Yoga on Margaret Island, concerts, fireworks, and open-air cinema – experience the best of what the city has to offer for free this August.
1. Yoga on Margaret Island
If you're a yogi (or a wanna-be), don't miss the chance to practice asanas on the beautiful Margaret Island. Salute the sun surrounded by nature, free of charge – just bring a yoga mat! You can join the hour-long classes, hosted by DownDog Yoga Studio and the Checz Centre, on August 7th and 14th, starting at 9 am. The meeting point is the music fountain near the Margaret Bridge end of the island.
Details and signing up here.
2. International Day of Gypsy Song
Celebrate the rich heritage of gypsy music at the International Day of Gypsy Song on August 8th. In Budapest, Benczúr Ház will be the epicentre of the festivities, with free concerts taking place. You're welcome to hum and dance as you listen to performances by Misztrál, Romengo, Mónika Lakatos, Balázs Szabó (Szabó Balázs Bandája), and Parno Graszt, with Hungarian FolkEmbassy playing music at intervals.
More details here.
3. Outdoor Cinema
At Budapest Garden, a riverside leisure centre, you can enjoy movies under the stars with your feet in the sand – literally. The big screen is set up on the beach volleyball pitch, delivering full-on beach vibes while you watch epic, fun, and cult movies for free – all in Hungarian with English subtitles. In August, gear up for Grease, Pulp Fiction, Legally Blonde, Oppenheimer, and How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.
More details here.
4. Exhibition: Summer on the Shore – Rivers, Lakes, Seas
At the stunning Várkert Bazár (outdoor area), you can immerse yourself in the carefree summer and waterfront atmosphere through a pop-up exhibition of renowned Hungarian artists. The collection features summer-themed works by prominent 20th-century painters, including Vilmos Aba-Novák, József Egry, Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, Károly Ferenczy, and János Vaszary. This exhibition runs until mid-September, offering a perfect blend of art and summer ambience.
More details here (Hungarian only).
5. August 20th fireworks
The highlight of the upcoming Hungarian bank holiday on August 20th, St. Stephen's Day, is the spectacular firework display. Starting at 9 pm, you can admire a 30-minute show stretching over 5 kilometres along the Danube, from Margaret Island to Petőfi Bridge – and it's all free! While many will gather on the bridges for the best views, you might prefer a more secluded spot. Consider Gül Baba's Tomb, the Philosopher's Garden and Mansfel Péter Park on Gellért Hill, or climb up to Széchenyi Memorial Lookout Tower at Svábhegy for a panoramic perspective. Other great vantage points include the Nehru part, Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Várkert Bazár below the Castle.
6. Craft Beer Festival in Óbuda
Beer lovers and music enthusiasts, rejoice! From August 23rd to 25th, head to Óbuda's Fő tér (main square) for an exciting beer festival. Surely enough, you'll have to pay for the craft beers, but the atmosphere and fantastic concerts come free. The lineup includes Hungarian acts: Henri Gonzo and the Papírsárkányok, Platon Karataev, Solére, Mörk, Odett, Azorka and Söndörgő, Romengo, Csinszka, and Böbe will take the stage.
More details here (Hungarian only).
7. Bartók Fest
Újbuda's Bartók Quarter is a vibrant, gallery- and café-lined neighbourhood. It's not your typical tourist destination, making it all the more special. And if you are up for getting a taste of its loveable vibes, be sure to visit on August 31st for Bartók Fest. You’ll find something to enjoy all day long with 40 events spread across Szent Gellért tér and Műegyetem Quay. Activities range from fun for children to a live performance by Co Lee.
More details here
(Cover photo: Kőrösi Tamás - We Love Budapest)
