Sziget Festival

Sziget Festival 2025 announces first artists!

Charli XCX Sziget Festival

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 Sziget Festival
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.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Sziget Festival 2025 dates announced: Grab your extremely cheap passes now!

Sziget Festival Budapest

The 2024 Sziget Festival came to an end only about a week ago, but the dates for 2025 were announced almost right away. What is even better is that you can get your Super Early Bird Pass for an amazing price now!

Sziget Festival 2025 dates

As Eduline writes, the 2025 Sziget will be held between 6 and 11 August, as it was announced by the organisers right after the 2024 festival closed its doors. At the moment, the organisers have a special offer for those who would like to attend the amazing 6-day party in the following year. Super Early Bird Passes can be purchased already for the low price of HUF 98,500 (EUR 249). Just for comparison, the 6-day pass cost HUF 154,000 (EUR 391.81) this year. Therefore, it would be a shame to miss such a deal, right? If you are under the age of 21, the pass only costs HUF 78,500 (EUR 199).

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

Sziget Festival (@szigetofficial) által megosztott bejegyzés

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VIDEOS: American star DJ remade Hungarian hit song, fans thrilled!

American star DJ remade Hungarian hit song, fans thrilled

Skrillex, born Sonny John Moore, a 36-year-old American star DJ, showed his remake of a popular Bikini hit song.

“Közeli helyeken” was a Hungarian hit song in the 1990s with several remakes first performed in 1989 by the popular group Bikini. Here is the original song:

Skrillex debuted the newest remake of the song at the Sziget Festival, and the Hungarian (and foreign) crowd and fans were thrilled to hear it, Bors Online, a Hungarian tabloid, wrote.

The Hungarian hit song was the first on his setlist. Bors Online could not discover why the American DJ chose this, but it was a good idea.

Here is the video:

Read also:

  • New Zealand Olympic gold medalist lets off steam at Sziget Festival – read more HERE

Sziget Festival: Police arrest 10 festival-goers for suspected substance abuse

Here are the top festivals in 2024 in Hungary - Sziget Festival

Police arrested 3 people on suspicion of drug trafficking at the Sziget festival, and 7 for possession and substance abuse, the official police.hu website said on Tuesday.

Police take action at Sziget Festival

Police have seized 150 pills, 156g dust, 50g crystal and other substances, the statement said.

Police have also arrested seven people for vandalism and four for theft. They ensured medical assistance for 10 people and recovered two vagrant children, the statement said.

During the festival held between August 7-12, authorities were monitoring road and water traffic, as well as taxis in the area, the statement said. Besides Hungarian policemen and security personnel, two Dutch uniformed officers also patrolled the festivals, it said.

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Is Sziget Festival ‘starting a new chapter’?

Sziget Festival flag party

Sziget Festival, concluding its 30th festival, is starting a new chapter, Tamás Kádár, the event’s chief executive, said on Tuesday, noting a recent announcement that US private equity fund KKR is purchasing Superstruct Entertainment, the company behind various European music festivals.

Sziget Festival 2024 comes to an end

Kádár said the final day of the Sziget Festival on Monday was essentially sold out, with the concert of Skrillex and Fred Again… on the main stage, and a total of 400,000 festival-goers turned up this year.

He noted an increase in passes sold in advance at a discount, adding that demand by Hungarians had also grown. “So we’re repeating this promotion … for the 2025 festival starting on Thursday,” he said.

The programme has adapted to the average age of festival-goers, he said, which had got younger in the past ten years.

Whereas Kylie Minogue and Liam Gallagher attracted a somewhat older audience, the biggest stars included Stormzy, Bebe Rexha, Janelle Monae, Sam Smith and Raye, Kadar noted, adding that the programme was diverse, with, for example, Fontaines D.C. playing on the Revolut Stage.

Kádár also said Sziget was endeavouring to promote up-and-coming Hungarian performers as well as established stars, mentioning Azahriah and Beton.Hofi, who also played on the main stage this year.

Besides the music and other offerings, he noted improved facilities and catering units, including blocks of flushing toilets, digital information boards and a greater number of drinking fountains.

Kádár said the bridge leading to the island was in need of renovation, and responsibility for this was down to City Hall, which, he added, had reneged on a promise to revamp the bridge and accompanying road infrastructure.

Sziget Festival flag party
Photo: MTI/Balogh Zoltán

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New Zealand Olympic gold medalist lets off steam at Sziget Festival

Jazmin Hotham New Zealand Olympic gold medalist lets off steam at Sziget Festival

The 2024 Paris Olympics just ended yesterday, but each athlete has their own way of celebrating their victories and outstanding performances. A New Zealand Olympic gold medalist decided to come to Hungary and let off steam at the famous Sziget Festival with an unforgettable party.

New Zealand Olympic gold medalist at Sziget Festival

HVG spotted that this year’s Sziget Festival had a very special guest. Jazmin Felix-Hotham, one of New Zealand’s Olympic rugby sevens champions decided to celebrate her outstanding performance at Hungary’s biggest summer festival. As you can see, she even brought her gold medal with her to the party:

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

JAZMIN FELIX- HOTHAM (@jazzhotham) által megosztott bejegyzés

New Zealand beat Canada 19-12 in the Olympic final on 30 July, thus it is time for a well-deserved rest.
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Accident at Sziget Festival: ambulance rushed to nearby hospital

Sziget Festival Budapest

An artist suffered an accident at the Sziget Festival’s Cirque du Sziget. An ambulance was called, which took him to a Budapest hospital.

