There are a lot of major events going on in September that you don’t want to miss: the Budapest Wine Festival, the National Gallop horse race, the Budapest Half Marathon, and more. In this event roundup, we collect all of the important happenings taking place in Hungary’s capital during the upcoming weeks, so that you can plan ahead to attend whatever events are the most interesting for you. Get out there and enjoy everything that Budapest has to offer!
Food Truck Show
An amazing alfresco food fair, the fourth Food Truck Show, is held in Budapest during September 1-3 at Kincsem Park racetrack. Juicy burgers, hearty and heavenly sausages, vegan bites, cold beer, and many other street-food treats await everyone for three days here. Furthermore, street artists, musicians, greyhound and horse races, exciting markets, and kid’s programs entertain crowds at this fascinating gastro festival, where open-air film screenings end each night. As a novelty this year, seven more street-food trucks join the festival, raising the number of buffet cars to a total of 52, providing more than 200 kinds of handheld courses. During the time of the festival, an old-school yellow American school bus provides free rides for everyone between Deák Square and Kincsem Park, while a mini train takes revelers to the venue from the “Pillangó utca” station of metro line M2. More details (in Hungarian)
Jewish Cultural Festival
The annual Jewish Festival takes place in Budapest during September 3-14 at various venues, including the impressive Dohány Street Synagogue, the Bethlen Square Synagogue, the Frankel Synagogue, and the Goldmark Hall. Celebrating colorful Jewish culture and traditions with various programs, the festival awaits visitors with dance performances, cabaret programs, children’s activities, and musical performances spanning various genres from klezmer to classical to jazz. More details (in Hungarian)
Budapest Wine Festival
Visitors to Budapest's most scenic wine festival – held on the grounds of Buda Castle – can discover Hungary’s different wine regions and finest glasses of reds, whites, and rosés during September 7-10. However, what kind of a wine festival would this be without culinary indulgences? No need to worry, as you will be able to feast on traditional festival dishes, and match gourmet specialties to your mood and wine here, too. Furthermore, a total of four stages will be provided for local performers to entertain crowds with live music while they admire the breathtaking panorama over Pest lying right below their feet. More details
Vegan Food Fest
If you are a die-hard vegan or just curious about what various kinds of meat-free meals taste like, head to the rooftop terrace of WestEnd City Center during September 7-10. Milk-free ice-cream, vegan burgers, hot dogs, cheese alternatives, hearty raw eats, and succulent superfoods provide insight into a meat-free lifestyle. Furthermore, a few traditional Hungarian courses made of purely plant-based ingredients, as well as alternative meals from foreign countries, are also on the palette of the Vegan Food Fest. More details
Paul Kalkbrenner live
Berlin-based electronic-music producer Paul Kalkbrenner is considered as more of a live act than a DJ, as he often breaks down his tracks into elements that are then reassembled onstage. He is best known for his 2009 hit, “Sky and Sand”, which sold over 200,000 copies and went platinum, as well as for portraying Icarus, the main character in the cultic German movie, Berlin Calling. On September 8th, Kalkbrenner blows up Budapest Park with an amazing live gig. More details (in Hungarian)
Ludovico Einaudi concert
On September 10th, the wonderful Ludovico Einaudi fills Budapest’s Palace of Arts with fascinating melodies. Einaudi started out as a classical music composer; however, he often incorporates various styles like pop, rock, world music, and folk music into his art. He also composed the scores for a number of films and trailers, such as This is England and The Intouchables, and he released several solo albums of piano and orchestral works, including “In a Time Lapse” and “Elements”. On this occasion, ebony, ivory, and Einaudi live together in perfect harmony in Hungary’s capital. More details
32nd Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
Complete a half marathon alongside thousands of other eager athletes while enjoying Budapest’s scenic scenery along the way. The race route begins at City Park (aka Városliget) and takes runners into the center of the city along Andrássy Avenue and across the Chain Bridge, providing an opportunity for athletes to admire the Buda Castle, the Parliament, and the panorama of Pest and Buda while getting some invigorating exercise. You can count on several refreshment stops and musical points along the way, while pace runners help you hit your desired pace. More details
Thai Festival
On September 10th, a truly special venue – the sylvan setting of Budapest’s Vajdahunyad Castle – introduces guests to the culture, gastronomy, and traditions of one of the most magical places on Earth, the “Land of Smiles”. Authentic Thai treats, dance performances, and box shows make you feel like you are on Khaosan Road, from where you surely will never want to go home. Browse beautiful Thai products, or soothe both your body and your soul with a massage while exploring a culture that you will forever keep in your heart. More details
National Gallop
Budapest’s scenic Heroes’ Square turns into a racetrack during September 15-17, evoking the atmosphere of bygone times. Young jockeys dressed up as Hungarian hussars get on horseback, while archers, horseback battlers, and other historic Hungarian figures entertain crowds. Discover Hungarian equestrian traditions during this three-day extravaganza, and cheer as horses and riders compete for the grand prize and national glory. More details
Sweet Days Chocolate and Sweets Festival
This will most certainly be the sweetest weekend of early autumn in Budapest, as a selection of international and local handcrafted confections, such as chocolates, cakes, ice creams, and other sweet seductions tempt taste buds during September 15-17. Furthermore, the country’s best pastry chefs and confectioners entertain everyone with a sweet tooth with shows, and when night falls delightful jazz performances and fine glasses of wine elevate the atmosphere. The icing on the cake is definitely the special setting, as the venue is Szent István Square, lying just before the beautiful St. Stephen’s Basilica. And to further increase anticipation, we can reveal that entry to this festival is free…Sweet! More details (in Hungarian)
