Fun is guaranteed in July. Several festivals and family programs are awaiting tourists, both in Budapest and the countryside.
What to expect in July
Being the middle month of the summer and due to good weather, July is all about outdoor programs. Most open-air festivals are organized this month to the delight of the young and not so young.
Trains are packed with backpackers and everyone is on their way to their favorite festival to relax after a year of working and studying.
Of course, there is no shortage of family programs either with constant old-time historic events in towns in the countryside which will definitely be great fun for everyone.
Last but not least, sports are also in the center of attention in July – just think about the event of swimming across the Balaton which moves the whole country.
Programs in Budapest in July 2022
Vajdahunyadvári Nyári Zenei Fesztivál (Vajdahunyad Castle Summer Music Festival)
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- Paid
The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, thanks to excellent performers and a wonderful environment. The resounding melodies of classical and folk music in this romantic site guarantee a marvelous night for anyone who likes music at least a bit.
Chamber orchestra concerts, virtuosos, and strings are part of the repertoire every year. There is no shortage of programs at the multi-day event, as unforgettable musical works of classical musicians from Beethoven to Ferenc Liszt appear on the palette.
Budapesti Nyári Fesztivál (Budapest Summer Festival) – Margaret Island
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- Free
Being the most important venue of the Budapest Summer Festival, Margaret Island awaits everyone from June to the end of August.
World-famous foreign and legendary Hungarian performers take the stage in the favorite green area of the capital.
It would be difficult to list the diversity of genres as there are performances from classical music and pop music to a variety of theatrical productions, and the pleasant atmosphere and culinary offers of the island are very attractive for domestic and foreign tourists.
Óbudai Blues Fesztivál (Óbuda Blues Festival)
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- Free
This festival is a must for all blues fans as this is the day when the greatest Hungarian and foreign blues musicians come together and perform concerts in the garden of Zichy Castle.
The event is also the greatest professional meeting of Eastern Europe with representatives of the genre building connections.
Not only do the most important traditions of blues come to life in front of the audience, but also contemporary artists get to know each other, and the musical aspirations of a specific region, whether it is the Delta, Memphis or Chicago blues.
Last but not least, the festival is given credit for making Hungarian and Eastern European blues known and recognized worldwide.
Recommended festivals and events in the countryside in July 2022
VOLT Festival – Sopron
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- Paid
VOLT Festival is one of the most important music festivals in the country with a huge number of visitors from abroad. The one-week musical dumping in Sopron has been entertaining its ever-growing audience since 1993.
The programs cover the entire spectrum of the popular music scene with Hungarian and world-renowned bands creating a diverse event every year. At the same time, the organizers also provide the opportunity for emerging bands to introduce themselves.
So, the mainline is music, but there are also theatre performances, film screenings, exhibitions and sports programs making VOLT complete.
Visszhang Festivál (Echo Festival) – Tihany
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- Free
Mihály Csokonai Vitéz already wrote in 1803 how beautiful the echo of Tihany was. Fortunately, it was not only the poet who recognized this captivating natural phenomenon; there were several other people as well.
In this spirit, the so-called Echo Festival is organized every year in the settlement by Lake Balaton. There are folk instruments such as bagpipes, scrollers, and good old zither.
Not only are they played, but we can also get to know them and other folk music instruments under the guidance of professionals.
The musical programs are completed by a street fair where children and adults can take part in handicraft activities.
Gyulai Végvári Napok (Border Castle Days of Gyula)
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- Free
The annually organized Border Castle Days is a worthy commemoration of the Turkish siege of 1566 during which Hungarian soldiers protected the castle – and the whole of Europe – with their last drop of blood.
The three-day event brings this heroic fight to life with more than 200 people re-enacting scenes of the former battle. In addition to the main attraction, Gyula once again becomes a medieval town and we get to know more about the lives of border castle heroes and every day of the Turkish era.
There are historical games and walks, archery shows, cannonball throwing, spear throwing, sword holding, medieval playground and several other exciting programs awaiting visitors.
After daytime programs, there are popular music concerts in the evening with the greatest performers of the Hungarian music scene.
