The House of Music is hosting a festival this week on the occasion of the reopening of its completely upgraded “immersive” cinematic room, the Sound Dome, the organisers have said.
The festival dubbed DOME_RELOAD offers an audiovisual programme series between 14-19 January, they told a press conference. “Since the opening of the House of Music three years ago, the 30-minute immersive films have attracted more than 170,000 viewers. The repertoire included 27 such titles,” director Márton Horn said.
Photo: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert
Among the films shown again are Hungarian composer Tibor Szemző’s Csoma Kaleidoscope evoking the journey of explorer Sándor Kőrösi-Csoma to the Himalayas, Poeme Symphonique For 100 Metronomes paying tribute to world-renowned composer György Ligeti and several art films on Renoir, Bosch and Tivadar Csontváry.
Following tradition, the Dome will screen a new production every month, exhibition department head Endre Vazul Mandli said. He said the programme schedule will be formulated in cooperation with students of Budapest’s Liszt Academy of Music and MOME University of Art and Design and several foreign partner institutions of the Dome.
Photo: MTI/Hegedüs RóbertPhoto: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert
The Dome’s upgraded audio technology allows “moving the sounds in three dimensions and a 360-degree projection of images with five high-tech projectors,” Mandli said, adding that in February, a new “immersive title” created by using material from Mauritius, Indonesia, the US, Spain, France and Hungary will be shown. The House of Music attracted 700,000 visitors last year, said Horn.
UNCHAIN Fintech Festival, the most prominent banking tech conference in Central and Eastern Europe, proudly announces its 4th edition, set to take place on June 19–20, 2025, in the well-established Fintech Fortress of Oradea (Nagyvárad), Romania. The event will continue to seamlessly merge business impact with an unmatched summer festival experience, delivering cutting-edge content and invaluable connections.
Building on three years of success, UNCHAINenters a new growth phase with strengthened international partnerships. The strategic partnerships with LOT Airlines, Oradea Municipality, and Visa will boost the festival’s direct flight connections across the CEE, enhancing its accessibility and impact, and making it a significant milestone for both UNCHAIN and the region.
“Strategic partnerships drive growth and are the cornerstone of innovation in fintech. Through trusted collaborations, we aim to cultivate an industry revolution over time. Our alliance with LOT Airlines, for example, simplifies travel for participants, offering direct flights connecting all CEE capitals via Warsaw, along with exclusive perks like business lounge access. Similarly, Visa’s continuous partnership with UNCHAINunderscores their trust in the event, providing their international experts with a premier platform for learning, discovery, and innovation and turning them into genuine fintech ambassadors. Such initiatives embody our commitment to growing UNCHAIN into a truly transformative event, a vision made possible by a reinforced team focused on achieving even greater impact in the years ahead,” said Alexandra Pollack, Founder & CEO of UNCHAIN.
Photo: FB/Unchain
A Thriving Network at the Core
The strength of UNCHAIN lies in the network it creates and fosters. To enhance this, the UNCHAIN team consolidates by welcoming David Pollack, an expert in international projects development & financial markets, as a permanent member and growth driver. This renewed team will focus on expanding the community of business and industry advisors, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the region’s diverse fintech landscape. Their mission remains steadfast: to unite the CEE fintech ecosystem, amplify its collective voice, and encourage business growth.
David Pollack, Head of Growth & International Development at UNCHAIN, remarked: “Next year marks a strategic leap for UNCHAIN. We’re cementing the event’s foundation with robust partnerships but also with an elite advisory network that spans all major CEE markets. I am excited about the influx of financial institutions, regulators, innovators, and startups who will enrich the event through their knowledge, ideas, and collaboration.”
UNCHAIN’s Role in Regional Fintech
As the benchmark for fintech and financial services events in the CEE, UNCHAIN is dedicated to driving regional innovation through cooperation, resource access, and elite networking.
Alexandru Chira, Director General at Visit Oradea, stated: “The success of the UNCHAIN Fintech Festival highlights not only the remarkable potential of Central and Eastern Europe’s fintech ecosystem but also the importance of public sector involvement in driving innovation and collaboration. Events like this provide the economy with access to essential networking opportunities and relevant industry insights, fostering growth and development. Oradea is proud to play a pivotal role in creating the infrastructure necessary to support and nurture initiatives like UNCHAIN. Visit Oradea will continue working alongside the festival’s extraordinary project team to bring together regional leaders from fintech, regulators, banks, startups, and academia. We remain committed to contribute to their vision of fostering a collaborative spirit that will resonate across Europe.”
