Today is Hungary’s most revered national holiday (the Day of King Saint Stephen), and the crowning moment of this esteemed occasion is ordinarily a spectacular fireworks display over the Danube River in Budapest, scheduled for this evening at 9pm – however, as of press time, threatening forecasts of strong winds and rain have city officials considering canceling this highly anticipated pyrotechnics extravaganza.

According to a news report on the Hungarian National Weather Service website posted at 12:58pm today, intense thunderstorms are expected nationwide throughout this afternoon and evening due to a passing cold front. Because of this, Hungarian media is reporting that Budapest officials are considering cancelling tonight’s fireworks show, likely with vivid consideration of bad memories from the tragic 2006 fireworks display on August 20 in Budapest, when a sudden violent storm swept through the city center during the show, toppling trees and causing mass panic among the huge crowds gathered on the riverbanks, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries to more than 250 people.However, the news is not all bad – tonight several nightclubs are still hosting parties to celebrate St. Stephen’s Day no matter what the weather brings. Here is a brief rundown of options:

  • Corvintető: Rewind party with DJs Palotai, Cadik, MC Zeek, and Zosha. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 10pm; 500 HUF cover charge. (If the fireworks display does occur, the rooftop terrace here should offer nice views.)
  • Szimpla: Apnoé Folk Underground concert. 8pm; free entry.


  • Kobuci Kert: Super Starsky concert. 7:30pm; free entry.


  • Akvárium: MOVE party with DJs Beta and Roocha. Free entry.
  • Instant: R’N’Business party with DJ Quick. 10pm.
For up-to-date weather updates, check out www.met.hu - the official website for the Hungarian National Weather Service.