There is a wide range of programs awaiting you in September in Budapest and the countryside. The most beautiful months of the autumn are all about wine festivals.
What to expect in September
Although September is officially autumn, it is actually quite a post-summer month with a number of outdoor events. As this month is mostly associated with harvesting grapes, September is all about wine festivals with accompanying culinary events.
Average temperatures in September
Of course, cultural and historical programs are also on the list offering a break from everyday life for the whole family. But don’t miss the Autumn Festival of Museums either.
Festivals and events in Budapest in September 2022
Nemzeti Vágta (National Gallop)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Paid
Once a year, Heroes’ Square and Andrássy Avenue lose their present character and give way to the equestrian race called the National Gallop.
The three-day celebration of Hungarian traditions stars horses and their riders and brings the different equestrian customs to life.
The height of the festival is its eponymous event, the National Gallop with about 100 municipalities presenting their horses and riders to see which one is the best in the country.
Another important goal of the event is to nurture national traditions and connect the capital and the countryside. The winning horse and its rider will be the proud owners of the Arany Sarkantyú (Golden Spur) and will also get the wandering saber of the National Gallop.
Not really keen on equestrian sports but love history? Heroes’ Square is still worth a visit as the whole area turns into a real hussar camp for the event.
Budapest Wine Festival in the Buda Castle
- Date of the event: September 10-13, 2022
- Venue: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2.
- Paid
The Budapest Wine Festival, also referred to as the most beautiful festival in Europe, has been organized for several decades. Its recognition is mostly due to the fact that the representative event is held in the truly beautiful Buda Castle every year.
Hundreds of Hungarian and foreign wineries represent themselves with thousands of wines, and tastings are being enhanced by the wonderful panorama.
Of course, the three-day event is not without plenty of other culinary delights, and it is made complete by professional and cultural programs as well as live music concerts.
Európai Mobilitási hét (European Mobility Week)
- Date of the event: September 16-22, 2022
- Venue: Budapest, Deák Square
- Free
Luckily, Hungary has also been participating in this international program for years which is very welcome since the European Mobility Week is about easing pressure on the environment and reducing the emission of pollutants.
The series of events seeking to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable urban transport calls attention to alternative means of transport: walking, cycling, roller, or basically anything that does not emit harmful gases.
Apart from raising awareness, there are several programs to attend like free concerts, vehicle exhibitions, puppet theatre for kids, dance performances, to name only a few.
Múzeumok Őszi Fesztiválja (Autumn Festival of Museums)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
The Autumn Festival of Museums held annually in Budapest and the countryside awaits visitors to 150 museums.
There are over a thousand programs to choose from since all museums prepare with programs as well. Family activities, museum pedagogical lessons, and professional events are all part of the repertoire.
The best museums in Budapest, it would be a sin to miss them
Since tickets can be bought at a discount price, it is recommended to browse through the options to find the one you are interested in.
Pozsonyi Piknik (Pozsony Picnic)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: Újpesti rakpart
- Free
Pozsony Picnic, the cultural and multidisciplinary arts festival of Újlipótváros dates back to over a decade.
There are concerts, dance and theatre performances, and literary programs to entertain the audience on three stages.
In the spirit of diversity, both classical and contemporary works of art are represented in the event, and the organizers have something for the children as well: there are several great shows in the morning for them.
Being a bit of a summer farewell event, the already great mood is spiced up with spectacular street flash mobs and fine art exhibitions, not to mention the arts and crafts fair atmosphere and culinary specialties.
Spinoza Zsidó Fesztivál (Spinoza Jewish Festival)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 1074 Budapest, Dob u. 15
- Paid
Spinoza Café is home to this annual festival bringing almost every element of Jewish culture to life in a single place.
In addition to several theatrical premières, the series of events are spiced up with dance and music literature, but there are also film screenings and even scientific performances.
There are not only Hungarian productions but also well-known artists from New York, Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem come and perform on stage every year.
Those interested can also hear religious-themed performances that focus primarily on the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
Street Food Show
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Street Food Show is basically a huge kitchen on wheels with countless culinary specialties from hamburgers to superb sandwiches.
The best of the best come from all over the world to prepare a single delicious dish, so the choice is wide from Dutch to Mexican cuisine.
Of course, in addition to food, there is some music and drinks as well, including beer, wine, cocktails, brandy, and champagne.
Zsidó Kulturális Fesztivál (Jewish Cultural Festival)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
The unequivocal aim of the largest Jewish Cultural Festival held in Budapest is to introduce the diversity of the Hungarian Jewish culture to the general public.
The multi-day event features the cream of contemporary classical and popular music life.
Music is the star of the event, but there are different stage performances, literary evenings, and exhibitions to enjoy – everything that is culture will be there.
Budafoki Pezsgő és Borfesztivál (Budafok Champagne and Wine Festival)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Budafok Champagne and Wine Festival has a great history of several decades with both domestically and internationally acclaimed wineries and champagne makers introducing their products.
Apart from tasting high-quality wine and champagne, you can also try culinary dishes in this cozy part of the city. Of course, there are no drinks without music, so various live music concerts are held during the whole festival.