Photo: FB/UNCHAIN
2025 Agenda Highlights
The upcoming edition boasts an expanded agenda, with more enhanced targeting of content. The main stage will transform into a general assembly focused on policy and public sector topics, while the sub-stages will further deliver exceptional quality content.
Digital Banking, with focus on the rise of neobanking and how AI implementations shape the financial ecosystem;
Payments, with focus on Cross-Border and P2P (Peer-to-Peer) models;
Regulation & Compliance, Security being the main topic of discussion in nowadays’s changing digital landscape.
All this will be matched by a lively expo & networking area, enhancing visibility and improving connectivity for the partners
The organizers expect over 120 global speakers from 40 countries, with insights on emerging trends, plus participation from 700+ delegates and 350+ companies. With 70% representation from the financial sector, UNCHAIN is the definitive platform for impactful fintech dialogue.
Bankers, fintech creators and enthusiasts that want to meet global leaders, discover innovative solutions, and expand their network should seize the opportunity to join the most dynamic fintech event in the CEE. Immediate registrations will benefit from the Super Early Bird Offer — 750 EUR, meaning an exclusive 40% discount until January 31st.
See you all at this summer’s UNCHAIN Fintech Festival on June 19-20, 2025, for unforgettable moments.
“There lies a film within you too,” smiles György Cserhalmi from the BIDF poster. Between 25th January and 2nd February 2025, the 11th Budapest International Documentary Film Festival, BIDF, will open with this slogan.
60 festival films tell us about ourselves, their stories are similar to our stories, we, who are the everyday heroes of our own lives, with our everyday struggles for the realisation of our everyday desires, in our everyday families, held captive by our ever-present everyday fears. The themes of both the competition and out-of-competition sections of the festival are organised around these ideas.
In the last days of January in Budapest (Cinema City Mammut) and 10 other cities (Békéscsaba, Debrecen, Eger, Jászberény, Kecskemét, Pécs, Szeged, Székesfehérvár, Szombathely, Veszprém), nearly 200 screenings of 60 films await their audiences once again. Oscar-winning directors (Daniel Roher: Antidote, Oliver Stone: LULA, the President), the best director of the Cannes Film Festival (Sergej Loznica: Invasion), as well as European and Sundance award-winning film-makers and the most outstanding new films from Hungary, are all included in the program.
BIDF always provides its audience with a real social experience as, after the screenings, they get to meet the invited creators of the world’s most prestigious, multiple award-winning films, talk to them and muse with experts. The prizes, as ever, are awarded by a prestigious international jury of 30 people.
Ticket sales start two weeks before Christmas, on December 10th.
More information on the festival’s official pages:
The much-anticipated Sziget Festival 2025 has revealed its first wave of performers. Headliners include Charli XCX, riding high with her Brat album, and breakout star Chappell Roan, known for her critically acclaimed The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. A mix of global music icons and fresh talent promises an unforgettable lineup.
Sziget Festival 2025 will bring a diverse array of artists to Budapest’s Hajógyári Island. Charli XCX, dominating this year’s music charts with her Brat album, and Chappell Roan, a rising star in pop music, are among the headliners. Telex reports. Fans can also look forward to performances by the French electronic duo Justice, early-2000s rock icons Papa Roach, and pop sensation Nelly Furtado.
Charli XCX will be among the headliners of Sziget Festival 2025. Photo: depositphotos.com
Electronic music lovers are in for a treat with techno DJ Anyma (of Tale of Us), trance legend Armin Van Buuren, and Boris Brejcha. Other notable acts include Kneecap, the Irish hip-hop group recently featured in a documentary.
Interestingly, the lineup was leaked early due to a scheduling mishap on Sziget’s YouTube channel, but the official announcement has only fueled excitement for next year’s festival.
Find the full list of the first announcement of artists below:
Anyma, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Armin van Buuren, Boris Brejcha, Justice, Nelly Furtado, Papa Roach, 999999999, Adriatique, Ash Olsen, Bedouin, The Blessed Madonna, Blossoms, Brutalismus 3000, Carlita, Desiree, Dixon, Ecca Vandal, Eliza, Rose, Elli Acula, Estella Boersma, Fat Dog, Fatima Hajji, Fatima Yamaha, FJAAK, HoneyLuv, Hot Since 82, I Hate Models, Kenya Grace, Kneecap, Korolova, Kölsch, Luvcat, Noga Erez, Palaye Royale, Rilés, RØRY, RY X, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Scarlet Pleasure, Young Marco, Zaho de Sagazan
Next year’s Sziget will be held between 6 and 11 August.
