20th February–30th December
AGGTELEK, JÓSVAFO
AGGTELEK–JÓSVAFO TRADITIONALIST AND ARTS DAYS
The core of these cultural events is the series of classical and pop concerts in Baradla Cave, famed for its acoustics and stunning limestone formations. Visitors can enjoy traditionalist programmes, fairs and village days too.
http://anp.nemzetipark.gov.hu/
22nd – 24th April
MEZOKÖVESD
MATYÓ EASTER
Traditionalist and folk-dance groups from Mezőkövesd and surroundings entertain visitors in the Hadas quarter of town throughout Easter Sunday and Monday. These programmes are complemented by a crafts fair, the blessing of traditional Easter dishes, Easter customs and displays of artisan crafts.
http://www.mezokovesd.hu/
23rd – 24th March
HOLLÓKO
HOLLÓKO EASTER FESTIVAL
The picturesque, World Heritage village of Hollókő revives ancient folk customs associated with the arrival of spring. Visitors can admire wonderfully ornate folk costumes, learn how to create the famous Hungarian painted Easter eggs, and enjoy the folklore programme and folk-crafts fair.
http://www.holloko.hu/
25th April – 3rd May
GYŐR
MEDIAWAVE - ANOTHER CONNECTION INTERNATIONAL FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
MEDIAWAVE is the scene of the most famous international film competition and music festival in the region but besides these two main activities there are dance-theatres, exhibitions, literature evenings, conferences as well. The festival has become more like a regional festival with the involvement of about 20 locations in 5 countries.
http://www.mwave.irq.hu/
1st – 11th May
SALGÓTARJÁN
24TH INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL
The festival, started in 1984, is one of the Hungarian jazz events with the greatest traditions, and the most important festival in the Eastern-European Region. In the framework of the 24th festival we are going to organise the 2nd National Amateur Jazz Meeting, gastro-jazz events, where the audience can combine culinary and musical delights.
http://www.stjazz.hu/
10th – 12th May
HORTOBÁGY
HERDSMEN'S COMPETITION AND HORTOBÁGY EQUESTRIAN DAYS
The festival, designed to nurture the noble and long-established traditions of riding and equestrianism in Hungary, hosts a Hungarian show-jumping derby, two- and four-in-hand carriage-driving competitions, and a national horse-herdsman championship in the World Heritage Hortobágy National Park.
http://www.hortobagyikht.hu/
11th – 18th May
KESZTHELY
16TH BALATON FESTIVAL
The Festival, held in the most beautiful month, in May, is composed by numerous outstanding art and cultural events. Several settlements around Lake Balaton joined the Festival, which is organized for the 16th time.
http://www.bkksz.hu/
Middle of May
BALATONFÜRED
SEASON-OPENING “UNFURLING OF THE SAILS” FESTIVAL
The official opening ceremony of the sailing season has a history going back more than 75 years. The first yachting competition is accompanied by a folklore programme and the opening of exhibitions.
www.balatonfured.hu/en_index.php
24th – 25th May
ETYEK
ETYEK CELLAR FESTIVAL
This two-day event has been turned into one of the most prominent feasts of the Hungarian wine culture. Those who love wine know well that this is the only event where they can meet all of the major wine-growers of Hungary. In addition to the excellent wines, excellent cultural events, jazz concerts are offered to all members of your family
http://www.pincefesztival.hu/
25th May
HÉVÍZ
III. LOTUS RETRO CONCURSE D´ ELEGANCE
International old-timer car beauty contest and luxury cars exhibition in the park of the Rogner Hotel Lotus Therme. The participants are vintage cars, older than 30 years and modern luxury cars. Program: exhibition, presentation of prizes.
