June is mainly about outdoor festivals with different cultural, music and culinary events waiting for you.
What to expect in June
June is the first true month of the summer, so it is about open-air festivals. The first pop and classical music festivals debut this month.
It is also the time for thematic professional and sports meetings from archery to blacksmithing. What’s more, this month offers a number of meaningful cultural programs that not only offer great fun but also reveal to us a lot of things in detail.
Last but not least, children will not get bored in June either, as this pre-summer month offers several great activities for them as well.
Programs in Budapest in June 2022
Ünnepi Könyvhét (Festive Book Week)
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- Free
Festive Book Week is the most important book event of the country organized annually by the Association of Hungarian Publishers and Book Distributors.
The festival that introduces all of contemporary literature is traditionally organized on Vörösmarty Square. There are more than 200 Hungarian and cross-border publishing houses scheduling their new book releases for this date.
Thus, the core of the celebration consists of book premiers and signings. But there are also numerous professional prize-giving ceremonies and book publishers prepare special programs for their readers.
The book week begins with the Firefighter Orchestra dressed in ceremonial uniforms giving a concert. Then, an illustrious Hungarian author opens the event, making a speech on the importance of reading and the current state of the book industry every year.
In addition to celebrating literature, the Association of Hungarian Publishers and Book Distributors link Children’s Book Days to this day to call the attention of young people to the importance of reading.
Apart from Budapest, the Festive Book Week is also organized in several rural cities.
Armel Operafesztivál (Armel Opera Festival)
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- Paid
This unique festival has presented opera rarities and more importantly, contemporary works to the general public for more than twenty years.
This event is also one of the most significant opera competitions, where contestants can win the Best Performer Award after a multi-stage competition.
The prestige of the event is well demonstrated by the fact that internationally acclaimed performers from all over the world arrive to take the stage in both Budapest and Vienna – as part of the programs taking place there.
The organizers of the festival also provide free opera buses that take the audience to the venue of the performances in Vienna and then back home to Budapest.
Budapesti Nyári Fesztivál (Budapest Summer Festival)
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- Free
The name Summer Festival is not a coincidence. This is probably the longest series of events of the country lasting for three months from June to late August.
What can fit into this? Well, we could say almost everything since there are several hundred programs organized each year, most of which are held on Margaret Island, the favorite green area of the city.
The unequivocal aim of the festival is to further increase the charm of the capital in the eyes of tourists. Thus, world-famous artists perform on the main stage of Margaret Island.
Theatre, opera, ballet, pop, classical and world music are all part of the program – just to name the most common ones.
Duna Karnevál Nemzetközi Kulturális Fesztivál (Danube Carnival International Cultural Festival)
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- Free
The Danube Carnival is also the owner of the Europe Top 500 titles. Each year, artists from a number of invited countries perform to strengthen togetherness and cultural relations among countries.
The name of the festival is not a coincidence: as countries are connected by the Danube, so are people living there connected by culture and dance.
Thus, folk dance, folk-, contemporary-, world- and classical music are all part of the program, just to mention a few.
To the delight of the little ones, the FolKid International Children’s Folk Art Festival has also become part of the event. The performances are held at representative locations in Budapest.
Judafest Utcafesztivál (Judafest Street Festival)
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- Free
Judafest Street Festival organized annually in the historic Jewish Quarters enclosed by Kazinczy Street, Király Street, and Wesselényi Street, offers culinary, cultural and sports programs.
The main focus of the three-day event is the Maccabi VAC Fun Run running competition where competitors can try themselves out in the 10-, 5- and 1-kilometer distances.
But the most important thing is that the entrance fee is offered to a Jewish foundation in the name of a “racism-free world”.
Those who are not fond of physical activity can taste traditional Jewish dishes and desserts at the festival. In addition to folk and classical music programs, we can also learn about Jewish culture, and children will enjoy traditional Jewish games.
Kórusok Éjszakája (Night of Choirs)
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- Paid
It is always great to see a civil initiative become successful. This is exactly the case with the Night of Choirs visited by several thousand people every year.
With its excellent acoustics, the Palotanegyed (Palace District) in Józsefváros is the perfect venue for the multi-day event where over fifty choirs show off their skills every night.
