There are updates here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/15-october-in-budapest-scottish-chorus-and-free

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• Every month MAV Railtours has Steam or Nostolgia or luxury trains to
  various destinations from Budapest. 20th. Kadarka Express 27th.
  Semmering Express 27th. Steam trip to the Danube Bend
  https://www.mavrailtours.hu/hu/travels/2025

• 29 - 31 August Jazz Festival https://mupa.hu/en/events/jazztime-2025

• 7 thru 18 Jewish Cultural Festival This is good, very good
  https://www.zsidokulturalisfesztival.hu/programok-2025

• 14th September at 7pm. Bálint Bársony and the Hungarian Rhapsody
  Project - Sounds of the Silk Road Castle Garden Bazaar, Foundry Yard
  1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós Square 4.
  https://www.jegy.hu/program/barsony-balint-es-a-magyar-rhapsody-projekt-a-selyemut-hangjai-178591?affiliate_code=nl20250815_selyemut&utm_source=nl20250815&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reguler-hirlevel&utm_term=vezer-cimlink&utm_content=selyemut

• 27 Wine Lovers Top
  100 Wine tasting event at the Corninthia Hotel (always good)
  https://wineloversrendezvenyek.hu

• 27 – 29, OktoberFest Budapest
  https://www.budapestbylocals.com/oktoberfest-budapest/ (thank you
  CWsocial)

• 11 – 14 Budapest Wine Festival at the Castle (really, really
  good) https://aborfesztival.hu/en

• 18 through 21 (last years date) Corvin Beer Festival.

OCTOBER EVENTS

• 4 – 6, 10 -13 OktoberFest Budapest
  https://www.budapestbylocals.com/oktoberfest-budapest/ (thank you
  CWsocial)

• 11 - 12 Etyeki piknik https://etyekipiknik.hu/en/#programok (excellent)

• 16-19 Art Market / Fair https://amb.hu/hu/

• Nemzeti Vágta (National Gallop) is Oct. 4-5 in Szilvásvárad,: https://vagta.hu/

• Revolution Day. Oct 23rd National Holiday. Things going on all over
  town.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS

• Christmas Markets. The big ones should be open by 15 November. Here
  is good information on the markets from last year:
  https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/the-christmas-markets-open-soon-in-budapest

• Here is a list of things that are open 24, 25 and 26 December. https://budapestchristmas.com/opening-hours

• Music - Wine 100 Member Gypsy Band Gala Concert and wine tasting
  event. 30 December
  https://online.jegy.hu/program/zene-bor-a-100-tagu-ciganyzenekar-evadzaro-galakoncertje-119754?lang=en.

JANUARY 2026
- Budapest Circus Festival with acts from all over the world: date yet
to be announced.

I will be there in October but no definitive dates yet.

Last year the horse race in Hero’s Square wasn’t in Budapest. I didn’t look at the website to,see about this year. But I’d go again!

oh wow, and there I was torn between Budapest in October last year, or April this year. For October, the big draw for me was the horse races that TexasTravelMom described in a past trip report. And in April, the car show. April won out when I had other plans come up last October.

Here is what you will miss in October

Great video!

In your experience, have there been times, in addition to what TexasTravelMom mentioned, that they don't have the horse races in Hero's Square?

ok, thank you, good to know!

So far, but its early, I am aware of TWO RS tourists coming in July. THREE in August. TWO in September, ONE in October and ONE in December .... so far..... Then there was an equal number who were somewhat “confidential” with their travel dates.

Those that want to have the chance to meet up with another RS individual/couple/group can list here and maybe get a response. But I won’t put the names up for their privacy.

Sziget Festival looks like they have a good lineup this year such as Charlie XCX, Nelly Furtado, Post Malone and Chappel Roan. I'm staying in Buda a bit north of the castle district and hope to walk up and attend for one day, maybe the 6th when Charlie XCX performs. I hope the recent controversial legislative vote doesn't spur any boycotts, etc. There are also some major film and TV productions going on in the city this year (lured by the economic incentives) , but so far it seems like a backlash hasn't occurred.

It's one of the largest outdoor music festivals in Europe. If I were younger ....... oh well...

