November is definitely about cold weather. This is the time to replace cold soft drinks with hot tea. Luckily, there are also some great programs this month as well.
The fishing season is about to end, so several fish-related culinary festivals can be visited all over Hungary, while Budapest is home to a trade show. However, the most important event of the month is about Martin, geese, and new wine.
In addition to family programs, there are several events seeking to preserve traditions with delicious foods and excellent wines.
Despite the cold weather, the more enthusiastic ones can compete at some sporting events as well.
Recommended events in Budapest in November 2022
International Guitar Festival
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 8.
- Paid
Traditionally, the Academy of Music is home to the International Guitar Festival with the best of the profession showing off their virtuoso skills with a performance.
The multi-day event is not about rock and roll, but rather about classical guitar. The aim is to introduce the general public to the musical instrument and its literature.
This is the greatest event in the country about a genre that is not in the best position right now and those interested can take part in a master class.
The series of events was started by guitarist József Eötvös, who wanted to promote the genre among Hungarian music lovers.
Budapesti Zsidó Filmfesztivál (Budapest Jewish Film Festival)
- Date of the event: In the end of November
- Venue: More info
- Paid
The renowned Művész and Puskin cinemas host the Jewish Film Festival where in addition to film screenings, those interested can also listen to professional performances and discussions.
The best films of recent years somehow connected to Jewish culture are shown at the festival. In addition to Hungarian creations, there are film screenings from all over the world with Mexico being represented just like Germany and the United States.
The screenings are accompanied by different programs. The audience can also meet directors, writers, and several actors of the film industry.
Héttorony fesztivál (Festival of Seven Towers)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Paid
Music is for everyone! It is especially true for folk and world music – one of the main attractions of the Festival of Seven Towers in Budapest.
Artists from neighboring countries are introduced here helping to further strengthen our cultural relations. But the Seven Towers is not only about music. In addition to concerts, there are exhibitions intended to present the work of Imre Makovecz.
Theatre performances, folk music exhibitions, several children’s programs professional performances, and discussions are also part of the event. So, the series of programs is quite colorful meaning that you will surely find something to your liking if you are attracted to folk culture.
PontyShow (Carp Show) – Budapest
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 1101 Budapest, Albertirsai út 10. (HUNGEXPO)
- Paid (Tickets)
November provides less fun for people who love fishing, but everyone can indulge in their favorite hobby for a few more days at the Hungexpo in Budapest.
The fishing exhibition and trade fair, presenting the latest technologies and equipment each year, offers an unforgettable experience for everyone who loves the sport.
At the event, professional fishermen introduce you to their special tricks and give professional lectures, but visitors can also test their knowledge on fishing simulators.
As an accompanying program, renowned performers entertain the audience on the big stage. Of course, shopping is also possible at the event.
Festivals and events in the countryside in November 2022
Bakony Expo – Veszprém
- Date of the event: November 13-15, 2022
- Venue: 8200 Veszprém, Külső-kádártai út (Veszprém Aréna)
- Free
The aim of the Bakony Expo is to introduce visitors to the culinary and folk goods characteristic of the region.
More than a hundred exhibitors from the area take part in the large-scale event, and every year, there is a central theme as well which can either be fish, wine, or anything else that is the specialty of the area.
The event promotes highlighted national values and Hungaricums and nurtures the cultural heritage of the Bakony. In addition to tasting culinary delicacies, visitors can also find out more about handicrafts, traditional folk tools, and musical instruments.
Accompanying programs include stage performances and concerts. The success of the event is well illustrated by the fact that there are now tens of thousands of visitors to the program series.
Garda Fesztivál (Sabre Carp Festival) – Tihany
- Date of the event: November 13-15, 2022
- Venue: 8237 Tihany
- Free
There are hundreds of pike-perch and carp recipes on the internet, but it is not the case with saber carp, so the name might not be so familiar to everyone.
However, in Tihany, this fish is so popular that it was even put onto the coat of arms of the city. So, it is not a coincidence that the Saber Carp Festival is organized in Tihany every year and is a must for everyone who likes special culinary delights.
Old fishing traditions come to life every November at the three-day celebration where we can also learn about the different methods of preparing this special fish.
In addition to the rare delicacy, there is more to the autumn festival with music and dance performances, numerous children’s programs, and an arts and crafts fair.
Szent Márton Újborfesztivál és Libator (St. Martin’s Day New Wine Festival and Goose Feast) – Szentendre
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 2000 Szentendre, Sztaravodai út 75.
- Free
The open-air-museum in Szentendre brings to life old folk traditions and introduces the legendary figure of St Hubertus to the general public.
So, the celebration is not only about geese, but also about the patron saint of hunters. Falconers, hunters, and fishermen come to Szentendre to show their old and exciting trade to those interested.
The autumn farewell program focuses on Martin’s Day goose dishes and tasty wines – as far as gastronomy is concerned. Adults are entertained by dance halls and concerts, while children can attend handicraft activities relating to autumn and geese and listen to tales told by storytellers.
Delicacies like apples or chestnuts are roasted in outdoor ovens in the streets, and stilt walkers move around visitors. In a word, Szentendre offers an unforgettable experience to all ages in November as well.
Tatai Vadlúd Sokadalom (Wild Goose Festival in Tata)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 2890 Tata, Tópart utca.
- Free
At the end of November, all nature lovers should be at the shore of the Old Lake in Tata as that is the time when migrating wild geese (sometimes as many as 40,000) arrive, offering a stunning view.