As it is also a festival for big families, there is a separate children’s island for the little ones, so that they don’t get bored either.
Jókai kora, Jókai bora (Jókai’s time, Jókai’s wine)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Few people know that one of our most famous writers had a small hidden estate in Svábhegy, Budapest where he wrote a lot and worked in his vineyard.
He loved both literature and wine, and not only drank but also made it. Therefore, Jókai kora, Jókai bora is organized annually on this estate mostly to remember Mór Jókai.
Yet, it is not only the great author and his works that are remembered under the shades of the wonderful trees but also Jókai, the winemaker, and his fine wines.
The latter is, of course, accompanied by wine tasting, and the beautiful land and its history are also shown to those interested every year.
Festivals and events in the countryside in September 2022
Vidor Fesztivál (Happy Art Festival) – Nyíregyháza
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Vidor Festival is held in Nyíregyháza every year in the spirit of merriment and laughter.
A real carnival atmosphere awaits those coming to the city during the event with living statues, street performers, caricaturists, and acrobats entertaining the audience.
But we can also listen to outdoor concerts with both Hungarian and international stars, and the best comedies of the year also debut in the theatre during this event.
Vidor offers fun for the whole family, awaiting children with fun programs and puppet shows making kids laugh.
Badacsonyi Szüret (Badacsony Harvest)
- Date of the event: September 11-13, 2022
- Venue: 8261 Badacsony
- Free
When the beach season is over, it is time for harvest. So, there is no reason why we would need to stop visiting Lake Balaton.
The only difference is that now – instead of the water –we might want to enjoy the different wines. The Badacsony Harvest is an excellent celebration of wine where – apart from wine tasting – culture and arts come into focus as well.
The central theme of the event is the longest harvest procession in the country with folk dance ensembles and brass bands making the occasion a great delight for everyone.
Those interested can get to know more about the history of wine-making and the culinary characteristics of the area, while the atmosphere of the event is made complete with live music performances.
Kőszeg Harvest Festival and International Assembly of Wind Instruments
- Date of the event: September 25-27, 2022
- Venue: 9730 Kőszeg, Jurisics Square
- Free
This event in Kőszeg is considered to be a tradition as it has been held since 1973. The main attraction is on Saturday, with the audience entertained with a costume harvest ball.
Wine production has a long history in and around Kőszeg. Wine-making is done on nearly 150 hectares with mainly zweigelt and blue franc wines produced.
During the festival, the jury selects the winner from the wines of local wine producers, and it receives the title of ‘Wine of the city of Kőszeg’ that year. But there is more to it, as the Queen of Wine is also selected and she becomes an official public figure for a year.
The event is further enhanced by the fact that it also includes an International Assembly of Wind Instruments.
Szolnoki Gulyásfesztivál (Goulash Festival in Szolnok)
- Date of the event: September 11-13, 2022
- Venue: 5000 Szolnok, Tiszaliget
- Free
When abroad someone finds out we are Hungarians, the first word we hear is definitely Puskás, while the second one is goulash for sure.
Therefore, the Goulash Festival in Szolnok is organized every year seeking to preserve and celebrate the tradition of this delicious Hungarian food.
While tasting mouth-watering dishes, visitors are entertained by folk music from Hungary and abroad and foreign performers also present their own gastronomic specialties.
The event is further enhanced by various arts and crafts programs, a street fair, and children’s programs for the little ones.
Kalocsai Paprikafesztivál (Kalocsa Paprika Festival)
- Date of the event: September 11-13, 2022
- Venue: 6300 Kalocsa, Érsekkert
- Free
Kalocsa Paprika Festival of several decades is one of the most prestigious culinary events in the country.
The festival also includes a Paprika Food Cooking Competition, which presents paprika food lovers with perfectly delicious miracles each year.
Although the central aim of the event is to introduce people to the tradition of paprika growing and the folk arts heritage associated with it, there will be no shortage of entertainment either.
Concerts performed by the most popular bands in the country, dance ensemble performances, and also folklore programs, handicraft activities, and loads of children’s programs are all part of this wonderful experience.
Őrségi Tökfesztivál (Őrség Pumpkin Festival)
- Date of the event: September 25-27, 2022
- Venue: 9938 Nagyrákos
- Free
Typically, the festival is organized annually by Őriszentpéter, Magyarszombatfa, Nagyrákos and Szalafő. It is about the celebration of a single thing – the pumpkin –, but this one thing is celebrated pretty well.
Yet, the greatest culinary celebration is not only about flavors, i.e. dishes made from pumpkin. It also seeks to preserve culture and traditions.
In the spirit of this, visitors can also get to know interesting folk customs and folk arts related to pumpkin.
During the day, there are traditional games, art shows, and humorous quizzes for all ages, while the pumpkin lantern procession in the evening is an unforgettable experience for everyone watching it.
Európai Bordalfesztivál (European Drinking Song Festival) – Pécs
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Wine and songs come together in many countries, but the country with the richest classical wine song treasures is most probably Hungary.