Of course, it also requires the choruses to perform simultaneously in several indoor and outdoor venues, and each performance must be a maximum of 20 minutes.
The organizers guarantee the diversity of the event, with both classical pieces and modern jazz or more popular music being part of the palette.
The success of the Night of Choirs is demonstrated perfectly by the fact that performers arrive not only from the countryside but also from abroad.
Szecesszió Világnapja – Iparművészeti múzeum (World Art Nouveau Day – Museum of Applied Arts)
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- Paid
World Art Nouveau Day is a Hungarian initiative first organized in 2013. And what building would be the more perfect venue for the event than the Museum of Applied Arts, probably the most beautiful Art Nouveau building in the world?
The museum can be visited free of charge and in addition to scientific presentations, there are organized city tours connected to the topic with the Art Nouveau buildings of the capital in the center of attraction on this world day.
There are guided tours at several venues and thematic film screenings can also be attended to explore the style.
Tilos Maraton (Tilos Marathon)
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- Free
If you like parties, you can test your stamina in June at the nine-day event of Tilos Radio. The music is rumbling, entrance is free of charge, but it is a fund-raising event that helps further operation of the radio.
The festival, which lasts more than a week, is divided into thematic days, so there are world and psychedelic music and jazz, but the organizers did not forget about Family and Children’s Day either.
Although the focus is on music, there are also meals cooked in cauldrons and other open-fire delicacies. The raffle and the free bike service are just the icings on the cake.
Múzeumok éjszakája (Long Night of Museums) – all over the country
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- Free
Every year, there is a celebration of museums all over the country when the institutions await visitors with special programs and open hours into the night.
The best museums in Budapest, it would be a sin to miss them
The event started in France in 1999 and spread to Hungary where it was first celebrated in 2003. Last but not least, entrance fees are also at a discounted price.
The number of museums and galleries participating in the program varies, but previous data show the magnitude of the event with an average of 450 museums and 2,500 programs awaiting visitors interested in culture and history.
Programs in the countryside in June 2022
EFOTT Festival – Velence
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- Paid
Although EFOTT is officially the largest student party of the year, that is the National Meeting of University and College Students at Lake Velence every year, there are plenty of old students and several people who did not attend college at all.
Party till you drop – would be the perfect summary of the festival where the stage is taken by both the best of the Hungarian elite and emerging amateurs, but there are also world-famous performers appearing each year.
And the refreshing water of the lake is always at your service in case you feel exhausted from partying.
Levendulafesztivál (Lavender Festival) – Tihany
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- Free
If lavender, then Tihany – since the official growing of the plant was started here by monks in the Middle Ages.
Unfortunately, instead of the once lilac lavender fields, the slopes of the peninsula often became barren due to the storms of history.
However, today lavender growing is without problems and this is definitely worth celebrating. With this in mind, everyone is free to pick lavender, while the brave ones can try their luck at the highlight of the event, the lavender harvest.
Once your basket is full, enjoy the arts and crafts and music programs in the area.
Tiszavirágzás (Blooming of the Tisza) – Tiszakürt
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- Free
Unfortunately, the exact date of the Blooming of the Tisza cannot be predicted as the moment of the ‘Tisza flowers’ swarming the sky is decided by the biological clock of these animals.
Freshen up at Lake Tisza – Sights at the Lake’s surroundings
Still, it is worth keeping an eye out for the “blooming” as it is a unique spectacle. It generally happens in the middle of the month between 6 and 9 pm.
The millions of mayflies flying over the river is an unparalleled phenomenon in the world of insects. In the 1800s, the “Tisza flower” was present in several rivers in Europe, but by now this unique sight can only be seen on the Tisza River.
Debreceni Pulykanapok – Turkey Days in Debrecen
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- Free
Based on the popular children’s song, the event is organized every year: Debrecenbe kéne menni, pulykakakast kéne venni. (We should go to Debrecen to buy a turkey.)
There is also a huge variety of delicious poultry dishes to taste and buy. In addition to culinary delights, the three-day event focuses on cheerfulness and fun.
