Sooner or later, the restless vibration of Budapest life sweeps everyone off their feet. As usual, Budapest offers numerous leisure activities for the summer and you don’t even have to leave the city to enjoy the festival vibes. Be it a music, culture or gastronomy-related festival, you can find everything in one place in this bustling capital. ARMEL OPERAFESTIVAL / 1- 5 JULY, SEVERAL VENUE The festival starts 28th June with the Hungarian premiere of the opera show Prima Donna at the Thalia Theatre. The composer of the piece is American pop star Rufus Wainwright and the director is Róbert Alföldi. This year, theatre-goers can attend the performances at two locations: Budapest and Vienna. The Budapest programme features, among others, Dejan Despic’s operas entitled Priest Ćira and priest Spira and Calamity / Billy – Paradise Lost, as well as Gluck’s Orfeo & Euridice. 27. VAJDAHUNYAD CASTLE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL / 2 JULY – 2 AUGUST, VAJDAHUNYADVÁR This year, Vajdahunyad Castle opens its doors to music aficionados again. From July, the sessions of the classical music series will take place every Monday and Thursday. Visitors will be able to just sit back outside and listen to Tchaikovsky, Bach, Beethoven or Vivaldi. In addition to classical music concerts, music lovers will be able to enjoy performances by Budapest Bar, the 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra and the Sabbathsong Klezmer Band while surrounded by the beauty of the castle’s exquisite Renaissance atmosphere. SZIGET FESTIVAL / 8-15 AUGUST, III. KER., ÓBUDAI HAJÓGYÁRI SZIGET Hungary’s biggest music festival, the Sziget Festival, will take place this year as well. The line-up is filled with performers like the Arctic Monkeys, Lana del Rey and Kygo. As usual, its music performances will be complemented by lots of cultural events. Round table discussions, performances, exhibitions, circus and variety shows, dance performances and other art events await the islanders. 32ND FESTIVAL OF FOLK ARTS /17 – 20 AUGUST, BUDAI VÁR Everything traditional: arts and crafts, music and dance. Hungary’s biggest international arts and crafts festival and a celebration for Hungarian folk art. This year’s main theme is embroidery, whereas the special guest country is Mongolia. However, craftsmen from several other countries will also join the festival. This festival accepts the BUDAPEST CARD – click here for further details! BUDA CASTLE BEER FESTIVAL / 23-26 AUGUST, BUDAI VÁR After a year-long break, Buda Castle will once again give the floor to premium beers. Enthusiasts of the “liquid bread” will be able to choose from more than 250 types of local and imported beers. Good news: the day-ticket includes a festival glass and covers the first round of beer. VINGARDIUM WINE FESTIVAL / 31 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER, ERZSÉBET LIGET This is the third occasion that the Vingardium Wine Festival invites fans of wines, gastronomy and music to choose the great outdoors instead of the grey asphalt of the city centre. Entertainment is guaranteed by 2 stages and 30 wineries, as well as wine courses, light painting and other experiences. Families can take a well-deserved breather under the hundred-year-old trees as the festival also offers several child-friendly events. +1 THE BUDAPEST SUMMER FESTIVAL / 9 JUNE – 1 SEPTEMBER, SEVERAL VENUE The Budapest Summer Festival has just started and it awaits enthusiasts of culture until 1st September with classical and pop music concerts, theatre, opera and operetta performances, literature-themed walks and many other exciting experiences. This festival accepts the BUDAPEST CARD – click here for further details!