Rogner Hotel & Spa Lotus Therme
http://www.lotustherme.com/
30th May – 1st June
MISKOLC
BORSOD SPINNERY
The program, which recalls folk traditions, has a wide range of noted Hungarian and international performers. The visitors may get acquainted with the folk music, dances, the culinary and cultural traditions of the Carpathian Basin.
http://www.diosgyorivar.hu/
June
ALSÓÖRS
HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLISTS’ FESTIVAL
Harley Davidson bikers’ rally with a procession, shows and musical events at the “Európa” Camp Site
www.hog.hu/ealsoors.php
June
TIHANY
LAVENDER FESTIVAL
Excursions, lavender harvesting, handicrafts playhouses and other entertainments.
http://www.tihany.hu/
June
DEBERCEN
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MILITARY BANDS
One of the major musters for military bands in Central Europe is held in cooperation with the Hungarian Ministry of Defense. This is a chance to follow bands and bandleaders from Hungary and abroad as they parade for several days, performing in concerts, open-air processions and marches.
http://www.fonixinfo.hu/
5th – 8th June
KAPOSVÁR
TOWN OF PAINTERS FESTIVAL
Late-19th–early-20th-century milieu, bohemian artists, spectacular productions, breathtaking performances, high-quality live-music concerts, fine arts and crafts displays and a street exhibition in the home town of painter József Rippl-Rónai.
http://www.kaposvar.hu/
6th–8th June
FEHÉRVÁRCSURGÓ
„THE ART OF THE GARDEN. 4TH CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN HORTICULTURE AND GARDEN SHOW”
Exhibition and sale in the 50 ha Park
http://www.karolyi.org.hu/
13th - 22nd June
MISKOLC
MISKOLC INTERNATIONAL OPERA FESTIVAL (BARTÓK + PÁRIZS)
The event was designed to be the world’s leading Bartók festival. Performers include stars from La Scala, the Metropolitan, Covent Garden and the Bolshoi Theatre.
http://www.operafesztival.hu/
14th–29th June
PÉCS
PROMENADE FESTIVAL
The festival, based on the triad of light-art-science, provides multiple entertainments in the centre of Pécs. It welcomes visitors by thematic art festivals during its 3 weekends (Pécs-Ars GEometrica, International Folk Days, Contemporary and Improvisation Music Festival), and concerts on weekdays.
www.setaterfesztival.hu/index_en.php
20th – 22nd June
SZEGED-SZŐREG
SZŐREG ROSE FESTIVAL
Cut-rose displays, flower arrangements, rose fair, rose playhouse, Rose Queen contest, concerts, international folk-dance programme, procession, street ball and fireworks.
http://www.szegedvaros.hu/
27th June–10th August
GYULA
GYULA CASTLE THEATRE MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL
Visitors to the historical castle and surroundings are entertained with theatre, puppet theatre, opera, operetta, ballet, classical and folk music, medieval court music, jazz and folk dance.
http://www.gyulaivarszinhaz.hu/
28th June
SZARVAS
3RD EQUESTRIAN DAY
The 3rd Equestrian Day awaits its visitors with an exciting coach drivng contest and with a traditional fair of handicraft trade.
www.tourinformszarvas.hu/index_e.php
10th – 13th July
ZAMÁRDI
BALATON SOUND
Balaton Sound Festival is the greatest musical event in the middle of the summer on 10-13th July 2008 at Zamárdi, the most popular holiday spot at the southern coast of Hungary's largest lake. The new event series is able to provide various facilities to entertain and spend holidays simultaneously. For this reason the greatest international stars will be invited there. On the Main Stage 2-3 international stars from the popular streams and electronical music acts till the world music and jazz each day. The Festival Arena is a spot vindicated for the most famous DJs and live acts from the late afternoon till dawn. The Café Terrace is lovely lounge with DJs, chill out programmes and live performances during the day. Besides them you will find numerous clubs, restaurants, cafés etc. located on the bank.
www.sziget.hu/balatonsound_english
July
BALATONFÜRED
BLUE RIBBON REGATTA
Around 1,600 yachts compete for the Grand Prix and Blue Ribbon on the 160km round-the-lake course.
http://www.hunsail.hu/
July – August (every Saturday)
EGER
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Soldiers dressed in traditional Hungarian costume XVI. Century costumes guard 3 places of the fortress between 10-16. hours.