The festival organisers told Telex that an ambulance car arrived in 10 minutes, providing professional help for the artist in trouble. They added that the artist felt better, and his group decided to hold their next performance despite the accident.

Interestingly, a similar accident happened two years ago at Sziget in the same circus tent. Then, the artist stood on a crane, which caught his leg, and he fell down.

Cirque du Sziget has 1,000 seats, hosting open-air and indoor shows.

Read also:

  • Moderate price rise at Sziget Festival this year: here are the prices

Foreign police officers helping Hungarian counterparts at Sziget Festival

Sziget festival

Dutch police are helping their Hungarian counterparts at the Sziget Festival, a spokesman of the Budapest police headquarters said on Wednesday.

Dutch officers are not permitted to act independently but are helping Hungarian police, mainly with communications, Soma Csécsi told a press conference.

A large number of Dutch visitors are in Budapest attending the event.

A Prevention Point has been set up on the festival grounds, mainly to assist people who lose their official documents, he said.

Plainclothes police are also deployed to prevent criminal activity and apprehend any criminal offenders, he added.

Read also:

  • Sziget Festival: more than 1,000 programmes, British, Romanian, and Israeli tourists – read more HERE
  • Moderate price rise at Sziget Festival this year: here are the prices

Sziget Festival: more than 1,000 programmes, British, Romanian, and Israeli tourists

Sziget festival Budapest

This year’s Sziget Festival in Budapest will offer more than 1,000 programmes featuring performers including Kylie Minogue, Liam Gallagher and Martin Garrix, the organisers said on Tuesday, on the eve of the opening. The festival is taking place for the 30th time this year between August 7 and 12 at 50 venues.

Based on sales so far, the organisers expect a full house for Martin Garrix’s concert on Saturday and Fred again… on Monday. Visitors are expected from some 100 countries, mostly from The Netherlands, Britain, Ireland, Germany, France and Italy, the event’s chief organiser, Tamás Kádár, said.

Sziget Festival Budapest (Copy)
The first festival-goers arrived today. Photo: FB/Sziget

Additional international stars will include Halsey, Sam Smith, Stormzy, Louis Tomlinson, Janelle Monae, Fisher, Skrillex, Bebe Rexha, Tom Odell, Joker Out, Yves Tumor, Becky Hill and Raye. The main stage will also feature concerts by Hungarian performers Beton.Hofi, Margaret Island and Azahriah.

In addition to music, festivalgoers will also get a chance to see theatre and circus performances.

A total of six hundred performers will be featured over six days, many of them arriving from the UK, France, Germany, Holland and the US, but some will come from Senegal, India, Tanzania, New Zealand and Benin.

Lots of tourists coming to Sziget Festival

The daily capacity of the festival grounds is 95,000 people, of which 10-15,000 are performers and staff, with the remaining 75,000-80,000 being ticketholders.

Kádár said the average price of food for sale on the festival grounds will be lower than last year and the price of drinks will be the same as last year in nominal terms.

The Sziget festival area will include several campsites and a medical centre offering services 24 hours a day with a total staff of 200 people.

According to turizmus.com and based on the data of kiwi.com, most tourists come from Great Britain, Romania and Israel. But the number of Danish, Turkish, American and German festival-goers also rose this year. For example, the number of Turkish festival-goers doubled.

Most tourists will arrive on 7 August in Budapest, so you should prepare for increased traffic at Budapest Airport and the roads leading to the Hajógyári Island.

Read also:

  • Take public transport to Sziget Festival for a hassle-free experience – Read more HERE

Moderate price rise at Sziget Festival this year: here are the prices

Sziget Festival Budapest

Hungary’s emblematic Sziget Festival, attracting tens of thousands of tourists to visit Budapest, will kick off tomorrow. Thanks to a Reddit post, we already know how much drinks will cost at the Island of Freedom. The price rise is moderate compared to last year, and there will be budget foods available.

Moreover, the organisers will waive the HUF 50 extra DRS redemption fee (Deposit Refund System). Another good news for foreign tourists is that the forint is again low against the euro.

Sziget Festival prices remain moderate for foreigners

According to telex.hu, draft beer (0.5l) will cost EUR 4.35, a can of beer will be between EUR 3.35 and EUR 5.5, and 1 dl of wine will start at EUR 2. Soft drinks will be around EUR 3.15, and you may buy mineral water for EUR 2.5. If you are in Hungary, you should try out our traditional spirit, the well-known pálinka. Prices will be between EUR 7.27 and 10 per 4 cl. The most expensive item on the price list is the Long Island Iced Tea, a special cocktail for EUR 15 (5 dl).

Food festival
Photo: acebook.com/SzigetFestival

Here is the price list:

Price List 2024
byu/suhantm insziget

The organisers wrote they aimed to build a miniature city on Hajógyári Island and make all services comfortable for the guests. For example, there will be a mobile pharmacy, and theatre plays will be in air-conditioned spaces.

Budget food, a new taxi station and palm trees in the shower rooms

Budget foods remained at Sziget Festival, allowing everyone to eat a satisfying and affordable meal. Such a dish will cost EUR 8.

We wrote about the modifications concerning traffic because of the Sziget Festival in THIS article. Furthermore, you may read HERE how you can get to Hajógyári Island, the festival venue, hassle-free by public transport. Organisers promised to inform festival-goers on LED-walls about the travelling times. Furthermore, there will be a new Bolt taxi station at the H bridge.

sziget festival budapest cheap drinks
Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

To ensure the safety of the festival-goers, the Government Office of Budapest tightened inspections from today.

