Nestled between Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy) and Castle Hill (Várhegy), Tabán’s rolling parkland is more than just scenic—it’s a legendary hotspot in Hungarian music history. Since the 1970s, this green expanse has hosted iconic May 1 concerts, a rite of passage for Hungary’s biggest stars. Although there were interruptions in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the tradition roared back in 1997 and the music has played on every year since.
Retro Tabán Festival: Four Nights of Nostalgia
For 2025, Retro Tabán transforms the tradition into a multi-day music extravaganza, running August 16–19, right alongside Hungary’s Saint Stephen’s Day (Szent István-nap) celebrations. From 5:30 pm each evening, the park fills with legendary acts. See ABAHÁZI.RT, Beatrice, and Korál on the 16th; Ladánybene 27, Roy & Ádám, and Róbert Szikora and R-Go (Szikora Róbert és az R-Go) on the 17th; Back II Black, Tamás Hevesi, and the stars of Neoton Família on the 18th; and finally, Takáts Tamás Blues Band, Gyula Deák Bill, and Bikini on the 19th. The lineup may change, but the retro vibes are guaranteed.
