Budapest Events

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Budapest Spring Festival

Budapest Spring Festival

What began as a city cultural event in 1981 has now spread its wings and grown to become a nation-wide celebration of Hungarian culture and talent, drawing thousands of appreciative classical, opera and jazz fans from all over Europe. The Academy of Music and Budapest Convention Centre play host to most of the classical concerts on the programme, opening with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir rendering Wagner and Berlioz. The city resounds with chamber music recitals and church concerts, while opera buffs feast at the State Opera House. Other Hungarian towns and cities where the festival concerts and events are held include Sopron, Szombathely, Pecs and Szentendre.

Venue: Various; Date: 14-30 March 2008; Website: www.festivalcity.hu

Budapest Fair

This joyful celebration of summer, enjoyed by the people of Budapest was first organised by the city council in 1991 to commemorate the departure of Soviet troops from Hungary. Now it has become defined as one of the most popular and enjoyable events on the city calendar, incorporating a host of free attractions over two days. These include a classical music concert, a summer carnival, a costume contest, jazz concerts in the park and children's entertainment For more information contact the Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht on +36 (0)1 486 3300 or info@festivalcity.hu

Venue: Felvonulási Square, Heroes’ Square, City Park; Date: June 2008, TBC

McLaren at the Hungaroring

Hungarian F1 Grand Prix

One of the most popular meetings on the Formula 1 motor-racing circuit is the Hungarian Grand Prix. World class race drivers pit their wits and skills against each other on the Hungaroring track about 12 miles (20km) from central Budapest.

Venue: Hungaroring Circuit, Mogyorod; Date: 3 August 2008; Website: www.hungaroring.hu/html_e/open_e.htm

Sziget Festival main stage © András Éberling

Sziget Festival

The green island of Obuda in the Danube River just north of Budapest is the venue each summer for what has become one of the largest open-air rock and pop gatherings in Europe. Thousands gather on the island for a weeklong music extravaganza with more than 1,000 performances across 60 venues. The island is equipped with basic camping facilities and numerous pubs and restaurants, which cause it to become a 'festival city' for the duration of the event. Literary events, classical music, theatre, dance of all genres and art exhibitions also add spice to the happening festival scene which has something to offer all age groups.

Venue: Obuda Island; Date: 12-18 August 2008; Website: www.sziget.hu/festival_english

The Autumn Festival sees a variety of music

Budapest Autumn Festival

On the other side of the seasons to the Spring Festival is this Autumnal celebration of contemporary arts. A wide selection including music, arts, dance, theatre, photography, film and computer-generated art take place at various venues throughout the city. Artists include both local and international acts.

Venue: Various; Date: October 2008, TBC; Website: www.festivalcity.hu