The filming goes on continuously. They are on Andrassy ut at least once a month. A while back all signs around the Parliament turned to Russian and there was a very real looking mobile ICBM launcher parked on the street. And yours truly didn't seea barricade once and may have ended up in a zombie movie .... no idea which one.

https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?locations=budapest,%20hungary

The protests, a way of life but there are some interesting political winds brewing, but can imagine it having any impact on tourism or the economy in a big way.

We arrive Sunday 24th Aug, so looks like we will miss some of those activities. I'm sure that there will be enough to keep us busy prior to our river cruise anyway.
Any tips on "overview city walking tours"? No need to be private ones.

We have taken your advice Mr E staying close to the Opera House, so looking forward to thanking you for your tips.

Thanks,

Lynn

Lynn, of course. Looking forward.

I'll be there the second week of October (Oct 6-11), and my flight from Bucharest is booked!

And you know what happens that week?

We will be there September 24 to 29. Looking forward to visiting!

And you know what happens that week?

Well, I've looked through events and saw some interesting things, but now I'm all agog. What's happening that week? Or are you talking about Oktoberfest? I think I will be able to have one day of beer and brats. :-) I do need to make it back there in September sometime. Those wine festivals look pretty darned awesome!

We will be there October 19-23. First time in Budapest after my daughter, my oldest friend, and my late mother-in-law all visited and lived it. We are really looking forward to our visit. Good to know about the holiday on October 23 as we need to catch our flight to Amsterdam that day. We will leave more time and try to get a late afternoon flight so we can enjoy some of the celebrations.

Hey, do you know the Oktoberfest schedule for this year? The one linked above (from Budapest by Locals) is from 2024, and I have not been able to find a schedule yet for this year.

Mardee, still dont see dates for the Oktoberfest. But I am watching. But it will be probably be starting on the same day of the week as last year. So i am guessing the 3rd and 9th.

Thanks, Mr E—it would be fun to visit one of the venues when I'm there. I do love a good beer and sausage. :-)

Reply for Lynn H:
We enjoyed our Guruwalks "free" tour (you tip rather than set fee). There are several different versions. We chose "best of Budapest" - it was about 2 hours, about 15-20 people. Guide was excellent, a native Hungarian. Here's the link:
https://www.guruwalk.com/budapest

A list of ideas for August: https://r.explorers.bud.hu/mk/mr/sh/WCPxRrNLV1LtwtkfLVO64txwK7IeaETO/hFyUMYHHcNxN All pretty good actually. You might find me in Etyek or Szentendre. Both fun.

I am excited. I just decided to go to Budapest in late October. Leaving around the 21st. I'm just starting my research and saw this thread. When I solidify plans I'll report back. I'm open to any advice on best airlines (from Philadelphia or Newark) and any place to stay. Thank for all your help.

You won't be alone. A few other RS types will also be in in town. Welcome, let thr forum know if tgey can help.

Two of us arrive the afternoon of September 11 and leave the morning of September 15. We would be interested in a meet up on the 12, 13, 14. Regina

I'll be in Budapest from 27 August - 25 September 2025. Looking forward to it. Already found a gym down the street from the apartment I'm staying in.

30 August through 7 September I will be in Bosnia
20 September through 26 September I will be in D.C.
12 October through 18 October ("Maybe") I will be in Ukraine (or maybe a week later).

Last week of November and first week of December, someplace. Probalby Germany.

Brushtim and Regina:
11 – 14 September Budapest Wine Festival at the Castle (really, really good) https://aborfesztival.hu/en I generally go on Thursday (the 11th this year) as its a little less crowded. Tickets are discounted if you buy them in advance.

Jbtremer, if you are here 23 October its generally very interesting with things going on all over town. When I have some details I will post.

Mr Ë, I just love that you post threads like this. So thoughtful, and such fun to think about!

Thank you Jane. I try and write about what I enjoy and among that list would be every RS forum memember I have met to date.

We may just miss you Mr E as we will be in Budapest from August 28-September 2. Thanks for giving people such an extensive list of activities going on in the city for the remainder of the year as they come up. Perhaps just give an address for your local, favorite wine bar and a time and RS travelers who are in town can just meet up. We did something like this in Haarlem several years ago. No one coming for the tulips that April had much overlap but we were there for 3 weeks so we met up with 3 different RS forum members in smaller groups at the same brewery at the same time on different dates. It was a lot of fun.