The 2025 Deja Vu Festival has unveiled a line-up that promises to transform Hungary’s music scene into a nostalgia-fuelled wonderland. Set to take place over the Pentecost long weekend, 6–8 June, in the heart of Szeged, this annual celebration of retro music hits is primed to be its biggest edition yet. Headliners include Taio Cruz, the chart-topping star of Break Your Heart and Dynamite, alongside CC Catch, Sheyla Bonnick of Boney M., Backstreet Boys legend Nick Carter, the electrifying Inna, the ever-familiar No Mercy, and a slew of other acts guaranteed to keep fans grooving through the decades.
According to the press release, the Deja Vu retro music festival, now in its twelfth year, will offer three days of nostalgia spanning three decades—the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Year after year, this much-loved retro music has built a reputation as Hungary’s premier retro music gathering, drawing millennium hits enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Expect the Újszeged Beach Baths to be packed to capacity, pulsating with the rhythm of hits that defined entire generations. This is not just a festival—it’s a full-blown retro disco renaissance.
The star attraction this year is undoubtedly Taio Cruz, marking his return to the Hungarian stage for the first time since 2011. Born in London in 1980, the Nigerian-Brazilian artist began his career as a songwriter, releasing his debut album Departure in 2008 to critical and commercial acclaim. Certified gold in the UK, the album launched Cruz into the international spotlight. His sophomore effort, Rokstarr (2009), was a global sensation thanks to smash hits Break Your Heart and Dynamite, solidifying him as a pop powerhouse.
Cruz’s collaborations read like a who’s who of pop royalty—Kesha, Kylie Minogue, Travie McCoy, and David Guetta have all shared the spotlight with him. He also penned Telling the World, the theme song for the animated film Rio. His third album, TY.O, dropped in 2011, rounding out a career decorated with awards, including a BRIT for Your Game, an American Music Award, three Billboard Awards, and multiple ASCAP accolades. Cruz’s much-anticipated return to the stage is poised to be one of the festival’s crowning moments.
Another highlight of the retro music festival is CC Catch, known as the “disco princess” of the late 20th century. She will rock the Szeged stage with timeless tracks that shaped the pop culture of her era, such as Heartbreak Hotel, Heaven and Hell, Soul Survivor and Are You Man Enough?
Joining her is Sheyla Bonnick, a legendary member of Boney M., who will bring the band’s greatest retro music hits to life through her dazzling show, Sounds of Boney M..
Romania’s pop queen Inna, whose career skyrocketed after the 2009 MTV Music Awards where she clinched ‘Best Dance’, ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Show’, will make her grand return to the Deja Vu stage. Having already captivated Szeged in 2023, she’s ready to ignite the dancefloor yet again.
The band No Mercy stole the hearts of the audience in the 1990s and since then they have been an unbroken favourite with their blend of pop and dance tunes, leaving an indelible mark on the retro music scene. Hailing from the United States, No Mercy boasts a repertoire of chart-topping retro music hits such as Where Do You Go, Please Don’t Go and When I Die, and has quickly gained international recognition for its unforgettable melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
If you grew up in the late ’90s, Nick Carter needs no introduction. As the heartthrob of the Backstreet Boys, the most successful boy band of all time, Carter’s star power remains undiminished. Following a triumphant solo concert in Budapest earlier this year, he’s bringing his signature charm to Szeged, promising a setlist that’ll have the crowd singing along to every word.
And that’s not all: next year Deja Vu will also host Brooklyn Bounce, a German dance duo founded in 1996 and known for hits like The Theme(of Progressive Attack), Get Ready to Bounce, Bass, Beats & Melody and Loud & Proud. The Global Deejays are another group to emerge from the tech house retro music scene, becoming particularly popular in the early 2000s with their hit The Sound of San Francisco. The German eurodance band Fun Factory brings the pulsating energy of the 90s to Szeged. We expect the same at next year’s Deja Vu festival.
The Amsterdam dance formation Alice Deejay became known for their 1998 single Better Off Alone, a worldwide success. And on stage will be the German dance-pop and eurodance music project Groove Coverage, which became popular in the early 2000s with its quirky hits, catchy melodies and energetic rhythms.
The 2025 Deja Vu has already dripped with Hungarian acts, including Kozmix, TNT, FLM, Groovehouse, Krisz Rudi, Bereczki Zoltán, Rakonczai Piano, Sterbinszky, DJ Dominique, DJ Szatmári, Attila Náksi and Peat Jr.
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As part of the CHARM-EU Days 2024, the ELTE will host the first Cultural Festival of the Alliance. All those interested in exploring the cultures and languages of CHARM-EU universities are warmly welcome to join and meet with colleagues and students from partners through a wide variety of engaging programmes.
