The 2nd weekend of September is dedicated to fine wines from both Hungary and foreign countries. As usual the historic castle District gives home the festival which offers several wide selection of programs.

The most visited event of the festival is the Wine Exhibition & Fair (5th-9th September, on 5th-6th between 14.00-23.00, on 7th-9th: 10.00-23.00)) where you can taste cream-of-the-crop Hungarian wines. Every year a guest country is chosen to be a highlight of foreign wine producing nations. This year South Africa will introduce its delightful wines to both local wine lovers and to tourists who decide combine sightseeing with wine sampling.

In the Vinagora tent wine experts help you to become a wine tasting judge for some time and select the the Wine of the Festival.

On 9th September, at 13.00 a harvest parade takes place starting from Szentháromság tér and ending at the festival stage.

Admission: 2100 HUF for whole day, for which you’ll get a tasting glass with the festival’s logo and a small haversack in which you can carry your glass. Some coupons for wine tasting (cc. 300 HUF) are also included in the entrance ticket. Prices of tasting coupons range between 80-800 HUF.

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Budapest indulge both tourists and locals with a avriety of program in August. The Festival of Folk Arts will be held for the 21st time at the Royal Palace in Castle District.

Craftsmen (woodcarvers, embroiders, weavers, potters, blacksmiths, musical instrument makers) introuduce their works and work methods. This year leather works will be in the focus of the festival.

If you want to buy a special souvenir the festival provides you a perfect opportunity to select from quality and authentic folk art works.

Folk concerts and dance performances, puppet theatre entertain both adults and kids.

As usual the festival’s program culminates on 20th August (St Stephen’s Day a national Holiday in Hungary) with the march of the craftsmen and blessing of the New Bread in front of Matthias Church.

Admission: 1000 HUF/adult, 400/students, pensioners

Date: 17th-20th August, 10.00-23.00

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The Wine Village provides a perfect preamble for the 20th August (St Stephen’s Day) festive programs. My husband and I had a great time at the last year so we’re looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to sample the best of Hungarian wines.

Until 14.00 admission is free but of course you have to pay for the wines you’re going to taste. In case you want to enjoy the programs you’d better time your visit after 14.00.

The Wine Village gypsy band will entertain guests every afternoon but a range of other programs provides for additional entertainament: cabaret, jazz, blues, folk dance.

Should you get peckish a handful of food stalls cater for hungry guests.

Wine Village reaches its peak on 20th August when the 100-member Gypsy Orchestra gives a concert at 20.00-22.00.
Address: Ötvenhatosok tere, behind the Museum of Fine Arts (M3, yellow metro, Hősök tere station)

Opening Hours: 12.00-24.00 on weekdays, 10.00-24.00 on weekend

Admission: free until 14.00, after that: 1300 HUF/adult, for wine addicts: 5000 HUF for 5 days, the admission includes a tasting wine glass with the event’s logo on it.

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August tends to be colourful regarding programs in Budapest. Several prestigious events take place in the Hungarian capital in the last month of summer:

• Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix (3rd-5th Aug), though it’s not in Budapest in a small vilalge called Mogyoród, 20 km north of the capital the sport event attract many visitors

• Sziget Festival will be organized for the 15th times on the Hajógyári Island in Óbuda, III. district

Some of this year’s performers:

• Pink (USA),
• The Chemical Brothers (UK)
• Manu Chao (F)
• Madness (UK),
• Nine Inch Nails (USA),
• The Rakes (UK),
• The Hives (Swe),
• Sinéead O’Connor (IRL)

• Sambosi Jazz Festival in Downtown Budapest (Courtyard of the Pest County Hall, Városház utca 7., V. district) Hungarian and foreign jazz artists give concerts. performances start at 20.00, tickets’ll be available on the spot 1-2 hours before the concerts’ starts

Some more serious cultural programs:

• BudaFest Summer Opera Festival (1st-19th Aug)

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