www.egrivar.hu/en/var.html
2nd – 5th July
SOPRON
VOLT FESTIVAL
As one of Hungary's oldest festivals, VOLT will be organized on 2-5-th July, 2008 in the beautiful city called Sopron right at the Austrian-Hungarian border. The town is famous for its historic downtown and healthy climate as well. VOLT Festival is a multicultural event where the audience can choose between 3-400 programs, besides numerous concerts there is a huge variety of theatrical performances and movies, and the festival has its own live radio as well. As far as catering is concerned, there are a number of cafes and restaurants waiting for the guests coming from all over the country and beyond. The international shows on the main stage can be visited by 12.000 people while other programs of the rest 10 stages can be enjoyed by hundreds people each. Last years' biggest stars at VOLT were: The Prodigy, The Cult, Korn etc.
www.sziget.hu/volt_english
4th July–21st August
SZEGED
SZEGED OPEN-AIR FESTIVAL
Audiences of up to 4,000 enjoy opera, ballet, musicals and folk dance performed on a huge stage erected in front of the imposing cathedral of Szeged.
http://www.szegediszabadteri.hu/
6th July
EGER
STRAUSS EVENING
Listen to well-known Strauss melodies performed by the Eger Symphonic Orchestra. in Dobó Square. The audience can enjoy both the music and a nice dinner on the terraces of the restaurants.
www.senatorhaz.hu/bemutatkozas-eng.php
6th – 7th July
HARKÁNY
SPA FESTIVAL
The programs consist of folklore programs, pop music, operetta music, balls and you can find open-air market in the Zsigmondy promenade.
www.harkanyfurdo.hu/en/index.html
6th – 19th July
SZOMBATHELY
INTERNATIONAL BARTÓK SEMINAR AND FESTIVAL
The concerts, with programmes built on 20th century and contemporary music repertoires and especially on the oeuvre of Bartók, are accompanied by master-classes, musicology seminars and folk-music programmes.
www.filharmoniabp.hu/page.asp , www.bartokfestival.hu/en/index.htm
11th July – 13th July
EGER
12TH EGRI BIKAVÉR FESTIVAL ON THE DAY OF SAINT DONATUS
This event showcases the many-sided character of Bull’s Blood – the region’s flagship wine. Culinary delicacies will be on offer in marquees in the historic “Dobó” Square, while there will also be professional talks, displays and prizes.
http://www.egriborut.hu/
18th July – 31st July
SOPRON
LISZT FESTIVAL
Ferenc Liszt, the famous romantic composer was born just a few miles away from Sopron in 1811. Ha gave his first concert in Sopron at the age of nine in this charming very town ; that was the first step to his world-famous career. We celebrate him every year with a music festival in Sopron, to which we are now gladly inviting you as well.
http://www.lisztfestival.hu/
19th July
RÉVFÜLÖP–BALATONBOGLÁR
CROSS-BALATON SWIM
Each year, several thousand come to participate in Central Europe’s largest freshwater swimming competition, covering the 5.2km distance. Swimmers and guests find a colorful series of programmes at the destination in Balatonboglár.
http://www.balaton-atuszas.hu/
19th – 27th July
EGER
CASTLE FESTIVITIES IN EGER
During the festivities performers dressed traditional costume proceed from the medieval centre of Eger up to the fortress. Medieval atmosphere provide for traditional combat groups, flag-drill teams, dancers, musicians. Alongside the programme folk artist’ wares will be on display and sale.
http://www.egrivar.hu/
25th–27th July
GYULA
BORDER CASTLE EVENINGS
From morning till nightfall, there is something for everyone during this fun-packed weekend: concerts, street ball, folk music and dance, puppet and street theatre, a medieval procession, equestrian shows, playhouses, a crafts and applied-arts fair, children’s programmes.
