Over the course of the years, Hungary has slowly become one of the most important music festival locations in Europe. From humble beginnings in the years following the end of Communism, the Central European country has blossomed into a true powerhouse of the international festival scene. Today, Hungary’s music festivals are some of the most exciting in the world, and their stages play host to some of the biggest, most popular musical acts on earth.
Sziget – The largest festival of Hungary (credit:szigetfestival.com)
Sziget Festival: Music capital of the World
With headliners this year like Wiz Khalifa, Macklemore, and Pink, Sziget Festival is truly a world-class music event. Currently in its 25th year, Sziget is the biggest festival in Hungary, most well-known festival, one that routinely draws some of the biggest names in the music world. In addition to this year’s lineup, past years have seen the August festival play host to acts ranging from Rihanna to Iron Maiden to the Sex Pistols.
Located on an island in the Danube River (hence the name; ‘Sziget’ means ‘Island’ in Hungarian), the festival is quite close to downtown Budapest. For this reason (among others), Sziget draws the biggest crowds, as well as the biggest names. For one week in August each year, then, an otherwise quiet patch of land in the middle of the Danube transforms into an island that is, for that brief period of time, the music capital of the world.
Nor is Sziget purely a venue for pop music and partying. Unlike music festivals in the United States or in other countries, Sziget works hard to include cultural, artistic, and athletic programs as well. From folk-dancing to basket-weaving to talks by significant academic, musical, and cultural figures, Sziget’s organizers ensure that festival-goers (and even their children) have plenty of interesting activities that they can take part in before the headliners take the stage at night.
If you’re in Budapest already for the festival, and are looking to relax in comfort after a long day and night of a musical excitement, ESCALA Hotel Budapest is a perfect choice.
Located in the heart of Pest, ESCALA Hotel & Suites features 50 luxury serviced apartments ranging in size from studios to penthouses. The Hungarian capital’s robust public transportation system means that, fromESCALA’s location at the Corvin Quarter, you can make your way to iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, Gellert Hill, the Central Market Hall, or the Parliament Building in next to no time at all.
Volt Festival (credit:volt.hu)
Volt Festival
What began as essentially an oversized house concert organized by two friends in the 90s has since morphed into Western Hungary’s biggest music festival. Held each summer at the end of June in the western Hungarian city of Sopron, Volt brings together music lovers from around the world for an incredible experience.
In addition to huge international acts such as Linkin Park, Fatboy Slim, Martin Garrix, and Imagine Dragons, (all of whom are playing at the festival this year), Volt always features many important Hungarian bands and musicians. From Quimby to Bohemian Betyars to Punnany Massif, Volt has introduced thousands of foreign visitors to some of Hungary’s most significant music groups.
Balaton Sound – Festival on the shore of Lake Balaton (credit:balatonsound.com)
Balaton Sound
Situated at Zamárdi, on the southern shore of the “Hungarian Sea”, Balaton Sound combines the excitement of a top-notch music festival with the relaxing, laid-back atmosphere of a trip to a seaside resort. After a night of top-notch performers such as Tiesto, Kygo, and Hardwell, Sound attendees can spend their days lounging on the beach, swimming in the Balaton, or taking part in any number of various aquatic (and land-based) activities.
In the past, Balaton Sound has featured acts such as the Beastie Boys, David Guetta, and Wu Tang Clan. Balaton Sound takes place in the beginning of July every year.
Gourmet Festival for the food lovers (credit:facebook.com/GourmetFesztivál)
+1: Gourmet Festival
To be clear, while music-oriented events have brought Hungary onto the world stage, it’s worth noting that the small Central European country has become a festival power-house in many different fields. An excellent example of this development is the Gourmet Festival, which is held each May in Budapest. During this weekend, event, some of the best chefs from around Hungary (and Central Europe as a whole) set up small stands to showcase to visitors some of the best that this region’s cuisine has to offer.
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