19/08/2026
👑St. Stephen's Day Celebrations in Budapest
🇭🇺On 20 August, the day begins at 8am with the flag-raising ceremony and the swearing-in of new military officers at Kossuth Square, followed by a military and air show. The programme will also feature the traditional highlights of the 20 August celebrations.
🏛️Visit the Hungarian Parliament
From 20 to 22 August, visitors can enter the Hungarian Parliament free of charge, with no advance registration required. This is a great opportunity to explore one of Budapest's most famous landmarks from the inside and see the Holy Crown of King St. Stephen.
🎻Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle
The Festival of Folk Arts will take place at Buda Castle from 20 to 23 August. Almost a thousand Hungarian artisans, folk artists and craftspeople will come together to showcase traditional crafts, skills and culture.
🍰Taste Hungary at Várkert Bazaar
Food lovers can discover the flavours of Hungary at the Street of Hungarian Flavours at Várkert Bazaar. The festival brings together local specialities, small producers and artisan makers, with plenty to taste, including cheeses, fresh bread, jams, honey and wine.
This year's event will also be a chance to taste the 2026 Cake of Hungary, its sugar-free version and the official St. Stephen's Day Bread.
🚁Get closer to the Hungarian Defence Forces
City Park (Városliget) will host a hands-on military programme on 20 and 21 August. Visitors can take a look at modern vehicles such as the Leopard 2A7HU tank and Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, watch live demonstrations and military dog shows, and try activities including laser tag, VR simulators and drone courses.
🛩️Air Parade over the Danube
The traditional Air Parade will take place over the Danube following the morning ceremonies at Kossuth Square. Hungarian military helicopters and aircraft will take to the skies, with the show visible from both the Buda and Pest sides of the river.
🎆The celebrations will continue in the evening. From 9pm on 20 August, a spectacular audiovisual show will light up the façade of the Parliament, taking viewers through a story that begins with the birth of the Carpathian Basin. The evening will end with fireworks, a 1,500-drone show and special lighting of Margaret Bridge and Chain Bridge.