To increase comfort, the organisers placed palm trees and glittering curtains in the showering rooms. In the showering rooms, they will play thematic playlists.

Read also:

Beware! Government office tightens inspections due to Sziget Festival!

Sziget Festival Budapest (Copy)

The Government Office of Budapest is tightening inspections of Sziget Festival venues with the aim of ensuring the safety of festival-goers, the office said on Tuesday.

The inspections cover food, drinks, festival merchandise and clothes vendors as well as drinking water supply spots, toilets and waste management, the office said in a statement.

The office’s labour officials are carrying out inspections of festival facilities construction, ensuring that labour regulations such as working hours and terms of employment are observed.

The office is also overseeing inspections of taxi drivers, their licenses and the condition of their cars, as well as the transparency of fees and taxi bills.

Meanwhile, Budapest police said on police.hu that coordinated action involving close to 100 police officers saw 29 people taken into custody in three downtown districts on Saturday evening on charges of drug possession, rowdyism, illegal driving and other crimes.

The Sziget Festival takes place between August 7 and 12.

Read also:

Take public transport to Sziget Festival for a hassle-free experience

public transport to Sziget

BKK Centre for Budapest Transport recommends public transport to Sziget Festival again this year: as in previous years, from 7 to 13 August 2024, HÉV suburban railway line H5 will run more frequently and day and night between Batthyány tér and Aquincum and Szentendre, and the night services concerned will have increased capacity. BKK will also be present on the spot: a temporary ticket sales point will be available Filatorigát station on line H5, but visitors can also find useful information on the BKK website. The Sziget CityPass by Budapest Card wristband allows free public transport in the city again this year.

Road transport

The Sziget Festival will take place in the capital between Wednesday, 7 August, and Monday, 12 August, and as in previous years, the event will be held on Óbuda Island. From 20:00 on Friday 2 August to 20:00 on Thursday 15 August, the northern section of the lower embankment in Buda will be closed between Mozaik utca and the shopping centre car park. Óbuda Island was closed earlier. Traffic around the festival site, especially at Mozaik utca, will be significantly altered and more pedestrians than usual can be expected. Between Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 13, from 13:00 to 3:00 in the morning daily, the Buda Lower Embankment between Mozaik utca and Margaret Bridge will be closed, including Mozaik utca itself. During the festival, traffic on Szentendrei út will be heavier than usual in the afternoon and evening hours.

Public transport to Sziget

For those traveling to Sziget, BKK recommends using public transport, especially the H5 HÉV line, which will run more frequently and around the clock during the festival. The HÉV suburban railway timetable is available in the BudapestGO journey planner and on the BKK website.

The organisers would like to point out that the pedestrian routes have changed compared to previous years: this year, pedestrians and cyclists will no longer be allowed to enter Sziget via the H-Híd entrance near the Szentlélek tér station of the HÉV. If you are arriving by HÉV, you should get off at Filatorigát station, from where you can walk to the main entrance of Sziget at the K-bridge.

During the Sziget, the night buses in the area run at a higher capacity than usual, with articulated buses instead of single buses.

From Wednesday, August 7, to Tuesday, August 13, the H5 HÉV trains will run continuously at night between Batthyány tér, Aquincum, and Szentendre.

Bus 226 bus will run on a shortened route between Nyugati pályaudvar and Aquincum and will not enter Óbuda Island.

Taxi

The official taxi service providers of Sziget are Bolt and Főtaxi.

If you plan to take a taxi, please get into the car at the taxi rank in the festival area if possible. If you want to call a cab, you should use the mobile app of one of the taxi companies listed above to order.

Please note that taxis in Budapest work at fixed official fares, according to the price table on the left. If you are taking a taxi ride in Budapest, only get into a yellow car that is operating legally and has a fare sign posted in a visible place to avoid fraud.

Sziget CityPass by Budapest Card

As in previous years, BKK will operate a temporary sales point at the Filatorigát HÉV suburban railway station, where tickets, passes, and Budapest Cards can be purchased with cash or bank card.

Opening hours of the Filatorigát sales point:
– 5 August 2024 (Monday) 10:00-22:00
– 6 August 2024 (Tuesday) 10:00-22:00
– 7 August 2024 (Wednesday) 06:00-24:00
– 8 August 2024 (Thursday) 00:00-24:00
– 9 August 2024 (Friday) 00:00-24:00
– 10 August 2024 (Saturday) 00:00-24:00
– 11 August 2024 (Sunday) 00:00-24:00
– 12 August 2024 (Monday) 00:00-24:00
– 13 August 2024 (Tuesday) 00:00-14:00

The company recommends electronic tickets in addition to paper products: in addition to buying tickets, festival-goers can easily plan their trip in the BudapestGO app. All app functions are also available in English.

To help festival-goers navigate the festival, BKK offers a website in Hungarian and English, where all the important information can be easily found.

All three types of Sziget CityPass by Budapest Card wristbands (three-, five- and eight-day) are valid for unlimited travel on regular public transport vehicles within the administrative boundaries of Budapest between Tuesday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 13. Detailed information on using the CityPass wristband is available on the Sziget website.