There are concerts, gypsy and folk music, entertaining adults, and a puppet theatre and various programs for children.
The largest gastronomic festival of the region is visited by tens of thousands every year, which might be a sign that turkey is prepared perfectly there.
Kabóciadé Családi Fesztivál (Kabóciadé Family Festival) – Veszprém
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- Free
The Kabóciadé Family Festival is a big favorite with children and adults as well. The whole town is transformed into a huge puppet theatre for this time.
The two-day event features open-air performances on the streets and squares of Veszprém where the favorites of many, King Habakuk and Queen Boróka appear every year.
There are circuses, playhouses and skill development programs awaiting kids, while the most courageous ones can go on a night adventure tour at this festival dating back several decades.
Fishing on Orfű Festival
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- Paid
The music event, considered to be the friendliest festival of the country, is organized in Panorama camp near Orfű every year.
It is the perfect place for younger and older people to have fun for a couple of days.
The number of bands is over fifty every year, and in addition to the favorites of the Hungarian music scene, there are also well-known foreign bands taking the stage.
So, everyone will find a band to their taste. The festival is held in a beautiful, green environment ideal for camping and fun.
Harley-Davidson Open Road Fest – Alsóörs
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- Free
In the middle of June, each year engines start roaring and guitar strings are played in Alsóörs at one of the largest motor and music festivals in the country.
Adjusting to the taste of tough riders, hard rock, and rock and roll are the main music styles at the event, and besides Hungarian representatives of the style, performers from abroad also appear on the stage at the festival on the bank of Lake Balaton.
Of course, it is not only for motorcyclists – everyone who loves partying and enjoys harder music is welcome.
Kaláka Festival – Eger
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- Free
Kaláka Festival has entertained children and adults in the city of Eger for more than forty years with the legendary Hungarian band and several invited guest bands.
The morning programs are naturally for children. There are concerts, puppet theatres and a huge variety of game programs for them, while the concerts from noon to midnight help adults let off some steam.
Keszegfesztivál (Bream Festival) – Badacsony
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- Free
Once we visit the Bream Festival in Badacsony, we will be surprised by the many ways the most common fish of the lake can be prepared.
When there were no beaches where the foreign hake could set its foot in, bream was part of locals’ everyday lives – thus, there are many ways of its preparation that can be tried and tasted during the summer.
Also, the festival aims to promote fish consumption and draw attention to the importance of a healthy diet. Delicious snacks are also spiced with retro concerts providing the perfect atmosphere for the event.
There is also a theme park and fun puppet shows for the young ones.
Könyv, Bor, Jazzfesztivál (Book-Wine-Jazz Festival) – Balatonfüred
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- Free
Books, wine and jazz – these words are attractive in themselves when it comes to a festival. But if they are put together, they are virtually irresistible.
Anyone visiting Balatonfüred and the programs of the Festive Book Week in June is guaranteed to have great fun. As the title may suggest, the three-day event features author-reader meetings, book premiers, and signings, along with wine tasting from the finest wineries.
And the icing on the cake is the jazz concerts, so if you like any of the three, taking part in this festival is a must.
Nyílzápor és Nemzetközi Íjásztalálkozó (Arrow Hail and International Archers’ Meeting) – Ópusztaszer
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- Paid
Those who have already seen it know that watching the thousands of arrows darken the sky over Ópusztaszer is an unforgettable experience.
Both children and adults can try their luck at the all-day event which is traditionally a tribute to our ancestors who fought the Battle of Bratislava in 907.
Of course, bows need to be chosen carefully as some of them are not easy to draw. This event in June is the largest gathering of Hungarian archers, so more than a thousand people attend it every year.
The highlight of the day is when the arrows are shot at the same moment making the sun disappear for a moment.
Magyar Táncfesztivál (Hungarian Dance Festival) – Győr
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- Paid
Every year, The Ballet Company of Győr hosts the largest national meeting of Hungarian professional dance groups. The multi-day event is organized around professional and alternative dance groups.
The former performs at the grand stage of the National Theatre of Győr, while the latter in the Kisfaludy Hall. There are also free open-air programs.
Although it is a national gathering, foreign bands also perform every year to show their talent to the Hungarian public.
