October is already an autumn month, days are getting shorter and nights are getting cooler, so it is important to liven up our gloomy days with some fun and meaningful activities. Luckily, this month is traditionally about harvest, so there is no shortage of festivals and harvest merriments throughout the country.
Of course, there are many programs in the capital with gastronomy in the center, but we can also attend sports and cultural events.
In the countryside, the other thematic event is fishing and the associated fish cooking events that are worth a visit, too. However, warmer clothes are recommended.
Festivals and programs in Budapest in October 2022
Budapesti Étterem Hét (Budapest Restaurant Week)
- Date of the event: October 9-18, 2022
- Venue: (More info)
- Paid
Restaurant Week organized in spring and autumn with the participation of several restaurants has become a huge success in both the capital and the countryside.
In 2019, 130 mid-range and high-end restaurants joined the event. Chefs create special menus for the event, so the offer is basically endless ranging from classic Hungarian foods to the flavors of the Far East. Moroccan lamb, Australian wagyu steak, frog legs, or Charolais sirloin are all part of the culinary specialties.
The restaurants can be visited for several days and there are three fixed price categories to choose from.
Kürtőskalács Fesztivál (Chimney Cake Festival)
- Date of the event:
- Venue: Budapest, City Park
- Free
Traditionally, the City Park is home to the Chimney Cake Festival every year, an event that has a lot of attractions for both children and adults (if they like sweet flavors).
In addition to traditional recipes, extra chimney cakes less well-known to the general public and other delicacies await visitors as well.
We can test ourselves and our taste buds at a number of stalls to find some great chimney cake masterpieces. Plus, there are several children’s programs, quizzes, and concerts to entertain guests.
Oktoberfest Budapest
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 1146 Budapest, Ötvenhatosok tere
- Free
Following the example of the world-famous Munich Beer Festival, Budapest has also organized a large-scale program for several years. So, if you like beer, that’s the place for you to be!
Good mood and great atmosphere are guaranteed by the law of great numbers as well, since there are more than 55 breweries awaiting guests with over 300 different beer specialties. You can also quench your hunger or indulge in the joys of gastronomy with more than a hundred dishes.
Needless to say, one of the greatest Hungarian stars gives concerts during the four days. One of the aims of the event is to promote the Bavarian feeling of life and the joys of educated beer consumption following the Munich model.
Attendance is free of charge.
Spar Budapest Marathon
- Date of the event: October 8-9, 2022
- Venue: 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány
- Paid (registration)
Spar Budapest Marathon is the greatest sports event in the country with tens of thousands of contestants.
In 2019, the organizers of the event calculated that, all together, more than half a billion running steps are taken in the streets of Budapest.
Plus, the whole event takes place in a very special environment with the marathon passing places like the bridges over the Danube, Gellért Hill, Buda Castle, the Parliament, or Margaret Island. Sports enthusiasts from all over the world come to attend the competition, but many Hungarian stars and artists try the distance every year as well.
One of the specialties of the program is the FODISZ Equal Opportunity Race attended by hundreds of children who are physically, visually, or mentally disabled.
Sütemény és tortafesztivál (Cake festival)
- Date of the event:
- Venue: N/A
- Free
Even the name is tempting for those of you who love delicacies, and if you decide to visit the event, you will definitely find something to your liking as there are numerous confectioneries offering countless masterpieces.
Hundreds of cakes await visitors every year, but if that weren’t enough, not only do confectioners pay attention to flavors, but also they consider appearance important.
Each year, cakes are made based on a given theme, such as the fairy tale world of Walt Disney, so in addition to tasting delicacies, you can also enjoy the spectacle.
Budapesti Őszi Fesztivál (Budapest Autumn Festival)
- Date of the event: September 26- October 10, 2022
- Venue: At several locations in Budapest.
- Paid
The Budapest Autumn Festival is hosted in several venues, including the Palace of Arts, the Academy of Music, BMC, Aquarium Club, and A38 Boat.