Visegrádi Palotajátékok (International Palace Games of Visegrád)
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- Free
The International Palace Games of Visegrád has been commemorating the congress of 1335 since 1985. Every year, thousands of visitors come to this marvelous town to attend a spectacular event.
The programs take place at several venues from early morning until late at night with knight tournaments in the center of attention.
In addition to spectacular fight scenes, passers-by dressed in fancy dresses, periodical music, and dance performances bring the medieval life of Visegrád to life.
There are not only domestic productions, but also more than a thousand performers from ten European countries. In the evening, a torchlight procession and musical concerts make the games complete. This festival is a must for everyone.
Badacsonyi Borhetek (Badacsony Wine Weeks)
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- Free
Badacsony, one of the justly famous citadels of Balaton wines is home to the annual one-week event that is more than a wine festival as, in addition to wine tasting – during which we are shown how divine these juices really are – there are numerous gastronomic programs to attend.
The enjoyment of the delicious snacks is made complete with music concerts of every genre from folklore to pop music.
The audience is entertained by handicraft shows, folk dance ensembles, while there are puppet shows for the youngest.
And let’s not forget that the whole event takes place in the picturesque landscape of the Balaton area.
Bajai Halfőző Fesztivál (Baja Fish Soup Festival)
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- Free
Just imagining how the fire is lit up under 2000 cauldrons at the same time to prepare the already Hungaricum Baja fish soup is exciting, not to say watching it.
Tasting all the monumental offers is impossible even if you are a great eater. Yet, trying them is a must. The unique culinary event is made complete with a wide range of programs.
So, besides flavors, we can enjoy theatre, music and dance merriments. The day is mainly spent in the name of folklore, while the night belongs to famous pop artists.
There are playhouse and puppet show for kids. But you can go on a cruise on the Danube if you feel like it while the soup is cooking in the cauldrons.
Balaton Sound
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- Paid
The festival by the Balaton has become one of the largest electronic music festivals in Europe within a few years. There is one thing you can do, but you can do that a lot: partying!
The event was first organized in 2007 so that there would be an electronic program series in the country in addition to the traditional popular music summer events. Almost all of the most famous DJs of the international electronic music scene are present at the festival.
Because of the huge fan-base, it is advisable to book accommodation well ahead as Zamárdi is quickly filled with fans of this music genre.
Szegedi Szabadtéri játékok (Szeged Open-Air Festival)
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- Free
The Szeged Open-Air Festival is the largest theatre event series in the country. The idea itself was first proposed by the well-known poet Gyula Juhász back in 1926, and after some breaks, the event has been organized annually since 1959.
Being an all summer long event, it offers a wide range of genres from musicals and opera performances to prose. The number of visitors is increasing by the year as the town itself is a strong tourist attraction.
Hortobágyi Lovasnapok (Hortobágy Equestrian Days)
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- Paid
Hortobágy Equestrian Days of several decades are not only popular in Hungary but also have gained a great reputation all over Europe.
Being a rider nation, thousands of people visit the Hortobágy shows every year, but there are also many from Europe.
You can admire astonishing equestrian performances and chariot races at the biggest Hungarian equestrian event. At the same time, visitors can get some insight into local shepherd culture.
Horses and their riders, and grey cattle are awarded important prices. Though, the latter might not feel so lucky since they end up in a cauldron every year.
Balaton-átúszás (Swimming across Lake Balaton) – Révfülöp
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- Paid
The annual swimming across Lake Balaton is perhaps the most important sports program of the year where both amateurs and professionals can set out to overcome the 5.2 kilometer-distance.
Being a completely informal competition; anyone can start in any stroke after passing the medical screening prior to the event.
The swim is absolutely safe as the competitors are continuously monitored from boats. If you can’t complete the not so short distance, you can give it up any time.
The popularity of overcoming the Révfülöp–Balatonboglár distance is demonstrated by the fact that over 10 000 people take part in the race each year. You don’t need to swim on the return trip; brave competitors are brought back by ferry.
Kékszalag vitorlásverseny (Blue Ribbon – Round the Lake Balaton Race)
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- Free
The Blue Ribbon sailing competition is the oldest and also longest-distance sailing regatta in Europe. The sailboats first set off from Balatonfüred in 1934 to compare their skills and test their willpower.
