Budapest beer festival opens today with 250+ brews
The 9th annual Budapest Beer Festival (Downtown Beer Festival) begins this week in the heart of the city, serving as a grand farewell to summer from 2 to 9 September. With sunny – and at times scorching – weather forecast, conditions are perfect for sampling more than 250 varieties of beer in the city centre.
Major brands and craft brewers tap in at Budapest Beer Festival
Held once again in Szabadság Square, the now-traditional Downtown Beer Festival offers a central and easily accessible location via tram, metro or bus. Nearby landmarks include the Parliament, Margaret Island, Nyugati Railway Station, the popular St Stephen’s Basilica, and the charming palaces and luxury hotels of downtown Pest.
Organisers say attendees will be able to sample over 250 types of beer between 2 and 9 September, including top-tier craft selections. “As always, our goal is to further promote Hungary’s rich beer culture while showcasing the latest offerings from local craft breweries alongside well-known brands,” they wrote on the festival’s official website. They also highlight that the event is an excellent programme for international visitors.
Free admission – But you’ll need a glass
Beer is, of course, the star of the show, but visitors can also enjoy premium street food. Full details are available on the Facebook event page. While entry is free, a special festival glass is required in order to purchase beer. The premium version costs 4,250 forints (€11.40), while the exclusive edition is just under 6,000 forints (€15.20).
Organisers advise that parking is available on nearby streets, though spaces can be difficult to find due to heavy traffic in the area. Street parking costs 600 forints per hour (€1.52). An underground car park beneath the square is also available, where 30 minutes costs 650 forints (€1.64), a full day is 10,400 forints (€26.30), and a 30-day pass is priced at €445.
Details of exhibitors can be found on the festival’s website. Each day, the event opens to the public at noon. On Tuesday and Wednesday, it runs until midnight. From Thursday through Sunday, programmes, dining, and of course beer, will be available until midnight. The festival guide can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Looking for beer stations and vendor locations? HERE is the map:
Read also:
- Hungary among Europe’s beer-loving nations: Global consumption rankings revealed
- Drinking in Hungary – a how-to guide
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