Sensational 20 August festivities in Hungary: a programme guide

20 August is one of Hungary’s most significant national holidays, celebrated not only in Budapest but also in cities across the country and along Lake Balaton with a wide array of vibrant events. Visitors can enjoy heritage parades, concerts, festivals, and spectacular fireworks—and this year, the magic of the occasion can even be experienced aboard Bahart’s fireworks cruises on the lake. In the capital, many museums will open their doors free of charge.

20 August festivities across the country

As Bors reported, 20 August features a diverse programme of nationwide events offering entertainment for all ages.

In Szeged, Széchenyi Square hosts a two-day 20 August celebration beginning in the morning with health programmes and children’s activities, followed by a formal ceremony and bread blessing in the afternoon. The evening is dedicated to music, with performances by KFT and Útközband, culminating in a fireworks display and dancing that continues until dawn.

In Székesfehérvár, the Royal Days festival highlights Hungary’s founding with a parade of giant historical puppets and a celebratory mass. Later, audiences can enjoy a concert version of Ferenc Erkel’s opera Hunyadi László on the Zichy Stage.

In Debrecen, the highlight is the renowned Flower Carnival, which transforms the city with vibrant parade floats and dancers. The 20 August festive week concludes with a surprise concert.

Mosonmagyaróvár’s St Stephen’s Day events include the Artisan’s Street, an afternoon brass band showcase, and major evening concerts by Ferenc Demjén and the Bagossy Brothers Company.

On the southern shore of Lake Balaton, Balatonboglár offers wine promenades and craft fairs during the day, followed by evening concerts and fireworks as part of the Boglár Harvest Festival.

Fireworks over Lake Balaton

This year, Lake Balaton provides a distinctive vantage point for enjoying the 20 August fireworks. Thanks to Bahart, celebratory cruises will depart from several ports, offering stunning views of the lakeside towns’ firework displays. Departures from Keszthely, Balatonfüred, Siófok, Balatonlelle, and Fonyód include not only the fireworks experience but also a glass of champagne or a soft drink—and, on Chill cruises, a cocktail. From aboard these vessels, spectators can take in the festivities from a truly unique perspective.

Schedule of fireworks cruises

August 19

• From Badacsony Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Füred catamaran departs at 9:30 p.m. to view the Badacsony fireworks.
• From Balatonboglár Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Badacsony catamaran departs at 9:30 p.m. to view the Balatonboglár fireworks.

August 20

• From Keszthely Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Földvár motor ship departs at 8:25 p.m. to view the Keszthely fireworks.
• From Keszthely Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Csongor nostalgia ship departs at 8:30 p.m. to view the Keszthely fireworks.
• From Keszthely Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Helka nostalgia ship departs at 8:35 p.m. to view the Keszthely fireworks.
• From Balatonfüred Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Kelén nostalgia ship departs at 9:30 p.m. to view the Balatonfüred fireworks.
• From Balatonfüred Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Csobánc nostalgia ship departs at 9:45 p.m. to view the Balatonfüred fireworks.
• From Balatonfüred Port: 1.5-hour Chill cruise aboard the Szent Miklós motor ship departs at 9:00 p.m. to view the Balatonfüred fireworks.
• From Balatonföldvár Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Fonyód motor ship departs at 9:00 p.m. to view the Balatonföldvár fireworks.
• From Fonyód Port: 1.5-hour Chill cruise aboard the Tomaj catamaran departs at 9:00 p.m. to view the Fonyód fireworks.
• From Fonyód Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Füred catamaran departs at 9:30 p.m. to view the Fonyód fireworks.
• From Siófok Port: 1.5-hour Chill cruise aboard the Balaton catamaran departs at 9:00 p.m. to view the Siófok fireworks.
• From Siófok Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Jókai nostalgia ship departs at 9:30 p.m. to view the Siófok fireworks.
• From Balatonlelle Port: 1-hour fireworks cruise aboard the Siófok catamaran departs at 8:30 p.m. to view the Balatonlelle fireworks.

Free museum admission in Budapest

As Esti Hírlap reports, 20 August in Budapest is not only about fireworks and festivities—it also offers a wealth of cultural experiences, with many major museums opening their doors to the public free of charge.

Visitors can explore historical exhibitions at the Hungarian National Museum, admire classical and contemporary masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Ludwig Museum.

Other highlights include the impressive dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum and the extensive ethnographic collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Special tours, children’s programmes, and interactive exhibits ensure that the day is memorable and provide a wonderful opportunity to rediscover Hungary’s cultural heritage.

Read also:

• Budapest already closing streets ahead of 20 August celebrations
• Hungary to guest workers: “Where everyone can find a home if they choose us as their home.”

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