Everyone wants to be the fastest to receive a blue ribbon. The distance of the two-day race is approximately 160 kilometers as the crow flies, which is much more on water. The weather in the lake is changeable.
Sailors are put to the test by storms, calm, rain and even swarms of mosquitos, not to mention sailing at night and staying awake for 48 hours. Thus, it is no coincidence that winning the Balaton Blue Ribbon is the glory of a lifetime.
Veszprémi Utcazene Fesztivál (Veszprém Street Music Festival)
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- Free
Veszprém Street Music Festival is one of the largest public events in Hungary with music and amusement from the afternoon till night.
During the four-day event, the streets of the town are swarmed with street performers who not only entertain their audience but also compare their skills.
The stakes are high, as the band most favored by the public gets two million forints. You can even start a music career from that sum.
In addition to the audience award, there are also professional awards and guests from the international scene come to the festival as well. One thing is for sure: parties and good mood are guaranteed.
VeszprémFest
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- Paid
The unequivocal aim of the more than a decade old festival is to attract world-renowned performers to the town.
The genre is not really specified, so opera, jazz, classical, world and pop music are all part of the event brought to you by the most prestigious artists every year.
The concerts are held in the beautiful baroque building of the Veszprém Castle further elevating the atmosphere of the event.
Wineries around Lake Balaton are introduced to the city, and – in addition to tasting the famous wines – there are also gastronomic specialties as accompanying events of the fest.
Anna Bál (Anna Ball) – Balatonfüred
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- Paid
The Balatonfüred Anna Ball dating back almost two hundred years has become a phenomenon, which everyone must attend once.
The first ball was organized on 26th July 1825 by Fülöp János Szentgyörgyi Horváth in honor of his beautiful daughter. Since the 1950s, they have also chosen Miss Anna Ball every year.
Even in the beginning, the ball was one of the most illustrious events of the country attended by Lujza Blaha, Mór Jókai and Mihály Vörösmarty – among others.
The ball still evokes this reform age period in the atmosphere. The opening is at 7.30 pm every year and is followed by a dinner and Musical Gala.
At the same time, the Primate contest attracts a large audience to the town. At 11.30 pm, the 15 most beautiful girls selected by the audience are introduced, while the highlight of the event is at midnight. That’s the time the beauty of the ball is chosen.
Egri Bikavér Ünnep (Egri Bikavér Festival)
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- Free
The magnificently beautiful Érsekkert is home to the Egri Bikavér Festival, a true culinary journey into the world of ever-delicious foods and wine.
Contrary to its name, there is not only Egri Bikavér for tasting, but also all local winemakers can show their products, and the food is traditionally delivered by the best restaurants in town.
The four-day event is guaranteed to provide fun for everyone, as the atmosphere of food and drink tasting is elevated by nationally recognized bands.
In the morning and early afternoon, kids’ programs await families, but there is also a veteran vehicle parade accompanying the event.
Bükkszentkereszti Gyógynövénynapok (Herbal Days of Bükkszentkereszt)
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- Free
The magical village in the Bükk is awaiting herb-loving visitors. Herbal Days started as a family initiative but has grown into a national event by now.
The two-day event is the largest herbal meeting in the country and also the celebration of herbs.
We can attend professional presentations moving several thousand people where we can learn a lot about plants from Gyuri bácsi, the herbal man of Bükk and many renowned professionals.
Children will not be bored at the family-friendly event either as there are carousels, folk toys, and an imaginary animal hospital to entertain them.
Nádasdy Történelmi Fesztivál (Nádasdy Historical Festival)
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- Free
Nádasdy Historical Festival organized in Sárvár for over a decade commemorates the legendary Turk beater Fekete Bég (Black Bey).
The event returning to Turkish times is guaranteed to provide great entertainment for the whole family with live chess, armory and combat demonstrations and also medieval hunts are coming to life.
The organizers even paid attention to such little things as to have food reminiscent of the Middle Ages. But street musicians, performers, and clowns also appear in the courtyard. In short, the atmosphere is perfectly Turkish.
In addition to being a journey to the past, the festival in Sárvár is also a significant folklore event with outstanding dancers and folk music performers introduced each year.
