For those who crave bold Hungarian flavors and cherish folk traditions, there’s one late-summer event you can’t miss: the Csárda Festival (Csárdafesztivál). Returning to Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér) in the heart of Budapest from August 18 to 20, 2025, this festival transforms the capital into a showcase for classic Hungarian cuisine, lively folk music, captivating dances, and a few culinary surprises. Over three spirited days, locals and visitors celebrate both ancient heritage and mouthwatering food at the height of the St. Stephen’s Day (Szent István-nap) festivities. Admission is free—bring your appetite and curiosity.
Traditional Cuisine, Modern City Center Vibes
The Csárda Festival (Csárdafesztivál) brings the finest flavors of the Carpathian Basin (Kárpát-medence) right to downtown Budapest. Each participating “csárda” (Hungarian inn) serves its signature dishes, promising a feast ranging from legendary goulash and hearty Szekler (Székely) specialties to wild game, homemade lecsó (ratatouille), and delights straight off the charcoal grill. To keep things accessible, prices are kept reasonable, and organizers ensure that foodies with allergies aren’t left out: there are gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options available, with detailed advice from staff.
Folk Shows and Live Music—Something for Every Sense
Food isn’t the only attraction. For three days, the stage will feature a nonstop parade of traditional dance troupes, acclaimed folk bands, and innovative cultural groups, all celebrating the richness of Hungarian folk culture. On August 18, the festivities begin at 2 p.m. with the BEM Dance Ensemble’s “Dances from the Carpathian Basin.” The day continues with performances by Elemér Duka’s Gypsy Chamber Orchestra (expect film scores with a folk twist), the popular Zűrös Banda, and the Hungarian Band (Magyar Banda). Later in the evening, the Dezső Fitos Troupe (Fitos Dezső Társulat) presents a joyful dance spectacle, and the night ends with intimate table music sessions—where folk musicians roam among diners, playing up close.
August 19 highlights cross-border traditions. The Debrecen Folk Ensemble (Debreceni Népi Együttes) teams up with Romania’s Szilágyság Folk Ensemble (Szilágysági Néptáncegyüttes) for a joint show, followed by the Duna Dance Workshop’s contemporary folk collage and the Duna Art Ensemble’s (Duna Művészegyüttes) “Garden of Love” dance concert. The Szilvásy Gypsy Band (Szilvásy Gipsy Band) and Göncöl Band, joined by vocalist Ágnes Enyedi, add musical flair, and throughout the day, swing dance, folk, and world music intermingle. Chef Lázár’s cooking demonstrations punctuate the schedule—so you can learn, taste, and dance all within the hour.
Celebrating St. Stephen’s Day—Hungarian Style
August 20 marks the day Hungary celebrates its statehood, and the festival pulls out all the stops. The morning features the Balaton Dance Ensemble (Balaton Táncegyüttes) and Tarsoly Band on stage, followed by children’s dance troupes and a Bulgarian dance house with Pravo Band. István Pál Szalonna and his band host a jubilant anniversary concert in the evening, before the “Csárda Dialects” (“Csárdák Dialektusai”) program closes the festival with dancers from various regions presenting their unique traditions, all capped off with hours of table-side live music.
Festival Highlights: All Days, All Ages
While the main program runs from August 18 to 20, food and festivities begin as early as August 16. From open-air folk performances and live bands to chef-led cooking demonstrations and interactive dance, there’s something every day for culture seekers, foodies, families, and international guests. And with no ticket required, the invitation is wide open: experience Hungary in its most flavorful, festive, and authentic form—right in the center of Budapest.