European higher education reflects the rich diversity of Europe’s culture with various types of institutions representing differing geographical, historical, cultural and lingual perspectives. Operating in an intercultural and boundary-spanning atmosphere since their establishment, European University Alliances – such as CHARM-EU– are in a unique position that comes with both challenges and opportunities. On 5-6 November, ELTE will host the CHARM-EU Days 2024. The event focuses on the broad concept of culture and intercultural learning and embraces the richness of diversity within European University Alliances, celebrating it as a source of strength and inspiration. For the first time, it will also incorporate a Cultural Festival to showcase CHARM-EU members’ languages and cultures, elte.hu wrote.
https://www.facebook.com/elte.megeri
The Annual Conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and practice of intercultural learning and to examine the overarching issue of culture with its interpretations and role in deepening transnational and inter-institutional collaboration within and beyond Alliances. The keynote speech will be delivered by Prof. Nguyen Luu Lan Anh, Director of the Institute of Institute of Intercultural Psychology and Education at ELTE’s Faculty of Education and Psychology.
Complementing the conference, the Cultural Festival on 5-6 November will showcase and celebrate the cultures of CHARM-EU partner universities through of cultural programmes, challenges and fun activities. The main location of is the Faculty of Humanities at ELTE, offering a wide range of cultural programs spanning all kinds of art forms and showcasing all CHARM-EU languages. In addition, partner universities also provide local programs to engage participants from their campuses in Barcelona, Dublin, Utrecht, Montpellier, Turku, Würzburg, Mülheim and Bergen. The organisers warmly welcome everyone interested in experiencing interculturality and multilingualism in a joyful festival environment.
Photo: FB/Charm-EU festival
The Festival is open to all and free of charge, if you would like to join, please indicate on the Facebook-page or LinkedIn-page of the event. HEREyou may read more.
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A two-day international neo-Nazi music festival was held at the Petőfi Sándor Cultural Center in Csömör on 11 and 12 October, after the venue was rented under the pretence of hosting a private birthday party. According to AntifaInfo Budapest, the organisers attempted to keep the event’s location hidden, but it was later identified through photos shared by one of the performers, an Italian musician.
Neo-Nazi festival disguised as birthday party
The director of the cultural centre, László Szeltner, told HVGthat they had no prior knowledge of the true nature of the event. The venue had been rented for a private birthday party, and it wasn’t until later in the day that Szeltner became aware that “guests with unusual appearances” had arrived. He immediately notified the local government and police.
Despite the unsettling discovery, the authorities allowed the event to continue as planned, but it took place behind closed doors under heightened police and civil guard presence.
Szeltner emphasised that no incidents occurred during the gathering.
Looking ahead, Szeltner assured that the centre would take stronger precautions to prevent similar events from happening in the future.
This incident bears resemblance to another far-right gathering in Hungary last year. In 2023, a supposed martial arts event in Csókakő was revealed to be a far-right meeting, attracting hundreds of extremists from across Europe. The local mayor had requested the organisers cancel the event due to its neo-Nazi nature, but the organisers denied the accusations and proceeded with the event as planned.
Balaton Sound, one of Hungary’s largest and most beloved summer festivals, will no longer be held in Zamárdi from 2025 onward, according to an announcement by Gyula Csákovics, the mayor of the town, in the October issue of Zamárdi Hírmondó. Although discussions are still ongoing with the organisers of the popular Strand Festival, also held in Zamárdi, the decision regarding Balaton Sound is final.
Despite this summer’s Balaton Sound attracting over 100,000 visitors, making it a great success, the festival’s contract with the municipality has ended, and the local council has opted not to renew it, Index reported based on Zamárdi Hírmondó. There is no official word yet on whether another town along Lake Balaton will step in to host the event.
Photo: facebook.com/BalatonSound
This move didn’t come as a surprise, as rumours about the end of the town’s partnership with the festival began circulating as early as July during this year’s event. It was noted that preparations for the 2025 lineup had not yet begun, a process that typically starts much earlier. Now, with the contract expired, the separation has been confirmed.
Local resistance to festivals on the rise
The decision is seen as part of a broader trend in Hungary, where opposition to large events and developments—despite their potential economic benefits—has been increasing. This resistance, common in Western countries, now seems to be gaining traction in Hungary, Telex reports. Festivals, despite generating tax revenue and providing income for local businesses, are often met with discontent from residents due to the disruptions they cause.
Terms like NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard), BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything), and CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) have emerged in English to describe these growing anti-development sentiments. In the case of Zamárdi, although complaints about the short tourist season and lack of visitors are frequent, any new developments, whether it be music festivals, accommodation projects, or infrastructure upgrades, are consistently met with local opposition.
