Browse the best festive programmes in Budapest for 20 August!

On St Stephen’s Day this year, the celebration of the founding of the state, there will be fantastic and special events all over the country. Travelo has put together the best events, concerts, shows and gastronomic fairs in the capital over four days.

We have written an article in which we list five of the best places to celebrate 20 August around Lake Balaton. We have also reported on a series of programmes to participate in over the weekend. In this article, you can find the best festive programmes that will take place in the Hungarian capital. Take your picks and have a wonderful weekend!

The beginning of the festivities

The festivities will begin with a close combat demonstration by the special forces, military police and artillery, and a concert by the military orchestra on Kapisztrán Square. There will be a festive parade from the beginning of Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square, and a St Stephen’s Day Parade, Flag Raising and Officer Inauguration on Kossuth Square.

On the Antall József quay, you can admire the unique Pannonia Ship, built in 1927, which evokes the peaceful times of Danube navigation.

Bread offering and the Cake of the Country

The Hungarian Street of Tastes will be one of the most visited gastronomic events of the year at the Várkert Bazaar, where the Cake of the Country will be presented alongside the St Stephen’s Day Bread. And for street food lovers, there will be the Food Truck Show. The cake of the country in 2022 is the “Huncut Szilva Herceg” (Naughty Plum Prince), the sugar-free cake of the country is called “Nagyi Kedvence” (Grandma’s Favourite).

Festival of Crafts (Mesterségek Ünnepe)

The country’s largest folk art festival is held in Buda Castle with the participation of around a thousand local and foreign craftsmen and -women. This year’s guest of honour will be South Korea, and the festival will focus on crafts related to woodcraft, Travelo reports.

During the Festival of Crafts, the youngest visitors can enjoy children’s activities, folk children’s games and old-time folk games, while adults can enjoy a fashion show, dance hall and folk pub in the civic area of Buda Castle, along the Tóth Árpád promenade, Táncsics Mihály and Tárnok streets and through Szentháromság Square to Dísz Square.

Retro Tabán Festival

The Retro Tabán opens on 18 August and runs until 21 August. It builds on the highly successful and well-attended Tabán Festival.

There will be an exciting musical treat at Tabán, a venue with a decades-long pop-rock tradition. The bands that play here have enjoyed unbroken popularity since the beginning of their careers.

Pop, rock, electro music concerts

The picnic-style Szabadrét Festival will feature electronic music and a great atmosphere. One of the country’s biggest free music events is the popular Utcazene Festival (Street Music Festival), while at the while at the University of Technology quay (Műegyetem rakpart), well-known local rock and pop bands will provide a great atmosphere at the Road Movie Live music events.

Read also: Saint Stephen’s Day celebrations are starting! – here are the programmes

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Gerencsér Dóri (@inlovewjapan) által megosztott bejegyzés

For classical music lovers, there are also great programmes in the Philosopher’s Garde: this year’s Panorama Classical series will again feature the best orchestras and performers from the classical music scene in Hungary, including the Modern Art Orchestra, and there will also be music lessons.

Fashion & Design Festival

Between 19-21 August, you can meet a number of Hungarian designers, craftsmen and gastronomic artisans at Bálna. The artists will also be selling their unique products, be it clothing, jewellery, accessories, interior design, photography or even gastronomic delicacies.

Source: Facebook/Szent István Nap

Art Garden

If you love to read, then drop by Nehru Part in the Art Garden between 19 and 21 August. There, the Musical Book Stage will feature Hungarian classic writers as well as contemporary ones: musicians, poets, writers and actors will perform your favourite literary works. Experience how our literary heritage is alive today, and how the classic meets the contemporary, and the mature worldview meets youthful energy.

Operetta Corso (Operett Korzó)

The 20 August programme in Budapest would not be complete without the Operett Korzó. From 19 to 21 August, the Vigadó Square will be the venue for music, spectacular performances, stunning panoramic views, delicious snacks and refreshments.

Read also: Wanna’ travel? Ryanair offers some very cheap ticktets from Budapest!

Festive fireworks

Source: canva.com

The highlight of the festivities will be the fireworks display, which will take place on Saturday evening, 20 August, from 9:00 PM, as is tradition. The “Play of Fire and Lights” will be complemented by a spectacular drone show, a festive light painting – on the surfaces of the Parliament, the National Gallery and Gellért Hill – which will provide a dazzling experience from Margaret Bridge to Liberty Bridge.