http://www.gyulaivarszinhaz.hu/
25th July – 3rd August
KAPOLCS, MONOSTORAPÁTI, PULA, TALIÁNDÖRÖGD, VIGÁNTPETEND
VALLEY OF ARTS
This kaleidoscope of 800 productions at 50 venues encompasses classical, dance and street theatre, ecclesiastical, folk and world music, jazz, film, fine arts, “Green Arts” environmental and nature protection programmes, a handicrafts fair, dance houses and playhouses.
http://www.kapolcs.szinhaz.hu/
26th July
BALATONFÜRED–TIHANY
CROSS-BAY SWIM
The 3.6km distance can be covered by young and old alike in perfect safety, and the event attracts increasing numbers of swimmers each year.
www.balatonfured.hu/en_index.php
26th – 27th July
BALATONFÜRED
ANNA BALL AND ACCOMPANYING EVENTS
The highpoint of this famous ball, which has been held for over 180 years, is the election of the belle of the ball and her ladies-in-waiting, who then ride through the town in horse-drawn coaches on Sunday. On the day of the ball, Saturday evening, the general public can enjoy a street ball in Vitorlás Square.
www.balatonfured.hu/en_index.php
28th July – 3rd August
EGER
THE MARKET PLACE FROM THE MIDDLE AGES
The gates of the Market Place from the Middle Ages will open again at heart of the city centre of Eger in Dobó square. The events are among authentic sceneries, where the visitors not only observe the life of medieval times but they can also actively participate in it. The guests can taste dishes and beverages from middle-age. They can also try handicrafts (felting, hand-made paper preparing). We organize historical play houses for children. Nightly the visitors can participate in a travel back in time. Participators meet characteristic people of the Middle Ages in merry-go-round of the market (witch, thief or grafter) and visitors can see authentic costume and weapon performances.
www.kozepkoripiac.hu/en/index.php
29th July – 3rd August
KESZTHELY
16TH BUSH OF ZALA - FESTIVAL OF THE WINE
Wine exhibition & fair, handcraft market, traditional foods, programs for children, music and dance exhibitions, concerts…
http://www.bkksz.hu/
30th July – 3rd August
DEBRECEN
BÉLA BARTÓK 23RD INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION
The biennial choir competition functions as a genuine forum for presenting contemporary choral music. The competition proper is normally complemented by additional performances for a larger audience, including premieres of recently composed pieces.
www.fonixinfo.hu/?lang=2
Late July–early August
BADACSONY
BADACSONY WINE WEEK
The town, famed far and wide for its wines, presents its historical and cultural traditions, as well as those of winemaking past and present. There are also concerts and folklore performances.
http://www.badacsony.hu/
1st – 3rd August
HAJDÚSZOBOSZLÓ
DIXIELAND DAYS IN SZOBOSZLÓ
This show provides an unforgettable experience for those who love dixie. Over the three days, there are concert performances by well-known national and international groups.
http://www.hajduszoboszlo.hu/
3rd – 24th August
BALATONFÜRED
BALATONFÜRED WINE WEEKS
Local vineyard owners bring out their very best wines for this festival celebrating the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region, and there is a folk applied-arts fair and cultural programmes.
www.balatonfured.hu/en_index.php
8th – 10th August
GYŐR
MAGIC OF BAROQUE
BAROQUE WEDDING
In the evening the fairy tale baroque wedding ceremony takes place in which a real engaged couple vows everlasting faithfulness to each other.
Thousands of viewers witness the ceremony. Carriages decked with flowers are driven along the old town street, music resounds, splendid costumes are on show.
www.barokk.hu/lant/en.html
9th – 10th August
MISKOLC
MEDIEVAL CASTLE DAYS
The historical event, which revives the Castle’s „golden age”, illustrates the time of the knight-king, Louis the Great in the 14th century. This is a real historical travel through the ages: characters in period dresses and scenery of the time restore the past.
http://www.diosgyorivar.com/
9th – 10th August
SÜMEG
MEDIEVAL CASTLE FESTIVAL IN SÜMEG
The cavalcade of events staged as part of the Sümeg Castle Tournament evokes the battles of the Ottoman era as well as bringing Hungarian history and traditions to life. Festivities include re-enactment of the siege of Sümeg as well as a mediaeval jousting tournament where brave knights battle to the roar of the crowd.