Its unequivocal aim is to promote contemporary culture to the general public. Everything that is somehow connected to art, from contemporary pop music to jazz concerts, dance, and modern circus can be seen and admired during the two-week event.
The repertoire also includes theatre performances and fine arts exhibitions. So, this is the place to be in October for all art-lovers.
The best festivals and events in the countryside in October 2022
Csabai kolbászfesztivál (Sausage Festival in Békéscsaba)
- Date of the event: October 21-24, 2022
- Venue: Békéscsaba – downtown
- Free
Csaba Sausage is not only famous in Hungary but all over the world and even a festival has been organized in its honor for over two decades.
But the four-day event is not only about sausage; pig slaughters are also in the center of attention. Sausage-filling contests and pick stickers and chefs take part in several competitions to show who is the best in the category – all this to the delight of visitors.
Békéscsaba – The city which is known for its famous local sausage and stormy history
Another essential item of the event is definitely the excellent pálinka (brandy) with a wide range of selections provided at the festival. And with the cherry on top! No doubt, the all-day concerts also add color to the event.
Szent-Dömötör napi behajtási ünnep (St. Dömötör Day Autumn Round-up in Hortobágy)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: Hortobágy
- Free
Even the name of the program at the end of October is attractive if you love Hungarian flavors and old crafts. There is a long-standing tradition that with the arrival of cold weather, shepherds and their cattle prepare for the winter with the autumn round-up.
This is a truly spectacular event with hundreds of animals and their shepherds crossing the Nine-hole Bridge which can be admired by the general public as well.
Hortobágy: The wilderness voice calls
Of course, there are a number of other programs awaiting visitors, including Puszta equestrian performances, driving oxen, folk bands, and several children’s programs entertaining guests.
As far as gastronomy is concerned, the main role belongs to the dishes in the cauldron and the brandy.
Szigligeti Süllőfesztivál (Pike-perch Festival in Szigliget)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 8264 Szigliget, Fizetős strand
- Free
The magnificent autumn colors of Lake Balaton offer a wonderful setting for the annual Pike-perch Festival. Pike-perch is considered one of the tastiest fish in the area.
Since Szigliget has a long tradition of preparing this predatory fish, we can taste several forms of this gastronomic specialty. Of course, there are several other fish from Lake Balaton, and the products of local winemakers may also be served.
In addition to great meals, programs, music concerts, arts and crafts fairs, and programs that aim at preserving traditions, offer an additional facet to the event.
Orsolya napi fesztivál (Orsolya Day Festival in Kőszeg)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 9730 Kőszeg, Jurisics Square
- Free
The historic downtown is home to this culinary and tradition-preserving festival. In addition to food tasting, you can enter the cake baking and jam making competition as well.
Kőszeg, a place where a great experience is granted
Every year, the festival hosts a diverse street fair with the products of winemakers, beekeepers, florists, wood-carvers, etc. The city center is also filled with music and art programs during the event with the local bands entertaining visitors. Special children’s programs are also part of the event.
Days of Eger Castle
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 3300 Eger, Eger Castle
- Free
On 17th October 1552, the Turkish army gave up the long siege and retreated from Eger Castle. The town celebrates this significant event in European history and commemorates the legendary heroes of the past.
The highlight of the event is when 200 Hungarian knights clash with the Turks bringing to life the images of the former battle. Each year, there are weapon and military exercise shows, historic playhouses, and concerts awaiting visitors.
Blooded, burgundy stars: the legendary town of Eger
At the same time, this day also provides space for more serious programs, so those interested can also listen to museum pedagogical and scientific historical lectures. The walls of the historic town also are home to a fair of traditional crafts on this day.
Mecsek Rallye-Pécs
- Date of the event: October 8-10, 2022 (planned)
- Venue: N/A
- Free
In addition to Spain, the Czech Republic, Belgium, etc. Hungary is also part of the Historic European Championship hosted on the steep Mecsek tracks.
You should see it at least once in your lifetime, even if you are not a fan, as the wonderful environment and the racing cars definitely offer a couple of hours’ fun for everyone.