Balaton Sound and the changing face of Zamárdi
This year, during the Balaton Sound festival, attention was drawn to the noticeable decline in the number of visitors to Zamárdi. Questions arose about when the crowds started disappearing and how pricing at the festival and surrounding areas may have contributed to the situation.
As Hungary continues to grapple with these dynamics, the departure of Balaton Sound from Zamárdi may signal broader changes for other lakeside towns and their relationship with large-scale events in the future.
From 11-13 October 2024, Budapest’s Zoo and Botanical Garden will come alive with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked chimney cakes as the Chimney Cake Festival makes its much-anticipated return. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with 13 chimney cake stalls and a variety of exciting activities and culinary surprises awaiting visitors.
Budapest Chimney Cake Festival opens its doors
Photo: Facebook/Kürtőskalács Fesztivál
One of the festival’s highlights is the introduction of a unique international twist: along with the beloved traditional Transylvanian-Hungarian kürtőskalács, attendees will get to experience its Lithuanian cousin, the Šakotis. Known for its striking pine tree shape, the Šakotis is made by layering dough on a rotating spit. Both treats share a common heritage—they’re made from risen dough and cooked by rotating over an open fire, Turizmusonline.hu writes.
Festival founder Tünde András is thrilled about this year’s addition. “We’re excited to showcase this special dessert, typically prepared for festive occasions, and we’re sure it will win the hearts of many. Visitors will not only see it in action but also get to taste it!”
Alongside these culinary delights, the Chimney Cake Festival will feature a host of traditional and modern chimney cake creations. The popular Édes Mackó chimney cake café will return with crowd favourites like the KürtősBON variations and Ízbombák. Those with dietary restrictions need not worry—gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan chimney cakes will also be available, bama.hu reports.
One of the most exciting new features this year is the Kürtős Fondülde, where guests can dip their chimney cakes into a range of delicious toppings. For those who want to get hands-on, the “Csináld magad!” (Do It Yourself!) tent will give visitors the chance to create their own personalised chimney cake.
In addition to the delicious food, families with children can head to Holnemvolt Vár, where a variety of activities will keep the little ones entertained. Storytelling, face painting, crafts, animal-themed programs, and even a giant mill game will provide endless fun for kids.
Whether you’re a chimney cake enthusiast or just looking for a delightful way to spend a fall weekend, the Chimney Cake Festival offers a perfect blend of traditional flavours, international treats, and fun for all ages.
Budapest Design Week is underway in more than 100 locations in Budapest, Sopron and Pécs, and at the event’s opening, a government official stressed the importance of nourishing the role of art and applied art in architecture.
Budapest Design Week kicks off
From 2025 a small proportion of spending on state building investments will go towards works of art or applied art as integral parts of buildings, state secretary for architecture of the construction and transport ministry Regő Lánszki told a press opening of the event on Thursday.
Photo: Facebook/Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency
Budapest Design Week welcomes those interested in the creative industry with creative programmes, temporary exhibitions, workshops and guided tours until 20 October. Zsófia Jakab, the ministerial commissioner for the development at the National Economy Ministry, who is also the chief executive of the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency (MDDU), noted that Budapest Design Week is being organised by the MDDU for the first time.
Hopefully in future, the Design Week will strengthen the role it plays in the creative industry of not only Budapest but Hungary as a whole, she said. Sopron Design Week is being organised for the ninth time, and DesignPécs aims to shed light on Baranya county’s “hidden strengths”, its local design and creative industry, she added.
MDDU said in a statement that the ELLE DECO International Design Awards (EDIDA) ceremony, known as the Oscars of the design world, takes place today, recognising the Hungarian design profession’s outstanding creators and their works. The main exhibition of the Budapest Design Week, 360 Design Budapest, will present the best works of domestic and regional design for the fifth time from Oct 15-20, and the former waiting room of the iconic Nyugati Railway station is the event’s venue.
Budapest is vibrant all year round, but there’s something particularly enchanting about autumn in the Hungarian capital. As the city’s streets are draped in golden leaves and the crisp air sets in, a wealth of autumnal programmes in Budapest emerge, offering everything from cosy cultural events to outdoor festivals. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the season promises an exciting array of activities to embrace the magic of autumn in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Budapest Charity Pumpkin Festival at Heroes’ Square
Halloween is not traditionally celebrated in Hungary, but it has been gaining popularity over the years. In Budapest, a variety of spooky autumnal programmes are popping up each year. One of the standout events this year is the Pumpkin Festival, taking place on 26 October at Heroes’ Square. This festive gathering invites participants to bring along their jack-o’-lanterns, creating a glowing spectacle in the heart of the city.
