Planning to attend Budapest’s 20 August celebrations? This year’s event comes with friendly prices – LIST
This year’s St. Stephen’s Day festival in Budapest promises not only spectacular events but also more affordable prices than usual. Organisers aim to make the celebration accessible to everyone, with official vendors offering popular products below standard market rates.
St. Stephen’s Day in Budapest
The official state celebrations, taking place from August 16 to 21, 2025, are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Budapest. During the six-day series of events packed with concerts, exhibitions, and cultural programs, attendees can also enjoy a wide range of culinary offerings at discounted prices—especially at booths marked with the “Szent István Nap” logo.
According to the official price list, here’s what you can expect (for euros, divide the numbers by 400):
- Szentkirályi mineral water (0,5 l): HUF 250
- Pepsi / Pepsi Zero (0,5 l): HUF 420
- Draft Borsodi beer (0,4 l): HUF 380
- Canned Borsodi beer (0,5 l): HUF 430
- Streit-Zágonyi wine (1 dl): HUF 260
- Rézangyal pálinkas (4 cl – sour cherry, Irsai Olivér, black cherry): HUF 850
- Viennese pretzels (100 g – cheesy or seedy): HUF 356
- Cheesy cones (pogácsa) (80 g): HUF 275
- Pirulo ice cream (melon-apple, 73 ml): HUF 420
While prices for mineral water and soft drinks have slightly increased compared to last year (for instance, water is now HUF 50 more, and cola up to HUF 145 pricier), several popular items remain unchanged. A pint of draught beer, for example, still costs just HUF 380, significantly lower than the typical price at Budapest’s bars and restaurants.
Organisers also emphasise that prices include the new DRS deposit refund fee, meaning there’s no extra charge for bottled or canned drinks under Hungary’s updated recycling program.
Europe’s biggest Fireworks Show
Along with its budget-friendly offerings, the festival’s main attraction will once again be the 20 August fireworks display, touted by organisers as the largest of its kind in Europe. According to Index, the 30-minute show will feature 46,000 pyrotechnic effects lighting up Budapest’s skies.
St. Stephen’s Day festivities not only pay tribute to Hungary’s statehood, but also ensure that the spirit of communal celebration is easy on the wallet—right in the heart of the capital, perhaps over a cold pint of beer.
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Featured image: depositphotos.com
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