Please note that the free travel option does not include heritage transport lines operating only at weekends and the 100E Airport Express bus, which runs directly between Liszt Ferenc International Airport and Budapest city centre. Read also: Attention, tourists: Budapest airport shuttle bus timetable changes

As we wrote today, traffic in Budapest is upside down: here’s what to know before you hit the road

From today, traffic in Budapest is upside down: here’s what to know before you hit the road

traffic in budapest hungary

There will be closures for two weeks due to the Sziget Festival, but it will be harder to get around the capital from Monday onwards on several busy routes, with two weeks of renovations starting. Here is the latest news on traffic in Budapest.

Sziget will disrupt traffic in the area

According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), restrictions are expected on several sections between 2 and 15 August and during the Sziget Festival.

Due to the event, the northern section of the Buda Lower Quay will be closed between Mozaik Street and the shopping centre car park. Óbuda Island was closed earlier. The 226 bus will run on a shortened route between Nyugati railway station and Aquincum.

Between 5 and 13 August, there will be a temporary closure daily from 13:00 until 3:00 a.m. on the Buda Lower Quay between Mozaik Street and Margaret Bridge, as well as in Mozaik Street. On Szentendrei Road, you should be prepared for much heavier traffic than usual in the afternoon and evening.

Pest, lower quay closure

The lower quay of Pest was already closed on weekdays between the Chain Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge and on weekends between the Margaret Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge to allow pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

Lane closures

The Buda side of the Margaret Bridge will be affected by a lane closure. Roadworks on this already busy stretch of road have been timed to start on 5 August. The road manager advises motorists to use alternative routes.

Following the asphalt milling work, the pavement will be renewed in two layers over an area of around 1200 square meters between the Buda end of Margaret Bridge and Török Street, in the direction of Széll Kálmán Square. The 291 bus stop will also be rebuilt with a reinforced structure, raised curb, and platform paving.

The road will be closed in two phases: from Monday, the side lane will be closed from the Buda bridgehead to Török Street, while the middle lane will also be closed between the Frankel Leó Street junction and Török Street.

Hungária körút, overpass renovation

Until the end of August, congestion is expected on Hungária körút due to the renovation of the flyover. Next week, the sealing, pavement, and dilatation repair work will enter a new phase, but two lanes will be closed until Tuesday morning, 6 August, Budapest Közút said in a statement.

The outer lane will be opened to traffic toward the M3 motorway entrance, but the inner and middle lanes will be closed. Traffic will still be allowed to pass on the tram lane.

Pedestrians will still be able to cross the flyover using tram 1. By bicycle, the route from Vágány Street – Dózsa György Road – Állatkerti körút to Városliget is from Róbert Károly körút.

More information here: Key Budapest bridge to see renovation, traffic restrictions planned

Sziget Festival starts next week, and traffic changes from today in Budapest

Sziget Festival scandals

Hungary’s renowned Sziget Festival, known as the Island of Freedom, will commence next Wednesday on Budapest’s Hajógyári Island. Consequently, traffic changes in Budapest will begin this evening.

According to index.hu,  traffic restrictions will come into effect on Friday in anticipation of the Sziget Festival. The Budai Lower Wharf between Mozaik Street and the shopping centre’s car park will be closed from Friday evening.

Additionally, bus number 226 will only operate between Nyugati Railway Station and Aquincum Station.

From Monday until 13 August, the conclusion of the Sziget Festival, temporary closures can be expected between 1 p.m. and 3 a.m. on the Budai Lower Wharf between Mozaik Street and Margaret Island. Traffic on Szentendrei Street will be heavier during the afternoon and evening hours.

festival
Source: FB/Sziget Festival

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23 Festivals in Hungary: Where to Go to Embrace Local Culture and Boost Happiness Levels

Here are the top festivals in 2024 in Hungary - Balaton Sound

Our guest author, Maria Zantsevich, compiled a list of annual festivals that showcase Hungary’s love for good wine, music (as the UNESCO City of Music, it’s the perfect spot), outdoor relaxation, and those that delve into the country’s history. From major European and global music festivals to stories about Jewish heritage and Swabian Turkey, with plenty of food, wine, and sometimes sports (occasionally paired with wine) – it’s all here. Most of these festivals can be experienced this year or early next year, so plan your travel calendar!

How to feel happiness? Sometimes you can just take a trip to Hungary. Swallowing the local air just after leaving the airport, you immediately understand that everything here is easy and simple, and therefore, beautiful. Even Chinese expats who may not be familiar with the word ‘vacation’ cherish weekends. From personal observations, even consistently open Chinese shops have started closing on Sundays and local holidays.

The central cafes in Budapest don’t prioritize revenue and close after 18:00 (and even earlier on weekends, sometimes after 16:00). Hungarian wine may not be extensively studied by international sommeliers, but it is excellent and reasonably priced. The food here is hearty and homely, and describing the national love for music of various genres in just a few words is hardly possible. Want to be near the water? You can find a hot beach without leaving Hungary. By the way, it’s not just any beach; it’s the Swabian one.

It’s precisely along this beach that marathons are run, and people recharge with wine at pit stops. All of this and a bit more is in the extensive list of festivals below. There are many words, but there is even more useful information. Everything for your inspiration to pack your bags right after reading.

I want to experience music!