Szigligeti Várfesztivál (Szigliget Castle Festival)
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- Free
If you want to be a knight, Szigliget is your must-see sight, at least in June, when the Szigliget Castle Festival offers meaningful and wonderful entertainment not only for children but also for the whole family.
Both the lower and the upper castles provide countless programs during the event taking us back in time to the age of medieval knights.
In addition to fencing, squire inauguration, and tactical demonstrations, there are also archer and falcon shows bringing back the Middle Ages.
The exciting programs are made whole by bands playing period music.
Kékes Csúcsfutás (Kékes Peak Run)
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- Free
If you enjoy being on the top, the Kékes Peak Run is for you since the goal of the event is to conquer the top of the country.
You don’t have to be a professional runner to enter the race. Anyone can start and each year there are contestants under the age of ten and over eighty.
The route is the following: Mátrafüred, Mátraháza, Déli sípálya (Southern ski slope) and finally Kékestető.
The biggest challenge of the 11.6 km distance is to overcome the 671 m difference in altitude, which might be difficult to achieve in the summer heat.
But you will get a medal at the finish and the experience of completing the challenge.
Koronázási hétvége (Crowning Weekend) – Gödöllő
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- Free
The Grassalkovich Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the country, is home to the annual Crowning Weekend which is a true reminiscence of the good old peaceful days.
Gödöllő the city we must see
In addition to the crowning ceremony, the daily life of the royal family comes to life and we get to see what life was like in a castle.
Thus, there is a comedy fair, equestrian performance, and hunting horn competition awaiting visitors, to name just a few of the popular programs.
Also, every year, folk dance and classical music entertain the audience.
Bartók Plusz Operafesztivál (Bartók Plus Opera Festival) – Miskolc
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- Paid
The Miskolc Opera Festival is one of the most significant events in the Central European Opera. It also enjoys the support of the Bartók heirs.
In recent years, almost all major opera companies in Central and Eastern Europe and the majority of Hungarian opera life have performed at the event.
The main task of the festival is to nurture Béla Bartók’s oeuvre. In this spirit, several operas of the world-famous composer are put on stage, and the event is the proud owner of twenty premiers.
In the last few years, a street fair and a wine festival were also added to the open-air opera festival.
Győrkőcfesztivál – Győr (Győr Kids Festival)
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- Free
In June each year, the city of Győr transforms into a huge playground for a couple of days, due to the Győr Kids Festival organized by Vaskakas Puppet Theatre. It is a huge favorite with children.
Being one of the largest open-air family festivals in the country, it is opened in style with the mayor of Győr handing over the key of the city to the kids, thus, it becomes their realm for a couple of days.
Dunakapu Square, Kazinczy and Király Streets, and Radó Island are just some of the very important venues where the programs take place.
Puppet shows, music, dancing, water parties, bike shows, and circus attractions await kids to name a few, but there are so many colorful programs that it’s impossible to list them all.
Tűzzel-vassal Fesztivál (Festival with Fire and Iron) – Székesfehérvár
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- Free
The Tűzzel-vassal Festival – the National Meeting of Blacksmiths and Gunsmiths – in Székesfehérvár offers a unique atmosphere and special entertainment every year.
The ember is literally glowing in the blacksmith forges where everyone can see how weapons and sharp blades are made.
In addition to blacksmith shows, you can listen to lectures on this ancient and wonderful craft, and get to learn about other old handicraft jobs, while the gun show is just the icing on the cake.
Each year, a separate tent is set up for children where they can make some smaller items with the help of the best in the industry.
There is also a stage where puppet shows, children’s programs, folk dance, and folk music await those interested.
Utcazene Fesztivál (Street Music Festival) – Eger
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- Free
The winding streets of Eger are flooded with street musicians, twelve hours a day for five days.
This time, however, we are to show our appreciation of the performance with “like coins” instead of real coins as stakes are high – the team that has the most “like coins” wins the competition and gets a prize of one million forints.
The task is not easy as 50 bands and about 150 musicians compete every year to win the Street Music Festival.
The amazing atmosphere is guaranteed, so it is worth visiting this small Mediterranean town whether you are a musician or a spectator.