Through mountains and valleys: Moments of Pécs
This race is one of the most prestigious races of the year in Rally category, guaranteed to produce an adrenaline rush not only for riders but also for spectators.
Siófoki Halfesztivál (Siófok Fish Festival)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 8600 Siófok, Fő tér
- Free
If you hear of Balaton, you immediately think of summer. However, there are several great programs during autumn as well. One of these events is the Siófok Fish Festival held successfully every year.
The festival is all about fish, but apart from tasting, there are cooking shows and competitions, band and stage performances entertaining the audience at the three-day event.
Öreg-tavi Nagy Halászfesztivál (Old Lake Great Fishermen’s Festival) – Tata
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: 2890 Tata, Tópart sétány
- Paid
The Great Fishermen’s Festival – promoting fish consumption and seeking to preserve culture and tradition – is organized in a marvelous environment in Tata.
The program series starts with a spectacular fishing event in the morning hours, then the processing of the catch is started by fish cooking masters.
In addition to culinary delights, the three-day event has so much more in store for visitors, including craft fairs, stage programs, and concerts. Of course, there is also a variety of children’s programs, and even an amusement park awaits the little ones.
Szüreti Fesztivál (Balatonfüred Harvest Festival)
- Date of the event: October 2-4, 2022
- Venue: 8230 Balatonfüred, Kisfaludy u. 1.
- Free
Dance, songs, and of course wine: These are the most important buzzwords of the Balatonfüred harvest which should be witnessed by everyone dreaming of a little autumn fun.
The multi-day event includes knight inauguration, cultural programs, fairs, and gastronomy in huge amounts. The highlight of the program series is definitely the traditional harvest procession accompanied by wine, dancing, and singing.
In addition to Saturday’s event, you can also visit the Wine Village and Handicraft Fair in the spirit of the harvest atmosphere, open from early afternoon to late evening every day.
Visiting the event for the first time? It is worth knowing that Balatonfüred has also earned the title of International City of Grapes and Wine, and it is by no means a coincidence.
Őszi Kulturális Fesztivál (Autumn Cultural Festival) – Szeged
- Date of the event:
- Venue: N/A
- Free
The primary goal of the autumn festival organized by the University of Szeged is to promote culture.
With this in mind, the organizers try to show the diversity of culture. In addition to pop and classical music concerts, there are film screenings, exhibitions, and literary evenings awaiting those interested.
Szeged – The city of witches
The multi-week event takes place at 75 venues with more than 300 events, so everyone can really find the program that suits their interest.
Pumpkin Festival in Balatonalmádi
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
The one-day event is a real family program visited by more and more people in Balatonalmádi every year.
You can find out everything you need to know about pumpkin in a few hours. In addition to pumpkin carving, several pumpkin dishes are made and can be tasted from soups to cakes.
Children can enjoy the craft playhouse, the Balaton board game, while the little ones can hear tales about pumpkins from storytellers.
Pannonhalmi Bornap (Wine Day in Pannonhalma)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
The multi-day event is centered on wine. In this spirit, several wineries from local and rural areas offer their drinks on the main square, but snacks are offered as well.
You can enjoy everything from combat demonstrations to light music programs at the event, including scarecrow making and falconry demonstrations. The closing and also the highlight of the event is the ball, where this year’s best wine will also be announced.
Tokaj-hegyaljai Szüreti Napok (Harvest Days of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region)
- Date of the event: N/A
- Venue: N/A
- Free
The Harvest Days in Tokaj has a rather long history since the first such event was organized in 1932.
Perhaps, the most spectacular event of the traditional celebration is the harvest parade with winemakers and harvesters walking down the streets together. Wine tasting is also part of the activity.
Of course, there are a number of other programs awaiting visitors such as a cooking competition, stage shows and music performances.
The organizers of the event did not forget about children either and included several great shows for them. But if you are still looking for some more attractions, there are also handicraft activities and an artisan exhibition in the repertoire.
