known of Hungarian artists and artisans exhibit their works and pass on their knowledge in workshops. Learn to embroider, make pottery, weave, forge and carve wood. Folk musicians provide the musical accompaniment to the event.

If you’re a lover of the circus then visit the Budapest Circus Festival in January. Here the greatest international circus artists perform and showcase their artistry. Look forward to seeing acrobats, fire-eaters, clowns and jugglers of the highest quality. The festival takes place in the traditional Budapest Circus, which enchants with its programme throughout the year. It’s also worth a visit, even part from the festival. 

For lovers of opera, theatre and classical music, the Budapest Spring Festival is an absolute must. The festival includes around 200 events in 30 locations: classical and church recitals and concerts, operas and operettas, theatre shows and dance performances. There are also jazz and folk music concerts, film screenings as well as various exhibitions.

Films from 30 countries will entice you to Budapest’s cinemas in October. You’ll be spoiled for choice, as what’s on offer is so varied that it’s virtually impossible to see everything.

The beer flows like water in the middle of June. Taste around 250 different beers at the annual Beer Festival.

The trees and the courtyard of the Kárloyi Palace give these events their particular charm. On Fridays and Saturdays, performances of classical music, dance and theatre take place. The cafés and small bars nearby as well as the tea garden set the culinary scene for atmospheric evenings.

The Sziget Festival is well known beyond the borders of Hungary. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, with many international stars. From hard rock to jazz, every music lover enjoys the festival. Since 1993, it has been held annually in August on Óbudai Island, the northernmost of Budapest's three islands.

The atmospheric Christmas markets, with their colourfully decorated stands, don’t only make children’s eyes light up with excitement. The markets offer natural products, handicrafts and a variety of culinary delights, such as mulled wine, strudel and the much-loved Kütös Kalacs or Langos. There are also exhibitions as well as cultural and music events. Skate on the ice rink and then reward yourself afterwards with a sausage, an absolute essential when it comes to Budapest’s Christmas markets.

Whether it’s a party, 4-course menu, classical concert, opera or a casual seeing in of the new year at one of the clubs – the turn of the year is celebrated in the best of atmospheres. Of course, the obligatory fireworks display at midnight won’t be missing either! The colourful fiery bangers will light up the New Year’s Eve night sky at Vörösmarty, Nyugati and Oktogon Squares. It’s best just to book a New Year’s Eve package at one of our hotels.

A remarkable experience of sound is to be had at Budapest’s New Year’s Concert in the Palace of Arts (Müpa), which has been taking place since 2008. Start the New Year with the sound of Haydn’s “Creation” in this architecturally-charming palace. The concert will take place in the evening. So there’s enough time for you to relax, even if you have celebrated with copious amounts of enthusiasm on New Year’s Eve. Relax your mind and body in the thermal spa in your spa hotel.