10 best places to enjoy the August 20 celebrations in Budapest

Moving with the times, this year’s annual August 20 celebrations in Budapest will take the form of a large-scale drone show as well as a fireworks festival. Running for 30 minutes, a visual production will involve 1,500 drones while the Parliament building provides the backdrop for a light show depicting the history of Hungary. Margaret Bridge and the Chain Bridge will also be lit up.

The fireworks display will last about ten minutes, launched from the section between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge, so the Pest and Buda embankments, will be popular spots – stake your place long before the show starts at 9pm.

Time Out tip: The music continues around the University of Applied Sciences near Liberty Bridge, before DJs take over by Parliament at Kossuth tér, accompanied by light painting and laser shows, until 3am.

When? August 20, 9pm

Where? Between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge, on Széchenyi rakpart and Id Antall József rakpart in Pest, and Bem rakpart in Buda

Taking advantage of its prime vantage point overlooking Elizabeth Bridge from the rooftop of luxury hotel, the Matild Palace, exclusive cocktail bar The Duchess is organising a special night to take in the spectacular drone and firework show to celebrate Hungary’s national holiday of August 20. That evening, for The Higher, The Better, guests can mark the event with a specially curated Japanese-inspired menu and a selection of signature cocktails created just for the occasion. Book your place here.

Time Out tip: Original cocktails include Danube Lights (Hennessy VS cognac, ginger, lavender and yuzu), Look Up (Belvedere peach vodka, almond milk, cranberry and jasmine) and non-alcoholic Silent Fuse (alcohol-free rum, passion fruit, lime and Sichuan pepper).

Where? The Duchess, Matild Palace, Váci utca 36, 1056 Budapest

When? August 20, 6pm-1am

Admission: Per person Ft 75,000-135,000 (€206-372) + 15% service charge

On August 20, the leading museums in Budapest can be visited for free or at a discount, some laying on guided tours and family-friendly events. It's a good opportunity to escape the summer heat and explore national institutions you might not otherwise visit.

Time Out tip: Combine a visit to the Petőfi Literary Museum, housed in the historic Károlyi Palace, with relaxation amid the shade of pocket park Károlyi-kert next door, with its own children’s playground.

When? August 20

Where? Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian National Gallery, Petőfi Literature Museum and the various branches of Budapest History Museum, among others

There are few better opportunities to explore the gastronomic map of Hungary in one picturesque location, in the shadow of the ornate Várkert Bazaar overlooking the Danube. Traditional dishes from different regions, artisanal delicacies and modern street-food specialities comprise the Street of Hungarian Flavours, taking place over three days of the long holiday weekend. It is also here that Hungary’s Cake of the Year is presented from the six finalists. Admission is free.

Time Out tip: There will also be a sugar-free Cake of the Year and the bread chosen as the finest example this year to celebrate St Stephen’s Day.

When? August 20-22

Where? Várkert Bazaar & around, Ybl Miklós tér 2-6, 1013 Budapest

If you're looking for a more relaxed evening during the long weekend, the summer concert series at Matthias Church in the Castle District offers a great counterpoint. Within its historic walls, works by Bach, Veracini and Tchaikovsky, as well as live improvisations played on the violin and organ, will be performed. It's worth a seat even if you're not a dedicated classical music fan: the special acoustics and sacred atmosphere should be an experience in themselves.

Time Out tip: Combine the concert, with a walk around Buda Castle, often free of tourists later on at night.

When? August 22-23, 7.30pm

Where? Matthias Church, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Budapest

Admission: Ft 4,000 (€11)

For something a little more unusual to do during the holiday weekend, Valerie Divine’s drag bingo is certainly different. The show is a game, stand-up and drag show, where improv, music and offbeat humour come together. You don't need to have played bingo before – the show makes its own rules as it goes alone, and everyone gets involved.

Time Out tip: Arrive early and enjoy dinner at Brody House before the show.

When? August 21, 6pm-11.45pm

Where? Brody House, Bródy Sándor utca 10, 1088 Budapest

Admission: Ft 2,900 (€8; includes 3 bingo tickets)

Taking place over two days, one before the holiday on August 19 then St Stephen’s itself, Family Adventure Island brings fun and entertainment to the large meadow on Margaret Island. Interactive activities, craft workshops, concerts and games will be set up, and admission is free.

Time Out tip: Bring your picnic basket – hand-held delicacies will be served from food trucks.

When? August 19-20, 9am-5pm – food trucks until 8pm

Where? Margaret Island, 1138 Budapest

Over the long holiday weekend, Buda Castle will be hosting a crafts fair showcasing traditional Hungarian artisanship. Potters, blacksmiths, woodcarvers and weavers will show how they produce their creations, allowing visitors to learn first-hand the techniques passed down from generation to generation. Admission is free.

Time Out tip: Bring the kids too – there will be plenty of children’s entertainment laid on.

When? August 20-23

Where? Buda Castle, 1014 Budapest

Vintage artefacts, works by Hungarian designers, contemporary items and music come together at the Yoféle fair, which this year will be transformed into an all-night mini-festival instead of a traditional design fair. You can also meet the creators themselves, to learn more about their work and the stories behind it.

In tandem, there will be DJ sets, live electronic music productions and charity initiatives. All take place at Dugattyús, a café, studio and event space converted from a classic Bauhaus building dating to 1937 in the burgeoning cultural quarter of Margit-negyed.

Time Out tip: Admission is free but during the event, organisers will be collecting donations for good causes, Menstruální drága and MFÖEK.

When? August 22, 6pm-1am

Where? Dugattyús, Margit körút 15-17, 1024 Budapest

On Friday, August 21, traditional Hungarian folk music will fill the capital’s main outdoor music venue of Budapest Park for the fifth annual Folkpark Dance House Festival. Following a concert by the Bagossy Brothers Company, Sarjú Banda, Romano Drom and the Zurgó Ensemble will keep everyone dancing until dawn on three dance floors. Step masters will help the less initiated join in the party, so you don’t worry if you haven’t done this before – you don’t have to watch it all from the sidelines.

Time Out tip: Those who have tickets for the Bagossy Brothers Company show can stay for the all-night fun afterwards for free.

When? August 21, 10pm-4am

Where? Budapest Park, Fábián Juli tér 1, 1095 Budapest

Admission: from Ft 2,999 (€8.25)