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.