Here’s a list of the main music events:

**SZIGET FESTIVAL**

– August, every year

– Location: Budapest

– [Sziget Festival Website](https://szigetfestival.com/en/)

“One of the largest multi-genre festivals in the world is held on Margaret Island between Buda and Pest. Sziget Festival, meaning ‘Island’ in Hungarian, has been attracting music enthusiasts since 1993. The festival roars for a week with multiple stages across the island, hosting performances by dozens of artists simultaneously. From rock and jazz to electronic and dance music, choosing which stage to visit can be challenging. I remember in 2006 (my first live concert), I was torn between Nine Inch Nails and The Hives, but since the ticket was a gift for Trent Reznor and NIN, the choice was obvious (though I heard diabolic scheeeeeeeme in the distance). This year, artists like Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, David Guetta, Foals, Stockholm post-jazz punks Viagra Boys, and the Nottingham lads delivering an excellent mix of post-punk and hip-hop, Sleaford Mods, will be performing.

festivals
Source: FB/Sziget Festival

Three festivals in the vicinity of Lake Balaton

  1. BALATON SOUND FESTIVAL
  1. VESZPRÉM FEST
  1. STRAND

Balaton is a mecca for music lovers. In the 70s and 80s, my mom told me how people used to exchange vinyl records with the latest music. Someone brought the fresh stuff, and homemade copies circulated among the masses. It cost 3 Soviet rubles, equivalent to approximately 3000 modern rubles by our calculations. An ideal combination of beach relaxation and carefree dancing in the open air. The festival is dedicated to various branches of electronic music, hosting numerous artists on multiple stages (this year there were 9, featuring Tiesto, Carl Cox, Dubfire, Claptone, Charlotte De Witte, Artbat, Adam Beyer, and more). Light music, warm lake water, excellent beach-focused street food, and a well-thought-out infrastructure along the coast with loungers, pools, cafes, and restaurants.

balaton sound festivals
Balaton Sound Festival, source: facebook.com

Besides the above, you can visit Balaton anytime. It stays warm until mid-September, and 16 km from the lake is the town of Veszprém. In 2019, it became a UNESCO City of Music, and in 2023, it will be the European Capital of Culture, an annual title. Veszprém Fest, held for 15 consecutive years, gathers rock bands and opera divas alike.

While in Veszprém, be sure to visit the Wine & Vinyl Bar & Store. This bar-store is famous for its various Hungarian tapas, vinyl treasures (you can find truly rare records), and regional wines. Balaton and Veszprém are part of the Balaton-Felvidék wine geocluster. Local wines are known worldwide, and, hooray, there are no wine festivals. But I’ll tell you about that a bit later.

In the meantime, another music festival at Lake Balaton, the celebration of the end of summer. You can still make it there in August. Strand translates to ‘beach,’ and the festival’s atmosphere matches the name. It’s still hot, everyone sunbathes on loungers and directly on the sand, and diverse live music plays on nearby stages. It’s a perfect way to extend summer.”

O.Z.O.R.A Festival

One of the two largest festivals in Hungary (the other being Solar United Natives) and one of the most extensive festivals of psychedelic music in the world. In 2022, it attracted over 60,000 people.

I want both music and wine!

Gastroblues Festival

The oldest festival in Hungary and one of Central Europe’s foremost jazz festivals. Over the years, it has featured performances by artists such as Glenn Hughes, Spencer Davis, Manfred Mann, The Yardbirds, and Chris Farlowe. The festival covers various genres, including blues, rock, and their intersections. Aside from music, the event attracts food and drink enthusiasts. Paks is situated in the Tolna wine region, making it an excellent place to try local wines.

But that’s not all Paks has to offer. Known as the nuclear center of Hungary, Paks hosts a nuclear power plant that generates half of the country’s electricity. In your free time, explore the house-museum of the legendary Hungarian politician Deák Ferenc, whose name graces streets across Hungary, much like Lenin’s in the Soviet Union.

Ozora festival festivals
Photo: FB/Ozora Festival

For something even more intriguing, hidden in the heart of Paks is a treasure in the form of the family-owned pastry shop, Stella Cukrászda. Founded in the last century by Stella, who had a passion for sweets, the delectable desserts are now crafted by her grandson Balázs Sitkei. Balázs is truly dedicated to the art of pastry-making, even using his vacations as an opportunity to bring back something new from Italy, France, or any corner of the world. The young pastry chef studied in Budapest and Paris, traveled extensively, but chooses to develop only the family pastry shop in Paks. The café is intimate and charming, decorated in shabby-chic style. The walls are adorned with the history of Stella and the family, vintage tools from 19th-20th-century confectioners, and other delightful artifacts. Having tried macarons in France, Sachertorte in Vienna’s historic Museum café, and Hungary’s iconic Esterházy torte at Budapest’s legendary Gerbeaud café, I prefer the showcase at Stella.

I want wine and food!

We combine two things for the sake of which we usually buy tickets to the end of the world:

National Siller Festival

End of every summer, Paks

The famous variety of Paks wine (as well as the entire Tolna region) is siller. This ancient semi-rosé, semi-red wine. The festival dedicated to tasting young siller usually takes place at the end of August or September – the locals have not yet decided on the dates in 2023. Everything happens in Sárgödör Square. You can try siller in every house with a wine cellar – they all belong to winemakers.

It’s worth talking separately about the cellars. They were inherited by winemakers from the time of the Ottoman Empire: they used to hide from Turkish invaders in them, and the length of the premises reaches 10-30 meters. Basement premises are in the “yellow soil.” The local soil is of a characteristic yellow color due to the large amount of loess in its composition, which is conducive to wine storage. Therefore, with the flourishing of winemaking, cellars became wine storage. And the press, on which grapes are pressed, was located right above the cellar. During the Second World War, presses and buildings above the cellars were destroyed, as was the square itself. But in 1999, the state took the historical monument under protection, and now they make and drink wine here, walk around, and enjoy life.

