Top 8 programmes not to miss when visiting Budapest in October
As the crisp air of autumn settles in, Budapest comes alive with a diverse array of events and activities that celebrate the beauty and cultural richness of October. From vibrant festivals that embrace the city’s culinary heritage to Halloween-themed parties and artsy events, the Hungarian capital offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie eager to experience seasonal flavours, a music lover looking for live performances, or simply in search of a cozy evening cruise along the Danube, Budapest in October is brimming with unforgettable experiences. This month, the city’s blend of history, romance, and adventure truly shines—making it the perfect time to explore and indulge. Step into the middle of autumn with us!
Budapest in October offers a vibrant mix of cultural, culinary, and artistic events that cater to all tastes. We prepared a list for you of the most notable events of the city life during October. Here are some of the highlights which we thought you simply cannot miss.
Oktoberfest
Photo: italkereso.hu
Budapest’s Oktoberfest is a fun-filled celebration of beer culture, featuring over 100 local and international breweries. You can enjoy a wide range of crafts and microbrews along with food, music, and family-friendly activities. The 2024 Oktoberfest Budapest Beer Festival will take place at some of the city’s most beautiful locations: Erzsébet Square in the city centre, under the trees of Margaret Island, and at the Savoy Terrace in Buda Castle, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
The event will feature an authentic beer garden atmosphere, complete with original Munich festival beers and performances by the most popular German folk bands in Hungary. Expect classic Oktoberfest tunes, Bavarian sausages, pretzels, traditional Dirndl dresses, and Lederhosen. During the festival, top Bavarian folk bands and DJs will ensure a festive atmosphere. The event is free to attend.
When: October 4-6
For additional info be sure to check: Oktoberfest Budapest | 2022. szeptember 30. – október 2.
Liszt Fest
Photo: mupa.hu
This international cultural festival pays homage to Franz Liszt with performances across multiple genres, including classical music, jazz, and contemporary arts. Look out for special events like piano marathons, jazz orchestras, and various art exhibitions. Müpa Budapest’s event series of the arts offers large-scale concerts, classical and contemporary chamber music productions, contemporary circus performances, pop and jazz concerts, dance shows, literary and visual art events, and open-air performances, in Budapest’s principal spaces of the performing and the visual arts, and on countless locations in the city.
When: October 11-22
For more information check: Liszt Fest (lisztunnep.hu)
Chimney Cake Festival
Photo: pinterest
Held at the Budapest Zoo, this festival celebrates the famous Hungarian delicacy, kürtőskalács (chimney cake). Enjoy a variety of flavors while partaking in family activities, concerts, and performances. The chimney cake (Hungarian: kürtőskalács) is a traditional Hungarian pastry with deep roots in the region of Transylvania, where the Székely-Hungarians have been making it for centuries. Known for its distinctive cylindrical shape, it is made from sweet dough that is wrapped around a spit, baked over an open flame, and coated with sugar, which caramelizes into a crispy exterior. Often dusted with cinnamon, cocoa, or nuts, the chimney cake is popular for its warm, soft inside and crunchy outside. The first written record of kürtőskalács dates back to the 18th century, with mentions in cookbooks from Transylvania. Over time, it spread throughout Hungary and neighboring countries, becoming a popular street food at fairs and festivals. Today, chimney cakes are beloved for their simplicity, versatility, and unique preparation method, making them a must-try treat for visitors exploring Hungarian culture.
When: October 13-15
For more info: A 11. Kürtőskalács Fesztivál programajánló | Vitéz Kürtős (vitezkurtos.hu)
4-course dinner with live piano show
Photo: Silverline Cruises
Imagine gliding along the Danube River on a crisp October evening, the iconic sights of Budapest bathed in the golden hues of autumn. The city’s majestic landmarks, such as the illuminated Parliament and Buda Castle, create a breathtaking backdrop as you indulge in a lavish 4-course dinner. Each dish is crafted to perfection, promising a gastronomic journey like no other. As you savor every bite, the soft melodies of a live piano performance fill the air, adding to the enchanting ambiance. To topple the experience, an enchanting lady singer accompanies the sweet melody of the pianists as you sail along the Danube and enjoy the sights of Budapest. The intimate setting, coupled with the panoramic views, makes this cruise the perfect choice for a romantic autumn escape. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to create unforgettable memories, this boat cruise offers the ultimate blend of dining, music, and the timeless beauty of Budapest.