Photo: depositphotos.com
While costumes are encouraged for a true Halloween atmosphere, the event is about more than just fun and scares. Attendees are asked to bring 1-3 cans or non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Gyermekétkeztetési Alapítvány (Child Nutrition Foundation) to support children in need. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the Halloween spirit while contributing to a good cause, right?
Guided tours at the Dreher Beer Museum
For beer enthusiasts, a visit to the Dreher Beer Museum is a must this autumn in Budapest. As Marie Claire writes, the museum offers a unique glimpse into Hungary’s brewing history, with restored relics and a special AI-generated short film on the life and adventures of Antal Dreher, the brewery’s famed founder. The film offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing the heritage of one of Hungary’s most iconic breweries.
As part of the 45th-anniversary celebrations, guided tours are also available, making it one of the most fantastic autumnal programmes in Budapest for those looking to explore the rich traditions behind this legendary beer. Tickets are available for HUF 2500 (EUR 6.23) for adults, and HUF 1500 (3.74) for students above 18 and pensioners.
Liszt Fest
The fourth Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival promises a diverse range of autumnal programmes in Budapest, with music, dance, and innovative performances. From grand orchestral works featuring the music of Ferenc Liszt, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cluj-Napoca Hungarian Opera, to experimental genres like Detroit DJ Jeff Mills’ project Tomorrow Comes The Harvest, the festival offers something for every taste.
Highlights also include the Hungarian premiere of Recirquel’s Paradisum, blending contemporary dance and circus, making it a perfect autumn programme for culture lovers in Budapest. Tickets are on sale now for events starting on 9 October. You may find further information and a more detailed schedule of the programmes HERE.
DiningCity Restaurant Week
One of the most anticipated autumnal programmes in Budapest is the DiningCity Restaurant Week, running from 10 to 27 October. During this time, top restaurants in Budapest and across Hungary offer a special 3-course menu at a uniform, fixed price. Menus are available at different price points: from HUF 5,900 (approximately EUR 15) to premium and exclusive options at HUF 7,900 (EUR 20) and HUF 9,900 (EUR 25), with service charge included.
Frida Kahlo photo exhibition
The Frida Kahlo – Her Photos exhibition is one of the many exciting cultural programmes in Budapest this year, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of the most iconic Mexican artist. Having captivated nearly a million visitors worldwide, the exhibition will be presented for the first time in Budapest at the Mai Manó House from 18 October 2024 to 12 January 2025. Featuring 241 previously unpublished photographs from Kahlo’s collection, the exhibition provides a deeply intimate look at her turbulent life, capturing the essence of one of Latin America’s most enigmatic figures.
Csaba Latorcai, a state secretary at the Public Administration and Regional Development Ministry, said festivals were “vital” to the economy, considering their impact on the tourism sector, as well as for society, addressing a conference organised by the Hungarian Tourism Programme Foundation on Thursday.
Latorcaisaid festivals, that could mobilise “hundreds of thousands” of people, gave a genuine competitive advantage to the settlements and regions that hosted them, which is why they had become an important element of regional development policy.He noted that the tourism sector accounted for over 13pc of GDP. Mate Vincze, the deputy state secretary for public collections and cultural developments at the Culture and Innovation Ministry, said museums had moved beyond their four walls to play a role at festivals, too, boosting their exposure. The biggest festival industry insiders are participating at the conference dubbed “Event ReStart”.
The annual Oktoberfest in Munich kicked off this weekend, but visitors had to dig deep into their pockets, as organisers have significantly increased prices. According to the official Oktoberfest website, around six million people attend the well-known beer festival each year. However, with rising costs, the question is whether it’s still worth splashing out on food and drink, or if tourists might be better off considering more affordable options in places like Hungary.
Oktoberfest, which began on 21st September at Theresienwiese, runs until 6th October. As one of the world’s largest beer festivals and funfairs, it has long been a favourite for many. Yet, with skyrocketing prices, the fun may be starting to wear thin.
Eye-watering prices at Oktoberfest
On the first day, Pénzcentrum reported that the price of drinks had risen compared to last year. This year, a litre of beer costs between €13.60 and €15.30 (5,340–6,015 HUF), while for a litre of water, festival-goers had to fork out €10 (around 4,000 HUF). Several people took to TikTok to call out the organisers for the eye-watering costs. As Pénzcentrum reveals, although the average beer price has only jumped by about 200 Hungarian forints (€0.51) compared to last year, the price of food is quite staggering. One TikTok user mentioned that even a simple dish like schnitzel costs around €40 (16,000 HUF), while the most expensive item on the menu, the Tomahawk Steak, comes in at a whopping €169 (67,000 HUF). For many, especially those working in Hungary, such prices are far out of reach.