Mona, that was fun, wasn’t it?

And Mr. E, I concur. Every Forum member we have met has been delightful. What a great resource this is!

Mona, my favorite wiebar is: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DGRGkDRJqYumNWxAA And a very good chance that I will be sitting there the evening of the 29th of August.

Mr. E, I purchased my ticket for 11 September already. Looking forward to it and I also still have all the attachments of information you sent me at the beginning of the year.

I guess I know where I'll be the evening of 29 August. The place you mentioned is 1/2 a block from where I am staying on Vasvári Pal u.

Thanks. I was in Sarajevo for the month of July, enjoy your time in B-H.

Tim

brushtim, there is one remarkably terrible short-term rental on Vasvari Pal utca. I only know it because it's located directly above my flat. Look for the street door with the do not enter sign. That's my front door; which explains why I spend so much time in that wine bar. The truth is I went in about a dozen years ago to celebrate the completion of the renovation of my flat. Long story short they gave me a box of silverware, glasses, plates, wine and cork screw to help me out until I could go shopping. So I am loyal.

Great! Good to know that you and others will have time to meet on the 29th for a drink and conversation before your trip!

brushtim

This will be my fourth trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina. You would think that would make me some sort of an expert. Not even close. In the 3 previous trips to BiH I spent a combined total of maybe 5 nights in Sarajevo, and maybe 12 nights in Zgon and made a few stops between Sarajevo and Zgon. Places like Jajce and Travnik. Oh, a a half dozen rivers in the countryside. Probalby 2 hours of driving on average each day I was in Zgon. So this time I am spending a night in Mostar and visiting Blagaj Tekija and the Kravica Watefalls before returning to Budapest. 9 days with travel days.

If I located your flat correctly, I am across the street to the right in building #7.

Yes, you found me. Google street view is amazing. If you look at the windows of the first floor of the building to your left, when facing the buildings, you will note the bullet holes.

The street has a good Spanish restaurant. I think best in town. The Lions Locker has great breakfast and is run by mom, dad, daughter and son.

The other way up the street is an orthodox synagogue and you will see them coming and going.

The building you are in I think was a yellow star house, but I can confirm.

There is also a laundry on the street and of course Kadarka.

My brother is making a last minute trip to Budapest. He just booked his flights and he will be there from 8/27-9/23. He is going to have some dental work done, but I’m sure he will have fun exploring the city. He took my advice and is staying near the Opera, at least to start. He only booked it for 4 nights. I plan to give him the information about Kadarka Wine Bar when I see him tomorrow. I certainly enjoyed it when we were there.

He chose well for the dental work. I have been very happy with dental and medical here. Before I relocated here I was coming for some medical testing procedures that my US insurance would only pay for every 5 years and because of some family history I thought it wise to do more often. 10% of the cost in the US.

If he is going to be here a month, if he runs into any issues, tell him to call me. Never a problem.

Mr E, for those who would like to meet up on the 29th, what time after 4pm does wine time usually convene?

It can conviene at your covenience, but yes, after 4pm. 29 August is a Friday, so I best book a table to be on the safe side. So, a time would be helpful.

For those that heard of our heat spell. The forecast for the next week is
Mon 56-82 (18 August)
Tue 57-84
Wed 91-64
Thurs 61-82 (maybe rain)
Fri 53-73 (maybe rain) (22 August)
Sat 52-75

Wednesday is a bit of a sticker, but our humidity is so low 91F will not feel that bad if you stay out of the sun. Rain here is generally a 2 hour shower then life goes on.

brushtim and i forgot the street has a good full service laundry/dry cleaner and Sky Massage which has a perfect 5 in the google reviews.

Thank you, Mr. E. I’ve given my brother, Dave, your number and suggested he get the WhatsApp app to communicate. I also told him how much we enjoyed Kadarka.

Mona, I think you and Dave would really love Kadarka. My brother will be in Budapest at the same time. I should send him pictures of you guys in case he sees you around. ;-)

As far as the 29th, our whole day is open so you choose the time, James. I’ll just say though that we’re not exactly night owls.