Book now: 4-course dinner with live piano show
Art Market Budapest
Cover: budapestenvrac.com
One of Central Europe’s leading contemporary art fairs, showcasing works from around 30 countries. This event also includes Art Photo Budapest, a significant photography exhibition.
When: October 19-22
For more information: Art Market Budapest – International Contemporary Art Fair (amb.hu)
1956 Revolution Memorial Day
Photo: korkep.sk
Budapest commemorates the 1956 revolution with free events, including a flag-raising ceremony and free museum visits to places like Parliament and the House of Terror.
The 1956 Hungarian Revolution was a spontaneous nationwide revolt against the Soviet-imposed policies of Hungary’s communist government. Starting on October 23, 1956, in Budapest, it initially began as a student protest, which quickly escalated into a mass uprising. Protesters demanded political freedom, the withdrawal of Soviet troops, and democratic reforms. For a brief period, it seemed like the revolution might succeed, as the government of Imre Nagy promised reforms and declared Hungary’s neutrality.
However, in early November, Soviet forces launched a massive military intervention, crushing the uprising by November 10, 1956. Despite its suppression, the revolution is remembered as a pivotal moment in Hungary’s fight for freedom and independence, and it had lasting impacts on both Hungarian society and the broader Cold War dynamics. Today, the revolution is commemorated annually on October 23rd, with memorials and events throughout Budapest, highlighting its significance in the country’s history. Warning! Due to October 23rd being a banking holiday, most of the shops will be closed or will close earlier on this day.
When: October 23
Detailed progamlist:
Besides the regular commemorational events, in front of the Parliament, Heroes’ Square. This year Budapest commemorates the anniversary of the 1956 revolution with a poster exhibition, movie marathon, theatre performances, interesting city walks, and a nostalgic tram. This city has seen everything. Siege, wine prohibition, riots, floods, heatwaves, and… revolutions as well. The people of Budapest have always endured these challenges. The residents of the city, whether they were well-known heroes or ordinary people, always resisted, defied, and fought against whatever threatened to take away their freedom, security, or independence.
On the 56-tram line, between Hűvösvölgy and Móricz Zsigmond körtér stops, a UV-type nostalgic tram will take us back in time from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on October 23. You can experience what it was like to travel in Budapest in 1956. Tickets can also be purchased on-site.
In the Jávor hall of the Corvin Cinema, organizers are preparing a full-day 1956 movie marathon. At 12:00 PM, ‘The Silent Revolution’ will be shown, followed by ‘Children of Glory’ at 3:00 PM, and the classic film ‘Time Stands Still’ will be screened at 5:45 PM.
At the Merlin Theatre, we can learn about the life story of Maléter Pál’s widow, an everyday hero. The monodrama titled ‘Pali’ will be performed by Zsófia Szamosi at 3:00 PM. The program is free, but due to limited seating, registration is required.
We’ve often heard what happened on October 23, 1956, but perhaps we’ve never seen how Budapest residents lived before the outbreak of the revolution. What were the most popular books? What was playing on the radio? What performances were shown in theatres? What was fashion like at the time? All this will be revealed if you visit City Hall Park, where 1956 comes to life through an innovative poster exhibition. The exhibition can be accessed from Károly Boulevard.
Scattered in the city, especially in the downtown area, several walking tours focusing on the events of ‘56 will be available. Most of the thematic walks are held in native language, however on this the free-walking tours are also adding more details at the Parliament, or up in the Castle district or at other spots in the city which were involved in the revolution. To highlight the most important location, probably the busiest will be the House of Terror of which area is often involved in commemorations.
Vingardium Wine Festival
Cover: vingardium.hu
This indoor wine festival at Bálna Budapest lets you sample wines from 30 wineries, along with music and delicious tapas. There will be no shortage of delicious bites alongside the wine! Between tastings, it’s worth checking out the gastro courtyard, where the organisers will be bringing back summer for one evening. A garden party atmosphere, grill & more, a whirlwind of flavours, chill vibes, and bean bags await guests to relax and recharge, all topped off with a stunning view of the Danube.
When: October 28
More info: https://vingardium.hu/