How much energy will you have during a wine mini-tour? Count on it yourself, but don’t forget to drink plenty of water. By the way, Hungarians have loved mixing wine with soda for centuries, calling it fröccs.

Important: you can organize a personal tour at any time. Come and call Dr. János Hanol at +36 (75) 830-626. Also, in Paks, many companies offer 1.5-hour guided tours. With tasting, of course.

A little more history – Paks belongs to Swabian Turkey. Once, Russians (now Serbs) fled here from the Turks and brought with them the Kadarka grape variety. And after the 18th century, German Swabians arrived here. Therefore, the area is called Swabian Turkey. You can explore its wine treasures endlessly – in addition to Tolna, go to the wine regions of Szekszárd, Pécs, and Villány. By the way, in the city of Szekszárd – the center of the mentioned region with the same name – they often organize wine marathons, where, in addition to water, they pour wine at pit stops. This year the event was not announced, but it’s a reason to keep an eye on the happenings in the 24th.

Badacsony Wine Weeks

Every summer, Badacsony

A month-long celebration of the world-renowned wine region. This time, more than a hundred producers will gather! The Badacsony vineyards are located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. It is here that Hungary’s legendary sweet white wines are made, as well as white wines with a dense structure and pleasant minerality. This is achieved due to the volcanic origin of the soils – Hungary has many extinct volcanoes! This logically leads to the next event.

Volcanic Wine Festival

End of summer-beginning of the autumn, Gyöngyöspata

The festival will feature wines from all volcanic slopes in Hungary. These include samples from Gyöngyöspata and Mátra. In addition to their main products, winemakers will bring special reserves that will never be available for sale. Trying the traditional Palóc soup made from lamb and green beans is a real treat.

Budapest Wine Festival

September 12-25, 2024, Budapest

The festival will take place for the 32nd time on the hill around Buda Castle – one of the main symbols of Budapest. From here, there is a panoramic view of the Danube, the historical parts of Buda and Pest, and a view of the architectural wonder of the Parliament building. The festival includes a vibrant street food scene, masterclasses, tastings, dinners from renowned chefs, and wines from all over the country. This year, winemakers from South America are announced as honorary guests – an excellent opportunity to gain a multicultural wine experience.

Balaton Wine & Gourmet

September 6-8, 2024, Balaton

This year, 50 restaurants and wineries from the region will present their vision of wine pairing, Hungarian, and unexpectedly, Argentinean and French cuisine. The program includes free tastings, workshops by sommeliers, dinners by Michelin-star chefs, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Interestingly, most of the gastronomic events will take place under the roof of the former 18th-century Jesuit order church.

Paprika Festival

October 11-13, 2024, Szeged (in other years, dates vary from August to September)

What Hungarian cuisine can do without hot paprika? And without any? There isn’t any. You can feel the national love, even passion, for this vegetable at the Paprika Festival. The event’s hero will be cooked and offered to try anything, from dried paprika to pepper vodka. In parallel, the organizers hold a competition, the winner of which will be provided with a year’s supply of the finest paprika. Worth a try!

Csárdafesztivál

August, every year, Budapest (Vörösmarty Square)

The festival is dedicated to traditional Hungarian food that families have been preparing from generation to generation: goulash, fried flatbreads called lángos with various fillings, sweet chimney cakes known as kurtoskalacs in the shape of a tube – the dough for which is twisted around a wooden spit and cooked on every corner of central Budapest and beyond. And, of course, Hungarian wines, including the famous Tokaji, high-proof pálinka, beer, and much more. Immersion in national culture will be enhanced by folk groups and musicians.

Street of Hungarian Flavours

Vary during the year, Budapest

The tastes and aromas of Hungary will be introduced throughout Budapest. This is the largest gastronomic event alongside the Christmas markets. In addition to goulash and chimney cakes, they will prepare dishes you have probably never heard of: Karcag lamb, Szatmár stewed cabbage, ginger sausages, Huncut Szilva Herceg pie, and many others. Fans of everything made from dough will be pleased with the inclusion of three winning recipes from the last Bread Baking Championship.

Budapest Beer Festival

Vary during the year, Budapest (Heroes’ Square)

Let’s raise our glasses! What to fill them with? Choose from a variety of options from more than 400 breweries from all over the country. Lagers, stouts, ales, porters, and all of this combined with various street foods and classics of national cuisine. Live music is also on the program.

Food Truck Festival

Usually August, Budapest (Liberty Square)

This urban event is dedicated not only to food but also to music. In addition to fried lángos, there will be tacos, sushi, and recipes from bustling streets around the world. Pop, rock, and jazz will be performed live, electronic live performances are planned, and even silent disco – when you wear headphones and dance in silence for onlookers. Plenty of activities are also planned for children, so there are no age restrictions at the festival.

Budapest Christmas Markets

November 1 – January 1, Budapest (Vörösmarty Square)

The central location adds to the beauty: around are the architectural treasures of the city, boutiques, historical cafes like Gerbeaud, and a crowd of smiles. Here you will find gifts and entertainment for every taste – from traditional and very warming food (there will be a lot of bread, meat, and spices), sweets, and mulled wine to all kinds of handmade items from ceramics, wood, leather, stones, and anything else. Check out this website.