For those opting out of Oktoberfest, Hungary offers several beer festivals this autumn. Although prices for these events are not yet confirmed, they may prove to be a more affordable alternative. The 8th Belváros Beer Festival took place at Szabadság Square in Budapest from 3rd to 8th September. According to their website, visitors were required to purchase a festival glass for 3,999–5,999 HUF (€15.17), with beer purchased separately. While this may not seem significantly cheaper than Oktoberfest, there’s still hope for more affordable options in the upcoming events.
Location: Erzsébet Square, Margaret Island, and Buda Castle
Details: Now in its 10th year, this is the largest Hungarian alternative to Munich’s Oktoberfest. Visitors can enjoy traditional German music and Munich beer to recreate the atmosphere of the original event.
Details: Now in its sixth year, the festival offers live concerts and children’s activities, including face painting and a small amusement park. Visitors can sample local craft beers.
All of these events offer free entry and are easily accessible for those living in Budapest. Visegrád, located just 40 minutes by train from Budapest, is worth a visit not only for the festival but also for its stunning views.
The 2025 programme of Müpa Budapest features several international star performers in classical music such as William Christie, Joyce DiDonato, Jordi Savall, Riccardo Chailly and the Vienna Philharmonic, and in jazz including Maria Schneider, Danilo Perez and John Patitucci.
Chailly will conduct the Filarmonica della Scala from Milan with the celebrated cellist Gautier Capucon as the night’s soloist, Müpasaid in a statement on Friday.
Andris Nelsons will conduct the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Thomas Ades the Vienna Philharmonic, William Christie the Les Arts Florissants and Paavo Jarvi the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. Jordi Savall will play with his early music ensemble and singer Joyce DiDonato will be accompanied by Il Pomo d’Oro playing under the baton of Francesco Corti.
Source: FB/Joyce DiDonato
In jazz, the Oslo Jazz Ensemble will accompany Maria Schneider, and Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade will pay tribute to Wayne Shorter.
Lovers of modern electronic music will get a chance to hear downtempo stars Kruder and Dorfmeister from Vienna, and the Icelandic duo Kiasmos featuring Olafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen.
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The 29th Budapest International Book Festival has yet to begin, but the organisers are already facing criticism for inviting individuals who have publicly supported Vladimir Putin and Russia’s actions against Ukraine. While some are outraged by this decision, the organisers maintain that politics should remain separate from cultural events of this kind.
Founded in 1994, the Budapest International Book Festival is one of Hungary’s most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events. This year marks its 29th edition, running from 26th to 29th September at Millenáris Park in Budapest. Much of the media’s attention is focused on the guest of honour, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, a leading figure in contemporary Icelandic literature, who will also be awarded the Budapest Grand Prize by the Mayor of Budapest. However, others have taken note of the more controversial guests of the Budapest International Book Festival, questioning whether some of the invitees are truly deserving of the honour.
Putin supporters among the invitees
Népszava has drawn attention to two Russian invitees of the Budapest International Book Festival, Alekszej Gravickij and Dimitrij Bak, both of whom have been investigated by Hungarian literary historian Zsuzsa Hetényi. Hetényi uncovered that both individuals are supporters of Putin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, outlining her findings in a detailed Facebook post. Gravickij, a Moscow-based author, is a member of the Writers’ Union of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). Hetényi pointed out that this writers’ union was established in May 2015, soon after the onset of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.
It is worth noting that the DPR is a territory seized by pro-Russian separatists from Ukraine. In 2022, Gravickij signed an open letter expressing his support for the so-called “special operation” in Ukraine. Despite these facts, Gravickij is scheduled to participate in two programmes during the festival, according to 24.hu. His book will be discussed during a programme titled How to Create, Destroy and Rebuild Invented and Alternate Worlds on Thursday, followed by a conversation on Saturday entitled Professional Secrets – Meeting Alekszej Gravickij, Author and Screenwriter.
Budapest International Book Festival receives backlash
Hetényi also voiced her disapproval of Dimitrij Bak’s invitation to the 29th Budapest International Book Festival. Bak, a journalist and translator, is the head of all literary museums in Russia and was one of 80 prominent Russian cultural figures who signed an open letter supporting Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Crimea. Hetényi said that it is “compromising and infuriating to participate in an event alongside people like them” and has expressed her intention to protest during their roundtable discussion on Saturday.
Following the online controversy stirred by Hetényi’s post, both Népszava and Index reached out to Katalin Gál, president of the Association of Hungarian Publishers and Book Distributors. Gál responded by stating that participants in the book festival should not be judged in this manner, asserting that they should not be investigated and calling for greater empathy. She also clarified that Gravickij has been invited for his expertise in science fiction, not for his political views.