www.hotelkapitany.hu/eng
15 – 17 August
EGER
6TH EGER WINE SHOW ON THE EGER MARKET
The introduction of wine makers from the northeastern Hungarian wine regions (Eger wine region, Mátra wine region, Bükk wine region and Tokaj wine region), accompanied by colorful cultural programs in Dobó Square.
http://www.koporos-eger.hu/
15th–21st August
DEBRECEN
DEBRECEN FLOWER CARNIVAL
The Flower Festival can boast of the largest floats of flower compositions in Europe. The core of the event is connected to August 20th, the day of Saint Stephen. Kossuth Square becomes the hub of merry-making, while the entire week is spent in the spirit of celebration, music, dance, and flowers.
http://www.fonixinfo.hu/
17th – 25th August
FEHÉRGYARMAT, MILOTA, KÖLCSE, TÚRISTVÁNDI, SZATMÁRCSEKE
SZATMÁR FESTIVAL
Events such as the International Milota Walnut Festival and the Penyige Szenke Shore Great Fair serve as introductions to the undisturbed natural environment of Szatmár, the unbeatable hospitality of the locals and the unique regional cuisine.
http://www.tourinform.szabolcs.net/
20th August
HORTOBÁGY
HORTOBÁGY BRIDGE FAIR
The fair, with a history dating back over a century, entertains visitors with street theatre and folklore performances, dance displays and stilt-walkers.
http://www.hnp.hu/, http://www.hortobagyikht.hu/
22nd – 24th August
SZOMBATHELY
SAVARIA HISTORICAL CARNIVAL
The past ages and traditions of the town – which was founded by the Romans – are brought to life by people dressed in period costume. The ancient buildings, the surviving archaeological fragments and the charming town centre provide an atmospheric backdrop to a series of lively, spectacular and high-quality productions.
http://www.savariakarneval.hu/
23rd – 31st August
FERTŐD
„HAYDN AT ESZTERHÁZA” FESTIVAL
The "Haydn at Eszterháza" festival was founded by the Hungarian Haydn Society in 1998 with the goal of presenting Haydn's masterworks at one of the most important venues of Haydn's life, in the magnificent ceremonial hall of the Esterházy Palace at Fertőd. Many of the leading Hungarian and international specialists of historic Haydn performance have performed there during the last years. The festival is a member of the European Festivals Association, its concerts are regularly broadcast by radio stations across Europe.
http://www.haydn-eszterhaza.hu/
26th – 31st August
KECSKEMÉT
“FAMOUS WEEK” FESTIVAL
The festival, whose roots date back to the 1970s, showcases the economic, scientific and cultural achievements of the town and region. The event is also an excellent opportunity for Kecskemét to present itself to Europe.
http://www.kecskemet.hu/
4th – 7th September
SZEGED
INTERNATIONAL TISZA FISH FESTIVAL
The essential festival for those aiming to master the science and art of cooking fish dishes. Anyone able to cook fish is welcome to enter the competition. The festival is complemented by folklore presentations and a fair.
http://www.szegedvaros.hu/
5th – 15th September
KESZTHELY
KESZTHELY DANCE PANORAMA
The term “panorama” is well deserved as the programme covers everything from ballet through folklore to contemporary dance, performed by professional Hungarian dance companies.
http://www.bkksz.hu/
8th – 10th September
DEBRECEN
DEBRECEN JAZZ DAYS
It is considered to be one of the most prestigious international festivals. As an example of the more significant festivals of jazz music in Central-Eastern Europe, it features stars in concert from abroad as well as artists of Hungarian jazz chipping in at the individual concerts and jam sessions.
