11 Things to Do in Budapest in August

August is a month famous for its festivals and concerts, which go hand in hand with the summer atmosphere marked by the opening of more swimming pools and water parks to beat the heat.

Highlights include the A38 open-air concerts, the Sziget Festival, the Dreher Fest, and other festivals focused on food and art.

WAMP isa local design festival that takes place at least once a month, usually on Sundays in August, where young Hungarian designers and artisans showcase their creations. This is the perfect place to discover Hungarian fashion, emerging Hungarian designers, and buy unique and authentic gifts.

The best way to get to WAMP at Erzsebet tér (across from the Deák Tér metro station) is to take the blue metro line (M3) and get off at the Deák tér Erzsebet tér station, right across from Deák tér (a major square in Budapest, very close to the Anker Palace).

Toward the northern end of Margaret Island, in the shadow of the Water Tower, an open-air concert hall hosts the Budapest Summer Festival in mid-August. Here you can enjoy some of the city’s best concerts, an open-air musical atmosphere well worth visiting. For more information, I recommend the event’s official website.

The green heart of the city, Margaret Island, lies in the middle of the Danube between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge. This is the place for you if you visit Budapest in the summer, thanks to the Hajós Alfréd National Sports Pool, the popular Palatinus Lido, the petting zoo, the musical fountain, and the Japanese garden. It also features a nearly five-kilometer-long rubber jogging track, bike rentals, and bike tour services, not to mention numerous picnic spots.

August 20 is a national holiday in Hungary when the country honors its founding king, St. Stephen, who was crowned in the year 1000 AD, with fantastic festivities and spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky over the Danube shortly after sunset. The celebrations begin at 8:30 a.m. in various locations and continue throughout the day until 9 p.m., when spectacular fireworks will be displayed over the Danube River from different spots such as the Elizabeth Bridge.

A great way to spend the evening during the August 20 celebration is by dining on a Danube cruise while admiring Budapest’s stunning nighttime views and the traditional colorful fireworks that close out the celebration. I guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable evening!

Throughout the month of August, you can enjoy a variety of bath parties at Szechenyi Bath. Taking advantage of the area’s natural features, the city transforms the thermal baths into the best party venues. The goal of these parties is to combine Hungarian baths with party culture, creating a unique musical and visual atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

The Széchenyi Bath parties take place on hot summer days and late at night after official closing hours—that is, from 10:30 PM to 3:00 AM. All you need to bring is a good swimsuit and your own towel.

Every hop lover’s dream will come true for four days at the end of August, as Serföző organizes a Hungarian festival dedicated to German beers on Kőrösy József Street. During the four-day street party, you’ll be able to sample all kinds of alcoholic treats from Germany, as well as various types of beer, quite different from those already tried by local beer drinkers.

In addition to the liquid delights, you’ll also be able to try all kinds of dishes related to German cuisine and the culture of food pairing. A true gastronomic tour!

On the third weekend of August, the most talented artisans from all over Hungary gather at Buda Castle to exhibit, share, and demonstrate how they keep their folk art and traditions alive. For more information on tickets and schedules, visit the event’s official website.

This festival is the most authentic showcase of Hungarian folk art culture, featuring interactive craft workshops, folk musicians, traditional Hungarian dance performances, traditional Hungarian cuisine, and wine tasting booths—just a few of the many activities taking place at the Festival.

In August, dozens of fantastic concerts will rock the A38 Ship, a repurposed Ukrainian cargo ship that is now one of Budapest’s most popular gathering spots. Parties on board are plentiful, though they usually follow a schedule: in early August you can enjoy alternative rock bands, while in mid-August hardcore and punk genres dominate.

That said, the highlight of the event takes place at the end of August, usually on the 31st, when legendary figures from one of the aforementioned genres are typically invited. It’s an exclusive August event you can’t miss, as it promises a lot and always ends up delivering surprises. For more information, I recommend visiting the website for this great event.

Weekends in August are very different from those in other months, as a picnic event is held right on Liberty Bridge itself. What a spot! During this time, this historic bridge will be closed to car traffic for four weekends, and the space will be completely open for public use.

The atmosphere here is usually fantastic, with local bands, flamenco and swing dancers, Zumba and yoga instructors, and all kinds of aspiring artists entertaining the crowds. So bring your friends and enjoy a nice picnic at sunset with spectacular views.

Partygoers from around the world flock to Budapest’s Liberty Island every August for one of Europe’s largest outdoor music events, the Sziget Festival. International superstars and promising local artists of all genres take the stage, while various cultural acts and events can also be enjoyed on Budapest’s Óbuda Island.

This is one of Europe’s largest outdoor concerts, lasting a week and typically held in mid-August. Explosive concerts, artistic performances, and extravagant entertainment, along with plenty of chill-out zones and psychedelic settings. One of the best nightlife options in Budapest and an unforgettable experience for all kinds of music fans. No matter your age, where you’re from, or how many days you’re in Budapest, if you’re visiting in August, you should consider going to this festival. For more information, visit the event’s website.

For two days in late August, the Dreher beer festival, DreherFeszt, will feature unique beer specialties (nearly 140 beer taps) in Kőbánya, along with concerts on two stages. The lineup includes folk-pop and rock bands.

Local Dreher breweries will be serving throughout the two-day event. If the location seems a bit out of the way, don’t worry: during the event, free shuttles run between Örs vezér Square and the festival every 30 minutes. For more information, visit the website below.

Zenélő Budapest is a summer music initiative in Budapest featuring local virtuosos performing at 16 iconic locations across the city. If you happen to be near the Várkert Bazaar, the Hungarian National Museum, or Millenáris Park at the right time, you can enjoy live classical music, jazz, or rock—all for free.

The series begins in mid-August, and participants include the National Philharmonic, the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, folk performers, jazz bands, Gypsy musicians, and renowned choirs. You can find all the details on the Zenélő Budapest website.

One of the main reasons to visit Budapest in August is the pleasant weather. Unlike winters, which get cold at night, the summer season in Budapest is the perfect time to explore the city and go on day trips from Budapest.

The average high temperature in Budapest is around 27 °C, and the average low is 15 °C. The overall average temperature ranges between 21 and 22 °C. Additionally, the city experiences an average rainfall of 60–70 mm.

First and foremost, pack enough breathable clothing; lighter colors are also recommended. If you plan to do a lot of walking, bring comfortable sneakers and a small reusable water bottle. Sunscreen is also important, as it’s not uncommon to experience high temperature spikes, in addition to UV radiation.

Swimwear or beach attire is also recommended given the numerous swimming pools and Lake Balaton itself. Don’t forget to pack light jackets or spring clothing in case the weather turns bad.

One of the best things about Budapest is its public transportation options. There are several options to choose from, including the metro, suburban railways, boats, trams, and buses.

There are two separate categories of public transportation based on the time of day. Daytime service runs from 4:30 AM to 11:50 PM, and nighttime service runs from 11:50 PM to 4:30 AM. To make getting around the city easier, there are many travel cards like the Budapest Card to save money on public transportation, including a 24-hour travel card, a 72-hour travel card, and even a 7-day travel card.