Andrea, it will be interesting if we meet your brother so far from home for all of us! Hope it works out.

Before dinner at 6pm or after dinner at 8:30pm?

Let’s reserve the 6pm time.

Consider it done. How many seats?

The two of us and ?

will do.

looking forward
if anyone else is in town, there will be room

I would like to join as well. Solo for me.

Excellent +2 = 6

I just booked my first ticket for my trip in December, so I guess it's actually happening! I will be flying in on Saturday, November 29, from Paris, leaving early in the morning on Thursday, December 4. I just bought my ticket to see the Magic Flute at the Opera House on December 3. Can't wait! Would love to connect with any other RS types who happen to be in town at the same time.

James, my brother seems interested in the meetup. I will have him send you a message to confirm. I wish we were going to be there. :-(

Colleen S. You will be here for the Christmas Markets. There is usually a pretty fair RS turnout for the markets. Just keep watching the forum.

Watch for updates here too and check my profile page for some resources. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/budapest-christmas-markets-d26f8ab1-2048-4160-bfb3-bf13b096683e

Sziastok! I hope to be back September 20-September 23, schlepping through Slovakia first (actually starting in Poland).
Unfortunately it looks like I will be missing the fabulous festivals Mr Ë posted.

Happy St. Stephens Day!

Awesome list! The wife and I will be in Budapest 5-11 September. Mr. E has been great with the info and these posts are great. If anyone finds any good food tours or regular tours that aren't on every tour site, please share!

John Jacob JingleheimerSchmidt, i sent you a PM wiht a link to some offbeat stuff.

Just arrived. Walked 1/2 a block to Kadarka Wine Bistro. Enjoying a cheese plate with a glass of Gyetvi Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Balatonfured. Cool and Crisp. May required further tastings. Being 88 degrees at 18:24.

My friend and I will be in Budapest from October 20. We leave on the morning of the 27th for Vienna. Anyone around then?

jbtremer, I will probably be around some of that time.

I don’t want to put up exact dates, I will leave that to you guys if you want to. But in town in
September
Mona,
brushtim,
John Jacob JingleheimerSchmidt,
Regina,
blackcat
fortunate,
abqdeb, kmkwoo,
sylvia
Andrea’s Brother
george.stephenson1 (?)
October
george.stephenson1 (?)
Mardee,
Mohanapte,
TexasTravelMom,
Jbtremer
Beepers40
I am sure I missed a few. I tried and write them down when they came up.

I wish I was going to be there in October to meet up with TTM and Mardee. I’ll be in Europe, but too far away for a day trip. Bummer.

I wish you were, too, Andrea! We could create all kinds of havoc! Ha! Check those cheap flights - lol. But to make it a little better, Mardee and I won’t be there at the same time…..

TTM, you know that we know how to have a good time! ;-) I know when you will be there but I don’t have Mardee’s dates.

Andrea, your brother is a prince. But I understand he slept in this morning ... not my fault. Blame Zoltan.

Mr. E, Lol! He did mention to me when I chatted with him today that he had a little too much to drink. Easy to do at Kadarka!! I’m happy to hear the gathering went well. Thanks for including him, considering he’s not a Ricknic. ;-)

Andrea, I arrive on Oct. 6 and leave Oct. 11—so 5 nights! I wish I could meet your brother!

But to make it a little better, Mardee and I won’t be there at the same time…..

Ha ha, is that a good thing or a bad thing? ;-)

is that a good thing or a bad thing?

TBD. lol! But at least there’s no Budapest party with us that Andrea is missing.

Ooh, Budapest party!!! I like the sound of that!

Here we go again ......

A Budapest party doesn’t sound like a bad thing. ;-)

11 and 25 October & 7&8 and 14&15 November:

Special events at a Winery in Villány. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the town near the Croatian border, but there are some good stops going and coming. I know a guide that will take care of transportation, and it would make a good overnight trip. Actually, without the special events if you want to see some wineries this would be among the ones to see and there are a number of others on the way down and the way back. An excellent overnight trip; or even a day trip. Ask if you are interested.

Lets see if anyone is checking this thread.

An interesting diversion for a weekend evening. McDonalds.
https://youtu.be/r4Bdl7Oqpu0?si=n354Kychv_vXbT80