Here’s what you can expect from this year’s festival season in Hungary: prices, line-ups, and more
As summer approaches, it is always important for festival goers to know what they can expect from Hungarian festivals price-wise. In 2023, these expanses, including festival passes, prices of food and accommodation skyrocketed due to inflation. This year, the increase was less radical, however, these events are still expensive to Hungarians whose salaries are way under the average EU wages.
Are festivals getting more expensive?
In recent years, festival prices have been increasing progressively due to inflation. It is difficult to compare Hungarian festivals as they differ in many aspects, for example in size, location or duration. Compared to 2022, last year’s price increase rate concerning festivals was between 30% and 60%, only Strand Fesztivál kept its price, but the festival got a day shorter. This year, however, the price increase is not as drastic. According to Világgazdaság, the average increase rate is only 13,5% concerning festival passes, daily tickets cost 5,2% more.
Sziget Festival
The most expensive Hungarian festival is still Sziget. For a 6-day pass, visitors have to pay HUF 132,900 (EUR 371.2), less than last year, which cost HUF 146,000 (EUR 378). According to the festival’s main organiser Tamás Kádár, the festival must face inflation every year as the performers are paid in euros or dollars. However, they offer different reductions regularly, for example, Hungarian students can purchase the festival pass for HUF 108,900 (EUR 281.9) at the moment. This year, the festival also offers U21 passes for those under 21, for a discounted price. Daily passes range from HUF 32,900 (EUR 85) to HUF 38,500 (EUR 100), based on the line-up of the day.
The main acts include Fred again, Halsey, Kylie Minogue, Sam Smith and Skrillex. The festival takes place between 7-12 August.
Művészetek Völgye, SopronFest, Bánkitó Festival
The longest festival in the country is Művészetek Völgye (Valley of Arts), which takes place in Veszprém County, and is a 10-day long art festival. Surprisingly, last year, the festival pass cost only HUF 45,000 (EUR 116.5), but this year, the price almost doubled. Visitors who wish to stay for the entire duration of the festival currently need to pay HUF 80,000 (EUR 207.1). On the other hand, SopronFest, the shortest festival with only 3 days, decreased its prices from HUF 39,900 (EUR 103.3) to HUF 37,500 (EUR 97) this year. Bánkitó Festival‘s 4-day pass costs HUF 47,200 (EUR 122) currently, as opposed to HUF 37,500 (EUR 97) last year.
Szegedi Ifjúsági Napok (SZIN)
This year, more than 200 foreign and Hungarian performers will take the stage in Szeged’s biggest music festival, SZIN, between 28-31 August. According to Travelo, not only international stars like the Swedish pop star Zara Larsson or Armin van Buuren or Kamrad are included in the line-up. With Hungarian festival favourites, such as Azahriah, Analog Balaton or Bohemian Betyars, the festival also gives an opportunity to aspiring acts to perform.
The 4-day pass costs HUF 51,990 (EUR 134.6), compared to last year’s HUF 39,555 (EUR 102.3), but citizens of Szeged can get a discount on daily passes. For more information, visit the festival’s website HERE.
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