That is why the European Drinking Song Festival is held in Pécs each year. Although its name refers to Europe, the festival can be considered unique in the world.
Another special feature of the event is that the international choir competition only accepts male contestant groups. Don’t worry, it is not discrimination, it is just about sticking to traditions.
The performances are held during the celebration of grapes and wine, and the songs are fascinating even without understanding the lyrics.
In addition to concerts, there are dance ensemble performances and of course, there will be no shortage of the best wines either.
Honvédfesztivál (Military Festival) – Pákozd
- Date of the event: September 21-29, 2022
- Venue: 8095 Pákozd
- Free
The Battle of Pákozd-Sukoró is commemorated every year in the one and only Military Memorial Park in the country.
The legendary struggle is revived with the Hungarian hussars and the enemy forces facing each other in this authentic and spectacular combat demonstration.
In addition to the battle, the audience can enjoy equestrian and hussar demonstrations and family programs. But it is not only history that comes to life at the National Memorial Park; we can also have some great adventures.
Apart from permanent interactive exhibitions, there are various obstacle courses, laser tag combats, and animation programs for kids.
Debreczeni ZAMAT Street & Classic Food Festival
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Paid
Even the name of the festival is promising and once we visit the event of flavors in September, we won’t be disappointed either.
The most well-known restaurants in the city prove why they are the best at a gastronomic review. What is more, the best of street food kitchen come from all over the country to pamper the audience with their delicacies.
The other star of the event – in addition to snacks – is the pálinka (brandy).
It is worth tasting some of them –not only to help digestion – as all the best brandy wineries in the country represent themselves at the event.
The good atmosphere is enhanced by live music concerts with diverse and quality music.
Székesfehérvári Lecsófőző Vigasság (Székesfehérvár Hungarian Ratatouille-making Merriment)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 8000 Székesfehérvár, Zichy liget 7
- Free
One of the legendary specialties of Hungarian cuisine is lecsó (Hungarian ratatouille), which is famous for the fact that everyone prepares it differently and everyone considers theirs the authentic one.
In this spirit, the paprika-tomato delicacy is cooked in several hundred cauldrons every year, so that the king of lecsó is found and properly crowned by the end of the day.
While the jury is in a difficult position, visitors can taste all the most delicious food and drinks.
Although lecsó is the star of the day, there will also be a market-style arts and crafts exhibition and music and stage performances on stage.
Nemzetközi Tiszai Halfesztivál (International Tisza Fish Festival)– Szeged
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 6723 Szeged, Széchenyi Square
- Free
The International Tisza Fish Festival has a long and glorious history. Although international in its name, it is still the celebration of the Szeged fish soup.
The food is cooked in several hundred cauldrons by the bank of the Tisza, and the best ones win a degree of the Halfőző Érdemrend (Order of Fish Cooking) and – above all – the recognition of the audience.
In addition to excellent tastes, there is a real picnic atmosphere, traditional programs, and music and dance performances entertaining the audience.
Craftsmen from all over the country come to the event and present their special merchandise, so there is no shortage of a fair atmosphere.
Szekszárdi Szüreti Napok (Szekszárd Harvest Days)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 7100 Szekszárd, Downtown
- Free
If September, then harvest. And the famous wine region of Szekszárd may not be excluded either.
However, the four-day event goes way beyond wine tasting – it has become a full-grown arts festival by now. In this spirit, art exhibitions, concerts, folk dance performances, and a traditional arts and crafts fair awaits visitors of the town.
Yet, the main attraction is, of course, great wine. While the central program of the four-day celebration is the spectacular Harvest procession on Saturday.
Harvesters dressed in folk costumes holding tools of old-times, folk dancer girls and singing guests are all part of the event.
Nemzetközi Verkli Fesztivál (International Barrel Organ Festival) – Keszthely
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 8360 Keszthely, Downtown
- Free
It is worth visiting this town by Lake Balaton in September if you don’t know what a barrel organ is. And if you know what it is, then you should visit Keszthely for that reason.
The word international is perfectly accurate as barrel-organ musicians from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Poland play this wonderful musical instrument.
Basically, musicians come from countries where barrel organ has a tradition. You can enjoy the procession of the instruments evoking good old times and their players along the main street of the town, creating an amazing atmosphere.
The festival is seeking to introduce as many people to these old musical instruments as possible. The event is accompanied by additional programs – puppet shows for children and dance performances for adults.
Zrínyi Napok Fesztivál (Zrínyi Days Festival)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 7900 Szigetvár, Zrínyi Castle
- Free
The Zrínyi Celebration is the greatest festival in Szigetvár paying tribute to the memory of the legendary general.
It is most probably one of the oldest regular programs in the country as well as it has been organized for two centuries.
The event of long history revives border castle battles and raids with spectacular combat demonstrations. A huge ring of fire is flared up on the castle wall commemorating the siege of 1566, but even the food is a remembrance of that old age.
Traditional games and period music also enhance the medieval atmosphere. Every year there are dance theatres, exhibitions, and arts and crafts fairs, making it a diverse event.