http://www.fonixinfo.hu/
12th – 14th September
SZOLNOK
GOULASH FESTIVAL
The Goulash Festival of Szolnok develops with undiminished energy since 1991. On the 7th Goulash Festival there were about 700 stew-pots with 65, 000-70, 000 team members, guests and visitors. Our advantaged aim is to preserve and to show the image of the Hungarian Goulash both in Hungary and in the foreign countries.
http://www.magyargulyas.hu/
13th – 14th September
TOKAJ
AUTUMN IN TOKAJ
Autumn in Tokaj aims to attract the quality wine consumers. We will introduce the wines and the "magic of tokaji" in their natural environment - at the wineries. A programe for those who are concerned about Tokaj and want to get firsthand information.
http://www.tokajiosz.hu/
18th – 28th September
PÉCS
HERITAGE FESTIVAL - PÉCS DAYS
In its heydays, Pécs always emerged with cultural achievements over other Hungarian cities. The Heritage Festival - Pécs Days builds its programs upon this heritage, welcoming the audience with Brass Gala, Ethnic Days, Days of Cultural Heritage and several music, dance and theatre productions.
http://www.oroksegfesztival.hu/
19th – 21st September
HAJDÚSZOBOSZLÓ
HEALTHY FOODS AND WINE FESTIVAL
Guests are welcome to sample dishes made from organic ingredients and wines from the best vineyards, as well as to enjoy the folklore programmes and shows.
http://www.hajduszoboszlo.hu/
20th – 21st September
BUDAPEST AND 250 PLACES AROUND IN HUNGARY
EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS
Under the auspices of Council of Europe, the Office of Cultural Heritage has been organizing for over a decade the European Heritage Days, declaring the third weekend of September each year the red-letter days of built-up heritage in Hungary. Hundreds of prominent buildings open their gates for guided tours of locations not open normally for the public. Also made available are supporting programmes, concerts, talks, play centres with a view to enhancing the gala atmosphere of the event.
http://www.oroksegnapoorsoorsk.hu/
26th – 28th September
PÉCS, NAGYHARSÁNY, PALKONYA, SIKLÓS, VILLÁNY, VILLÁNYKÖVESD
13. EUROPEAN CONVIVIAL WINE SONG FESTIVAL
Hungarian and foreign choruses perform convivial wine songs in the settlements of the Villány–Siklós Wine Route, accompanied by wine tasting and insights into the traditions of wine making. The festival concludes with all the choruses singing together in the main square in Pécs.
http://www.winesongfestival.hu/
27th – 28th September
ETYEK
ETYEK GASTRONOMIC FESTIVAL
Culture has arisen when mankind settled and brought land into cultivation for the first time. Culture ends when mankind detaches itself from the land. This is Hungary’s first slow-food festival with excellent cultural programs and authentic folk music.
http://www.kezes-labos.hu/
3rd – 5th October
TOKAJ
TOKAJ-HEGYALJA GRAPE-HARVEST DAYS
In this celebration of Tokaji wines and folklore, grape pickers dressed in national costume ride in procession on horse-drawn carts evoking traditions of the region. An essential part of the programme is the crafts fair and fireworks display, not forgetting the chance to sample a few wines!
http://www.magyarborokhaza.hu/
4th October
HORTOBÁGY
HUNGARIAN GREY-CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR
The event allows visitors to see this remarkable and noble breed of cattle and to enjoy watching herding displays and an ox team in operation, as well as to sample specialities served direct from the cauldron.
http://www.hnp.hu/ ; http://www.hortobagyikht.hu/
23rd – 26th October
BÉKÉSCSABA
CSABA SAUSAGE FESTIVAL
Traditions associated with the slaughter of the pig, sausage-making competitions – and many opportunities to sample the final product. There are also cultural and professional programmes, a food-industry exhibition and fair, and wine tastings.
http://www.kolbaszfesztival.eu/
November
TIHANY
FESTIVAL IN TIHANY
Tihany fishing, fish-soup-cooking competition, informative lectures and entertainment.
http://www.tihany.hu/
29th December
EGER
8TH EGER WINE SHOW
The introduction of the new wines of wine makers from Eger.
http://www.koporos-eger.hu/