Things to Do in Budapest in August 2016

Budapest Event Guide August 2016

Summer is ending soon but still there are plenty of things to do in Budapest in August. Check out our Budapest Events Calendar for August to find top concerts, attractions, sports, and other things to do during this last month of summer in Budapest.

Sziget Festival Budapest

When: August 10-17, 2016

Where: Hajógyári Sziget(island)- Óbuda District

Finally, Sziget Festival’s version 2016 is here, one of the largest cultural and musical events in Europe. Obudai Sziget is getting ready to receive and entertain thousands of participants from all over the globe.

xSzigetFestival.jpg.pagespeed.ic.eIiylTs6j-The Sziget Festival is not only about music, there are lots of cultural programs you can enjoy and take part during the whole week. Budapest is proud of its Sziget Festival, an event of friendship and cultural diversity to enjoy and have fun.

This year the Sziget is celebrating its 23nd anniversary so everyone is expecting a superb festival. Some of the announced bands are RIHANNA, MUSE, DAVID GUETTA, SIA, MANU CHAO LA VENTURA, HARDWELL, THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, BASTILLE, NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS, SIGUR RÓS, THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS, JOHN NEWMAN…

Check the Sziget Festival website for detailed information and full list of artists.


August 20th Fireworks and Dinner and Cruise on the Danube

When: August 20, 2016.

Where: Budapest (various locations)

August 20 is the most important National Holiday in Hungary. On this day, Hungarians Celebrate the foundation of the Hungarian Nation. August 20 is also known as St Stephen’s Day in honor of King Stephen, the first Hungarian King and the responsible of uniting Hungary’s territory in only one country.

Celebrations will start at 8:30 am in various venues and will continue throughout the day until 9 pm when spectacular fireworks will be displayed over the Danube River from different spots such as the Elizabeth Bridge.

A great way to spend the night during the 20th of August’s celebration is having dinner on a cruise across the Danube while admiring the stunning night views of Budapest and the traditional colorful fireworks that close the celebration. I assure you will have an unforgettable evening!

For detailed information : on the river cruise, dinner and fireworks event on the Danube check the Dinner Cruise website.

Kossuth Tér and Heroes’ Square will host military ceremonies as well as traditional celebrations related to the new bread and first harvest (bread tasting and national birthday cake contest).

The Buda Castle is also celebrating during this weekend the Festival of Folk Arts and the Basilica Square will host a procession of St Stephen’s Holy Right Hand.


Budapest Summer Festival at Margaret Island and Varosmajor Open Air Stage

When: June 10 – August 30, 2016

Where: Margaret Island Open Air Stage and Varosmajor Oper Air Stage

The Budapest Summer Festival is the city’s most important musical event of the season and one of the festivals that offers the best variety of things to do in Budapest in July and August.

summer fest

Budapest Summer Festival offers high quality folk, jazz and world music performances as well as renowned operas during the month of July and August.

-The Budapest Summer Festival opens on June 10th with the opening concert of the National Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Chinese pianist Yuja Wang, and conducted by Zoltán Kocsis. The two Verdi opera presentations and the opera gala world premier offer classical movie lovers a true delicacy. A new production of Traviata by Ferenc Anger will be performed on June 24th and 26th with Erika Miklósa and Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti in the leading role. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and chorus will be conducted by Domonkos Héja. The open-air performances of Othello can be viewed on July 29 and 31 with Andrea Rost in the role of Desdemona, and American tenor, Marc Heller in the title role. The Opera’s orchestra will be led by internationally acclaimed conductor Gergely Madaras. The anticipated sensation, Three tenors on Margaret Island opera gala will be performed on July 22nd. The popular concert-show tradition was renewed at its world premiere by three young star tenors who have already proven themselves on international stages. American James Valenti and French Sébastien Guéze vie for the audience’s favor with the most romantic melodies in opera literature in cooperation with the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Péter Halász. Evita, the world classic Webber musical, which brings to life the legendary Eva Peron awaits musical lovers on July 8th and 10th. Following the highly successful guest appearance with Hamlet, and linked to the 2016 Shakespeare year, the London Shakespeare’s Globe will revisit Margaret Island this time with a performance of the Two Gentlemen of Verona. Romeo and Juliet, the playwright’s most beautiful love story, can be seen in a performance by Europe’s preeminent classical ballet company’s the Monte Carlo Ballet on August 5th. The excellent company will perform director Jean-Christophe Maillot’s choreography to Prokofiev’s music. A Stacey Kent concert will delight fans of jazz and easy listening music on June 12th. The American jazz diva returns to Budapest with a big band line-up to thrill the audience with romantic melodies.

Budapest Summer Festival offers high quality folk, jazz and world music performances as well as renowned operas during the month of June until the beginning of September.

