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Kata Kobli

Must Visit Festivals in Hungary

Updated: Jun 8


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Sziget Festival: The Island of Freedom

 

The Sziget Festival is one of Europe's largest and most popular music and cultural festivals, held annually in Budapest, Hungary. It takes place on Óbudai-sziget, an island in the Danube River. The festival usually occurs in August and spans a week, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world. This year, the festival lasts from Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 – Monday, Aug 12, 2024. The festival features a diverse lineup, including a wide range of musical genres such as rock, pop, indie, electronic, hip-hop, and more. It hosts international superstars as well as emerging artists. Beyond music, Sziget offers theater performances, circus acts, art installations, film screenings, and dance performances. It promotes a multicultural atmosphere with programs from various countries and cultures.

 

Festival-goers can participate in numerous activities such as yoga, sports, arts and crafts workshops, and more. Sziget is often referred to as the "Island of Freedom," promoting values of openness, acceptance, and diversity. It creates a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere. The festival provides various accommodation options, including on-site camping, VIP camping with added amenities, and nearby hotels and hostels.

 

Sziget has initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact, including waste reduction programs, recycling efforts, and promoting eco-friendly practices among attendees. Notable past performers include Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, and Kendrick Lamar. Some of the most popular names in the lineup this years are Fred Again, Halsey, Janelle Monáe, Kylie, Liam Gallagher, Martin Garrix, Sam Smith, Skrillex, Stormzy, Bebe Rexha, Fisher, Louis Tomlinson, Raye, and Tom Odell.

 

The festival is easily accessible from Budapest’s city center by public transport, and there are shuttle services available for festival-goers. Sziget offers various ticket options, including day passes, full festival passes, and special packages with added benefits. It's advisable to purchase tickets early as the festival is hugely popular and can sell out quickly. For attendees, it's important to plan ahead by checking the lineup and schedule to plan which performances and activities you want to attend. Stay hydrated, as August can be hot in Hungary, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor events. Be mindful of your belongings and stay with friends to ensure safety. Sziget Festival is an unforgettable experience, offering a blend of music, art, and culture in a unique and festive atmosphere.



 

Balaton Sound

 

Balaton Sound is a prominent electronic music festival held annually on the shores of Lake Balaton in Zamárdi, Hungary. Established in 2007, it has quickly become one of Europe's largest open-air electronic music festivals, attracting tens of thousands of fans from around the globe each year. The festival primarily features electronic dance music (EDM), including house, techno, drum and bass, and more. It brings together some of the biggest names in the EDM scene, alongside up-and-coming artists. The festival is set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Balaton, often referred to as the "Hungarian Sea." The stunning lakeside location adds a unique and picturesque element to the festival experience.

 

Balaton Sound consistently boasts an impressive lineup of international DJs and producers. Past performers have included Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and many more. One of the unique aspects of Balaton Sound is its integration with the natural surroundings. Attendees can enjoy beach parties, swim in the lake, and participate in various water sports during the day. The festival features multiple stages, each offering a different vibe and musical style. These stages are equipped with state-of-the-art sound and visual systems, providing an immersive experience for festival-goers. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, including on-site camping, glamping (luxury camping), nearby hotels, and apartments. This flexibility allows attendees to select the option that best suits their preferences and budget.

 

Balaton Sound offers a wide variety of food and beverage options, with numerous food stalls and bars serving both local and international cuisine. There are also VIP areas with premium services and exclusive amenities. The festival has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, such as waste reduction programs, recycling efforts, and encouraging the use of reusable cups and utensils. Balaton Sound offers an exhilarating blend of top-tier electronic music, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant festival atmosphere, making it a must-visit event for EDM enthusiasts and festival-goers alike.



 

Volt Festival

 

Volt Festival is a major music festival held annually in Sopron, Hungary. Since its inception in 1993, it has grown to become one of Hungary's most popular and diverse music festivals, drawing a large international crowd each summer. The festival is known for its eclectic mix of genres, featuring rock, pop, electronic, metal, and hip-hop. This diversity attracts a wide range of music fans. Past performers have included Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons, Iron Maiden, and The Prodigy. The festival is set in the charming town of Sopron, near the Austrian border. The picturesque surroundings, with a backdrop of the Sopron Hills, add a unique charm to the festival experience.

 

Volt Festival features several stages, each offering different styles of music and entertainment. From the main stage to smaller, more intimate venues, there is something for everyone. In addition to music, the festival offers a variety of cultural activities, including theater performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions. These programs enrich the festival experience by providing a broader cultural context. Attendees have various accommodation choices, including on-site camping, nearby hotels, and hostels. This range of options ensures that visitors can find something that suits their budget and comfort preferences. The festival boasts a wide array of food and beverage options, featuring local Hungarian cuisine as well as international dishes. There are numerous food stalls and bars to choose from.

 

Unlike many music festivals, Volt Festival caters to families by offering kid-friendly activities and areas, making it a suitable destination for visitors of all ages. The festival organizers are committed to sustainability, implementing measures such as recycling programs and encouraging the use of reusable items to minimize environmental impact. Volt Festival provides a vibrant blend of music, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit event for music lovers and festival-goers alike. Its diverse lineup, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability contribute to its reputation as one of Hungary’s premier summer festivals.




We have reached the end of this article on the Must Visit Festivals in Hungary. If you are visiting Hungary, make sure to read our previous blogs. In order to continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations, stay tuned for more articles on our website. Follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on new releases and join us as we embark on new adventures. We will be back soon with a new article! If you're visiting Lisbon, make sure to try our Fado, Food, and Wine tour!

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