However, Gál acknowledged that if Hetényi wishes to voice her concerns during the discussion, she is welcome to do so, as the issue is indeed a significant one. Gál suggested that Hetényi “watch or listen to at least one of their programmes,” adding that she could also confront the author directly if she wishes, as her knowledge of his work appears to be limited to Wikipedia. Finally, Gál emphasised that Ukraine will also play a central role at the Budapest International Book Festival, with four programmes dedicated to Ukrainian literature and its connection to the war.
It will be interesting to see how this controversy unfolds and what impact it may have on the Budapest International Book Festival, which remains free for all to attend. The full programme is available on the official website.
The Brussels Liszt Institute launched a three-day Bartók festival on Wednesday, in cooperation with the Bartók archives in Brussels and Budapest.
The festival held at the Liszt Institute in Brussels will feature lectures and concerts featuring works written or inspired by Béla Bartók, organisers have said.
Tamás Iván Kocsis, Hungary’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, will lay a wreath at Bartok’s statue in Brussels on Thursday, on the anniversary of the composer’s death.
Photo: FB/Liszt Institute Brussels
Culture minister: Joint European heritage a source of identity
A joint European heritage is the source of identity and a token of the future, the culture and innovation minister said in Visegrad, in northern Hungary, on Wednesday, adding: “We will hail our Christian traditions even if Europe should forget about its roots.”
Balázs Hankó said at the opening of the Cultural Routes annual professional forum of the Council of Europe that Hungary had enshrined the importance of Christianity and traditions in its Fundamental Law, “but that in itself is not enough: we need living, strong Christian communities to keep those traditions alive.”
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Georgia, renowned as the birthplace of winemaking, was honored as the Guest of Honour at the 33rd Budapest Wine Festival, held from September 12 to 15, 2024.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore Georgia’s ancient winemaking tradition, including the famed qvevri method, which dates back thousands of years and is still practiced today. Festivalgoers sampled an array of distinctive wines from leading Georgian wineries, including Ethno Wine, Chateau Mukhrani, Chelti Winery, Winery MelitonI, and Teleda Orgo. The experience was further enriched by a taste of Georgian cuisine, presented by Hachapuri Georgian Restaurant, offering visitors a genuine taste of the country’s gastronomic heritage.
Georgia’s Ambassador to Hungary Tamara Liluasvili, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy and Festival Director Zoltán Zilai (j-b) toast at the opening of the 33rd Budapest Wine Festival at the Buda Palace on 12 September 2024. Photo: MTI
The cultural program highlighted Georgia’s rich traditions, featuring captivating performances from the Ajara region. Notable ensembles, such as the Georgian State Choreographic Ensemble “Batumi,” the OCEAN DRIVE – OD band from the Batumi Maritime Academy, and Quartet Batumi, mesmerized audiences with their extraordinary shows over the four-day event.
A daily highlight was the masterclass led by Attila Petzold, a national expert on Georgia’s wine regions. His presentations provided in-depth insights into Georgian winemaking techniques and the unique characteristics of its wines.
The Embassy of Georgia in Hungary organized Georgia’s participation in the festival in collaboration with Budapest Borfesztivál, the Ajara Tourism Department, Georgia’s National Wine Agency, and the Batumi Culture Center.
Budapest Wine Festival. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Budapest Wine Festival. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Budapest Wine Festival. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Budapest Wine Festival. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Budapest Wine Festival. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Budapest Wine Festival. Photo: Daily News Hungary
This marked Georgia’s first-ever participation in the Budapest Wine Festival, an unprecedented occasion made even more significant by Hungary’s EU Presidency.
The 14th Hungarian Days cultural festival will be held in Brasov, in Transylvania between 15 and 22 September featuring 50 programmes, the organisers said.
Hungarian Days festival starts tomorrow
The largest cultural festival of ethnic Hungarians in the region’s south will open with a mass on Sunday morning to be followed by an opening gala presenting as guest of honour, the István Pál Szalonna and Band folk music group.
The world-renowned 100-member Gypsy Orchestra will give a concert on 21 September on the main stage set up at the city’s central square.
The festival’s schedule includes public interest programmes such as a scientific conference and roundtable discussion focusing on the 800 years of the Transylvanian Saxons’ autonomy and privileges granted to them by King Andrew II. Other events include podium discussions about Hungarian-Turkish ties and the situation of print media.
The festival will also screen Lajos Koltai’s film Semmelweis, Hungary’s submission for consideration for nomination for an Academy Award in the best international film category this year.
Other programmes include a makers’ market, wine-tasting, folk dance workshops for children, a guided city tour and a veteran and retro car show.