The special event is attended by a large number of people from abroad since this is one of the most beautiful landing sites in Europe. Its special feature is that the Old Lake is the only bird resting place located right next to a settlement.
The program is about this spectacular moment and thus, there are no loud concerts or the hustle and bustle of fairs. In addition to watching the birds, adults may listen to lectures and see exhibitions connected to the theme, while children can have fun at the playhouse.
Balaton Marathon and Half Marathon – Siófok
- Date of the event: November 12-13, 2022
- Venue: 8600 Siófok
- Paid (link)
The late autumn marathon and half marathon offer a flexible program for sports enthusiasts as both distances can be completed in two or more parts, and individually or in pairs.
The point of the latter one is that the distance can be halved between the two runners. The important thing is that the set goal is to be achieved in two days.
The popularity of the event is obvious by the fact that there are now thousands of people attending it, and one of the reasons for this is the wonderful environment.
Márton-napi nagyvásár (Martin’s Day Great Fair) – Szombathely
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 9700 Szombathely, Árpád út 30. (Vasi Skanzen)
- Free
St Martin’s Day National Great Fair is organized in Szombathely at the beginning of November every year. What could be the focus of the festival if not goose and wine? The event is dominated by tasty flavors and fun.
There are more than a hundred exhibitors offering their goods and thus nurturing our folk traditions. Handicraft activities and exhibitions await those interested and entertainment is provided by micro-regional traditional orchestras, song circles, and dance ensembles.
Márton-napi családi fesztivál (St Martin’s Day and Family Festival) – Hévíz
- Date of the event: November 5-6, 2022
- Venue: 8380 Hévíz, downtown
- Free
The legendary spa town of Héviz must also be part of Martin’s Day events. It is all about families in this charming place.
In this spirit, the day begins with a merry goose race. Children probably look forward to the petting zoo, the folk playground, and handicraft activities most, while adults are entertained by folk bands and dance ensembles.
The event is also the celebration of new wine, so there will be no shortage of that fine drink either.
At the two-day event, the restaurants on Tavirózsa Street await guests with St. Martin’s Day delicacies and enthusiastic visitors can also compete in special things like the lantern-making contest and cake baking competition.
Kecskeméti Ásványbörze és VortExpo Életmód Fesztivál (Mineral Exchange & VortExpo Lifestyle Festival in Kecskemét)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 6000 Kecskemét, Deák Ferenc tér 1.
- Paid
Exhibitors show and sell their artisan goods made of minerals and gemstones at a discount price at the event organized in November.
In addition to jewelry, the program also focuses on a healthy lifestyle. In this spirit, those interested can listen to thematic lectures from the representatives of the trade.
Last but not least, domestic representatives of organic product technologies also show up at the expo. The event is accompanied by musical and dance performances for the audience to watch.
Chocolate Festival and International Chocolate Meeting – Szolnok
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 5000 Szolnok, Hild János tér 1.
- Paid
This festival organized in Szolnok is the greatest national meeting of artisan chocolate makers. If you love chocolate, it is a must for you as this is the place where you can try and buy chocolate from the best of the trade.
In addition to culinary delights, there are interesting lectures by star confectioners and you will get a glimpse of the tricks of making chocolate and learn about the history of this food item.
The organizers of the event did not forget about children either and included several great programs for them from puppet shows to poetry recitals and a chocolate playhouse.
Palóc Gala – Eger
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 3300 Eger, Knézich Károly u. 8.
- Paid
Palóc Gala is an international folk music festival organized in Eger in November every year.
The aim of the event is to present and promote Hungarian and Upper Hungarian folk music. The large-scale gala has been organized for several decades with over 40–50 individual performers and bands introduced every year.
In addition to concerts, folk art exhibitions and folk films that are aimed at preserving traditions, await us. The highlight of the event is the Palóc Ball of excellent atmosphere.
Szeged Jazz Days
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Paid
Listening to jazz is becoming more and more popular in Hungary with the number of fans increasing continually.
One of the reasons for that is definitely the prestigious Szeged Jazz Days which has been organized for five decades. Szeged provides the venue for the excellence of the genre to be presented impressing the understanding audience every year.
In addition to Hungarian performers, musicians from all over the world come to present the audience with an unforgettable experience.
Márton napi pálinkafesztivál (Martin’s Day Brandy Festival) – Siófok
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
What would life be without brandy? – asks the folk wisdom. If you sometimes wonder about this question, make sure you visit Martin’s Day Brandy Festival in Siófok and you will find all the answers there.
The three-day event offers this year’s excellent brandies and a wide range of goose dishes which might be an equally huge culinary experience as drinking brandy.
Guests are entertained by Hungarian pop music stars while during the day you can listen to the performances of smaller bands.
The closing event of the festival is the fireworks made complete with the wonderful spectacle of Lake Balaton.
Mangalica Festival – Szeged
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Széchenyi Square in the city center is home to the Mangalica Festival. It is an excellent autumn farewell or winter welcoming program with not only pig slaughter, but also roasted pork and locally roasted Mangalica dishes awaiting guests.
However, the culinary offer is far from being complete – you can find everything that is tasty here (even African catfish salami). The excellent atmosphere is guaranteed by concerts, dance performances, wine and pálinka (brandy).
The organizers of the event have not forgotten about the little ones either – there is a petting zoo and lots of children’s programs at the traditional event.