More information:Check the Budapest Summer Festival website for detailed information on performances and tickets.


 

Classical Music Concerts at Budapest Basilica

When: Every Tuesday and Sunday of August, 2016. 8:00 pm.

Where: St. Stephen’s Basilica

Cost: 42-49 Euro

xBudapestBasilicaConcerts.jpg.pagespeed.ic.c5UrjENfP9Saint Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most stunning neo Classical buildings of Budapest.

Its great acoustics makes it the perfect place to enjoy a series of beautiful classical music concerts where the organ and the flute are the main players together with outstanding performers.

How to get there: The best way to get the Basilica of Budapest is taking Blue Metro Line 3 and getting off at Arány János station.

More information: Check the St. Stephen’s Basilica Concerts site for detailed information on dates, concerts and prices.

Classical music and architecture lovers would be delighted with a concert in the Matthias Church in the historical castle quarter of Budapest.


WAMP Arts and Crafts Festival

When: August 7, 2016.

Where: Erzsebet Tér (in front of Deák Tér metro station)

ArtsandCraftsBudapestWAMP is a local design festival that takes place at least once a month, usually on Sundays where young Hungarian designers and craftsmen exhibit their creations. This is the perfect place to get to know Hungarian Fashion, emerging Hungarian designers and to buy unique colorful and authentic gifts.

If you happen to be in Budapest at this time, don’t miss this festival! Take advantage of this fair to look for unique souvenirs for relatives and friends..

How to get there: The best way to get to WAMP in Erzsebet tér is taking Blue Metro Line (M3) and getting off at Deák tér station Erzsebet tér is just in front of Deák tér.


Sail along the Danube

When: From April to September

Where: Romai Part, Budapest III district.

xkajakonDanube.jpg.pagespeed.ic.QrFsHqsm0WRomai Part is a charming riverbank in Budapest’s District III. It is a popular place for dining, strolling around, riding your bicycle, renting a kayak or a boat and sailing along the Danube. There are lots of terrace restaurants where in summer locals enjoy the cool breezes of the Danube as well as Hungarian summer delicacies such as langos (fried dough with toppings), palacsinta (pankakes) and fried fish (hake). If you are willing to spend an afternoon as a local and with locals, come to Romai Part.

How to get there: take the HÉV train from Batthyány tér and get off at Római Fürdő station. Walk to the riverbank.

Alternatively, you can go by boat, public boats operate from April to October, you can take the boat at Batthyányi tér dock and get off at Romai Fűrdő dock. To get back to the city check the timetable at Romai Fűrdő dock.


Gouba Bazaar – Art Street Market

When: Every Sunday of August, 2016 10 am- 7 pm

Where: Gozsdu udvar. VI District. Király utca 13

Entrance: Free

GoubaArtMarketGouba is a Sunday street market where you can find interesting, colorful, creative and fun arts, crafts, books, antiques and gastronomy. From Spring to the end of Autumn this is the place where every Sunday young Hungarian musicians, ceramists, painters, jewelers and artists in general exhibit their own creations.

The bazaar takes place at Gozsdu Udvar, a beautifully renovated courtyard on Király utca (Budapest Jewish Quarter). If you are looking for something fun to do on Sundays, Gouba bazaar is the place to be.


Budapest Palace of Arts

When: August 2016.

Where: Komor Marcell u. 1, Budapest IX District

xPalaceofArtsofBudapest.jpg.pagespeed.ic.f1R-zwJkfcThe Budapest Palace of Arts offers an amazing variety of cultural events all year round. Musical concerts from diverse genres, opera, dance performances, art exhibitions and art workshops among many other kind of events take place in the Palace of Arts.

If you are interested in any type of art, visit Budapest’s Palace of Arts and enjoy Hungarian’s rich cultural life.This is truly one of the things to do in Budapest in May you shouldn’t miss.

How to get there: The best way to get the Palace of Arts is taking tram number 2 and getting off at Közvágohíd (Millenium Kulturalís Központ)

More information: Check Palace Arts Events for detailed information on current programs.


Travel by Boat as a Local

If you want to enjoy a ferry ride along the Danube, just the way locals do, take one of the ferries that run from Petőfi bridge (Boraros tér dock) to Romaifűrdő dock.

xDanubeBoatTrip.jpg.pagespeed.ic.iEjLwoGy9vThis is a very nice tour that covers the lenght of the city and costs you a little bit more than a metro single ticket, all depends on where you get on and you want to get to.

There are stops at A38 boat, Batthyányi Tér and Jászai Mari tér where you can get on and there is also a stop at the Margaret island where you can get off and look around if you wish.

I recommend you take the ferry at Petőfi tér or at A38 boat then you will have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures of the Chain Bridge, the Buda Castle and the Parliament. Get off at Romaifüdö stop, stroll around. Here, the ferry turns back and takes you all the way back.