I want to explore the culture (and dance in masks)!

We are studying history and traditions from different perspectives:

Jewish Summer Festival

September 8-18, 2024, Budapest

Hungarian culture is closely intertwined with Jewish culture. The Jewish people have been present in the territory of modern Hungary for 2000 years, even before Europe appeared on the map. Great Hungarians of Jewish origin include Nobel Prize laureate writer Imre Kertész, author of the “History of World Literature” and translator of the Bible into Hungarian literature professor and writer Moritz Ballagi (Bloch), and poet József Kish, who initiated a stylistic revolution in Hungarian literature. In Budapest alone, there are 24 synagogues (including the largest in Europe), and it is also home to the only institute for future rabbis in Central Europe. The Jewish quarter in Erzsébetváros is called the “city within a city” – it is so authentic that it is even planned to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s no wonder that the Budapest Jewish Culture Festival has become one of the most important events in the city and the entire country. Special attention is given to music – during the week, you can listen to Jewish music ranging from klezmer and cabaret to jazz fusion and organ performances.

Festival of Folk Art in Budapest (Mesterségek Ünnepe)

Usually August, Budapest

The event will take place for the 36th time in Buda Castle. Artists, craftsmen, and masters from all over the country will gather in one place and conduct various master classes. Pottery, knitting, weaving… And a special focus this year is on wood carving. Masters from South Korea will also present their works in this area. In addition to imaginable and unimaginable items, the festival’s atmosphere will be shaped, of course, by music and food. If you want to fall in love with Hungary, this is the place.

Busójárás

Every end of February to early March, Mohács

This is something like our Shrovetide week for the small Šokci nationality – that’s how they (and now all the residents of Mohács) bid farewell to winter and welcome spring. The whole city turns out for the carnival (locally called farsang). People put on carved and quite intimidating masks that don’t scare anyone, and they start their triumphal procession through the dancing, cheering, and actively festive crowd. Originally, the holiday was dedicated to the return of the Šokci people to their ancestral lands after liberation from the Ottoman Empire.

Easter Festival in Hollókő

During Catholic Easter, every year, Hollókő

In the charming village of Hollókő in northern Hungary, Easter is celebrated like nowhere else in the country. Folk festivities with dances, shows, and concerts, fairs of arts and crafts, traditional Hungarian and Hungarian Palóc cuisine – all in national and now very rare costumes. The Locsolkodás tradition (Watering Monday) is particularly fascinating. This is when men pour spring water on women in exchange for a shot of pálinka. It feels like being in a documentary or simply traveling back in time. No wonder the village of Hollókő is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered an open-air living museum.

 

I want to be in nature!

Lavender Festival in Tihany/ Levendula Hetek Tihanyban

Usually – June, every year, Lake Balaton

European lavender blooms not only in Provence! In Hungary, it paints fields around Lake Balaton in shades of purple. The intoxicating scent of flowers, live music, an endless backdrop for the best photos, and a folk art fair. Lavender is also an effective stress-reliever. After a week in the fields, there’s no need for meditation, Vipassana, or resignations. You know where to go in spring.

 

I want to run!

Not a festival, but one of the most popular marathons in Europe (and the world):

Annual Budapest Marathon

October 12-13, 2024, Budapest

Not just a marathon, but a two-day festival celebrating running. Among the pleasant options – you can run the marathon as a team of 2-4 people. Overall, there are distances suitable for all levels of preparation (and willingness), from 400 meters to 42 kilometers. The most popular one is the 30-kilometer run. Routes pass through the main attractions of the city, and afterward, everyone collectively goes to the Széchenyi Baths or Budapest’s pubs, often located in ancient cellars and catacombs.

These are just some of the festivals celebrated annually. Considering other one-time events, the conclusion is clear: in Hungary, it’s time to celebrate! So, no matter which date you choose to buy a ticket for, there will always be an event worth telling your grandchildren about.

Read also:

  • Unique female artists at 30th Sziget Festival: A journey into new worlds – Read more HERE
  • This year’s Kurultaj – Hungarian Tribal Assembly in Bugac promises to be an unmissable family event – Details in THIS article

Guest author: Maria Zantsevich

Unique female artists at 30th Sziget Festival: A journey into new worlds

Sziget Festival crowds

This year, Sziget Festival welcomes unique female artists who promise to transport audiences into entirely new realms with their performances. Among the diverse lineup, Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo and American DJ Honey Dijon stand out, each bringing a distinct cultural and musical flavour.

For those in Budapest searching for extraordinary musical experiences, there’s no need to look further, Index writes. This year’s Sziget Festival features Honey Dijon, a human rights activist and renowned DJ, alongside Tibetan refugee Yungchen Lhamo.

Honey Dijon: The heart of house music and activism

Honey Dijon, born Honey Redmond, hails from Chicago, the birthplace of house music. Her illustrious career has seen her perform at legendary venues like Berghain in Berlin and Output in New York, and at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella. She is no stranger to Sziget Festival either, having performed here multiple times.

Dijon’s artistry blends house, techno, and disco elements into an exciting mix. She is celebrated both as a DJ and a producer for her technical prowess and profound passion for music. Her work merges authentic house sounds with modern twists, creating a unique and refreshing auditory experience.