Download the timetable of the ferries for detailed information on where to board, prices and times.

Tickets are sold on board.

More information: Check the Hungarian Public Transportation website for detailed timetable and prices.


Festival of Folk Arts, Buda Castle

When: August 18-21, 2016

Where: Buda Castle

The third weekend of August the most talented craftsmen from all over Hungary meet in the Buda Castle to exhibit, share and show how they keep alive their folk art work and traditions.

This festival is the most authentic exhibition of Hungarian folk art culture featuring interactive crafts workshops, Folk music performers, traditional Hungarian dance shows, traditional Hungarian gastronomy and wine tasting stands are just some of the many activities you can take part in the Festival.

Several kinds of craftsmen such as woodcarvers, matmakers, calicomakers, feltmakers, embroiderers, wheelwrights, ropemakers, smiths, potters, musical instrumentmakers, harnessmakers, weavers, lacemakers, eggpainters and honey cake makers will be present showing the secrets of their arts while working in their workshops. Visitors will be invited to take part and share these interesting traditions.

On August 20th, there will be a march of craftsmen and the Blessing of New Bread will take place for the celebration of Saint Stephen’s Day.


Dinning Cruise with Live Music

When: Every day in August, 2016

Where: Meeting Point. Danube Palace, Zrinyi u. 5.

A romantic dinner cruise with live music on the river Danube is a wonderful thing to do in Budapest in April. These cruises offer a great 4 meal course of traditional Hungarian food created by the well known Hungarian chef, Klöter Gregor-Grex.

xdanubedinnercruisebudapest.jpg.pagespeed.ic.szBK-mbCNjThe musicians, members of the Rajko Orchestra, as well as the famous violinist Zsigmond Vidák entertain guests with melodies of classical and traditional Hungarian music as they witness fabulous night views of Budapest at the background.

Do not miss the opportunity to get enchanted by the spectacular night views of Budapest world cultural heritage panorama. From a river tour like this, you see Budapest from a different perspective: the illumined bridges, the Parliament,the Buda Castle and Citadella are simply stunning at night.

More information: Check the Dinner Cruise Website for detailed information on dates, menu and prices.


Spa Party Nights at Szecska – Szechényi Bath

When: Every Saturday in August 2016 from 10:30 pm – 3:00 am

Where: Szechényi Baths- District XIV Állatkerti körút – City Park.

Price: 7000 ft/22 Euro.

xBudapestRudasBath.jpg.pagespeed.ic.s_mMqc7TMySzecska is a late night music spa experience that has been created by Intersputnik in association with Széchenyi Baths for everyone to have a unique summer Saturday night out at this great venue.

Szecska intends to offer an awesome atmosphere with great music, Funky, Dance, House and Electronic music under the moon light or under the rain.

Szecska’s party nights promise to be one of a kind, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy great live DJ music, tasty drinks and this great venue at night, all in one.

Wearing a swimming suit is compulsory.

More information: Check the Szecsenyi Bath website for detailed information in tickets.


Buda Hills by Budapest Chair Lift

When: August 2016

Where: Zugligeti út 97.

János Hégy is a wonderful place located in one of the most beautiful areas of Buda Hills from where you can admire the entire city of Budapest.

You can reach János Hill by chairlift (libegő).

The ride takes about 15 minutes through a leafy green forest with fantastic views of surrounding neighborhoods and Budapest.

JanosHillLookOutBudapestJános hegy is the highest point in the Buda Hills where you can walk up to Elizabeth lookout and enjoy 350°breathtaking views of the city and surroundings, have a relaxed walk or even take a ride back to the city on the children railway.

The chairlift to János hegy (John’s hill) works daily from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm Monday to Sundays and Public Holidays.

The chairlift runs depending on weather conditions (It doesn’t operate on windy, stormy, foggy or rainy weather) To make sure that the chairlift is on service on the day you plan to go, call the number + 36 1 258 4636.

Cost: 1,000 ft per adult per one ride. And 600 ft per child per ride.

Return Ticket: 1,400 ft for adults and 800 ft for children. Children under 3 years old can travel free of charge.

How to get there: The easiest way to get to Zugligeti Libegő station is to take bus number 291 at Nyugati Station, get off at the last stop and walk up about 200 mt. On the right side you will find the Zugligeti Libegő station (Next to Zugligeti campsite where there is a yellow tram car that works as a campsite shop).

More information: Check this PDF in the Hungarian Public Transport Website for a detailed map on how to get there, prices and opening hours.


Quick Links:

Budapest Events Calendar:

January l February l March l April l May l June l July l August l September l October l November l December


Do you have any question about any event or anything related to your trip to Budapest? Let me know! I will be happy to help you!


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