Her debut album, “The Best of Both Worlds,” is a standout, achieving great success in the dance music scene and earning critical acclaim. Beyond music, Dijon collaborates frequently with other artists and fashion brands, showcasing her versatility and creativity.

A significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Honey Dijon openly embraces her identity and advocates for equality and inclusion, inspiring and supporting community members worldwide.

Yungchen Lhamo: The healing voice from Tibet at Sziget Festival

Yungchen Lhamo’s name means “Goddess of Melody” in Tibetan, a tribute to her birth near a sacred spring. Her journey as an artist began with her escape from Tibet to find refuge in India, eventually reaching Australia in 1989, where her international music career took off.

Lhamo’s music blends traditional Tibetan folk elements with modern sounds, creating a unique spiritual and meditative experience. Her songs often incorporate Tibetan Buddhist teachings and mantras, radiating peace and serenity. Her deep, expressive voice and the spirituality embedded in her music have earned her numerous international accolades.

Yungchen Lhamo’s debut album, Tibetan Prayer, released in 1995, was a major success and marked her introduction to the world music market. This was followed by her album Coming Home, which expanded her unique sound to an even broader audience. She has released several albums and performed at prestigious festivals, concert halls, and spiritual events around the globe.

Beyond her musical career, Yungchen Lhamo is an active human rights advocate. She participates in numerous charitable and human rights organisations, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and identity. Through her voice and artistry, she not only entertains but also inspires and promotes the ideals of peace, love, and compassion.

Despite their different musical styles, both Honey Dijon and Yungchen Lhamo share a commitment to human rights, drawing from personal experiences of overcoming adversity and using their platforms to amplify marginalised voices. This year’s Sziget Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the transformative power of their performances.

Read also:

New ranking: Hungarian Sziget Festival is the world’s best in 2024!

Sziget Festival Budapest

This year, the Sziget Festival will be held on Hajógyári Island from 7th to 12th August and has been named the best festival in the world for 2024, according to a new list.

Slingo recently compiled a list of the 50 most prominent music festivals worldwide, evaluating various factors such as ticket cost, daily capacity and the number of artists and stages. According to the list, Budapest’s Sziget Festival has earned the top spot for 2024, as reported Index.

festival
Source: FB/Sziget Festival

Sziget is a close runner-up to Green Man in terms of the number of artists, with both festivals hosting over 1,000 performers. When it comes to stages, Tomorrowland will have 16 stages for visitors this year, whereas Sziget boasts 60 stages, the highest number in the world. Sziget is not the longest festival on the list, as Dekmantel in the Netherlands spans 9 days. However, Sziget ranks third with 6 days of entertainment featuring some of the world’s best artists.

Sziget received an 8.5 rating in the ranking, with over 1,000 performers. The Budapest event, held on Hajógyári Island, can accommodate 90,000 people. While there are larger capacity events, such as Download in the UK, that festival did not make the top 10. The list also includes two of the world’s most popular festivals: Untold in Cluj and Tomorrowland in Boom, Belgium.

Sziget Festival to feature new and recurring artists, both Hungarian and international

Sziget Festival scandals
Photo: FB/Sziget Festival

The Main Stage at this year’s Sziget will feature Hungarian headliners Azahriah, Beton.Hofi, and the Margaret Island group, while several other stages will showcase hundreds of other Hungarian acts alongside international superstars such as Kylie Minogue, Halsey, and Stormzy.

In addition to musicians, there will be plenty of dancing, a circus and a walking street theatre. “First up is Azahriah, who is the first local act in a long time to have a spot in the pre-headliner slot. The musician, who recently made concert history, will now try to conquer Sziget’s Big Stage audience of up to 60,000–70,000 with a special show that will also be a novelty for Puskás Arena’s audience,” said Tamás Kádár, the festival’s main organiser, to Index, referring to the fact that the young Hungarian artist recently played three sold-out shows at the Budapest stadium.

The organisers of the 31st Sziget promise an unforgettable experience this year. While the event faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years, it is returning to its former glory, as we previously reported.

Read also:

Here’s what you can expect from this year’s festival season in Hungary: prices, line-ups, and more

Hungary’s popular Sziget Festival 2024 announces major headliner – Read here

Hungarian musicians at Sziget Main Stage include Azahriah, Beton.Hofi, Margaret Island

azariah sziget

The Main Stage at this year’s Sziget Festival will feature Hungarian headliners Azahriah, Beton.Hofi and the Margaret Island group, while several other stages will showcase hundreds of other Hungarian acts between August 7 and 12, the organisers said on Tuesday.

They said in a statement that the Main Stage will allow Hungarian musicians to use the event as a springboard to enter the international scene.

Azahriah, who has recently filled the Budapest Puskás Arena three times on three consecutive days, is slated to draw an audience of up to 70,000.

Beton.Hofi will perform a show with the world renowned Rajko Gypsy Orchestra and Margaret Island celebrating its 10th birthday will put on a multidisciplinary act with guest dancers of Szeged Contemporary Ballet.

Other Hungarian acts of various genres will perform at venues including the Revolut Stage, The Buzz, BOLT Party Arena, Colosseum, dropYard, Global Village, the Petofi Stage, Magic Mirror, Cirque du Sziget, Theatre, Dance Corner and ArtGarden.

Sziget last year attracted some 420,000 visitors.

As we wrote earlier, the organisers aim to bring the biggest names to the festival each year. Let’s dive into what Sziget 2024 has in store for us.

  • read also: Here are the top festivals in 2024 in Hungary – PHOTOS