On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Budapest transforms into a hyperspace hub for sci-fi lovers. Galaxy Festival 2026 brings together icons and cult favorites for a one-day pop-culture blowout: Star Wars, Star Trek, Guardians of the Galaxy (A galaxis ĆrzĆi), Doctor Who, Fallout, Rick and Morty, Alien, Predator, and a whole constellation more collide under one roof. Expect exhibitors, themed photo spots, cosplay, gaming, talks, and hands-on activities designed to feel like a day-long space voyage. Itâs pegged as the first big sci-fi celebration of the year in Hungaryâs capital, and it aims to launch the season at serious warp speed.
Where and when
The festival touches down on February 15, 2026, in Budapestâs District IX at 1096 Budapest, Haller St. 27. Doors open for a packed program that blends immersive fan experiences with community energyâpicture droids, starships, portals, vaults, and alien nests morphing into selfie-ready backdrops and set pieces. The event promises a strong mix of vendor booths, interactive zones, and stage content, with plenty of room for costumed fans to roam and get photographed amid the action.
What to expect inside
– Exhibitors: Collectibles, art prints, props, merch, indie creations, and gear across multiverse fandoms.
– Photo spots: Curated scenes inspired by iconic franchisesâfrom starcruiser corridors to wasteland ruinsâfor those perfect shots.
– Cosplay: All levels welcome, from screen-accurate armor to casual mash-ups. Expect meetups and informal showcases.
– Gaming: Console corners and PC setups with sci-fi staples, plus retro nods for those who grew up blasting pixels.
– Talks and panels: Fan-led presentations, creator insights, and deep dives into the universes you love.
– Interactive programs: Workshops, trivia, mini-challenges, and family-friendly activities designed to pull you into the worlds you love.
Getting there and contact
The venue sits in a well-connected part of the city, served by Budapestâs metro, tram, and bus lines. Organizers highlight smooth public transport access, making it easy for out-of-towners and locals alike. A visual note: publicity images are illustrative and provided via Pixabay.com. For direct inquiries, the festival page offers a contact prompt to activate and share your detailsâhandy if youâre an exhibitor, cosplayer, or group organizer looking to coordinate on-site.
Where to stay nearby
Planning an overnight or a full geekend? The area around Haller Street and central Pest has a wide range of stays, from hotels to camping. Here are options highlighted around the festival timeframe:
– Actor Hotel: Located on the Pest side of Budapestâs historic downtown, with quick access to the city center and the airport. Close to metro, bus, and tram links. Popular for conferences, training sessions, exhibitions, product launches, receptions, and both corporate and family events. All meeting rooms have natural daylight.
– Boulevard City PanziĂł: A friendly, family-style guesthouse in District IX near the Danube. Rooms occupy the upper floors of an eight-story residential building. Its position makes it a great base for exploring Budapest; the city center is a comfortable walk away. Offers a broad range of room types so travelers can pick the best fit.
– Canada Hotel: Suited to groups and ideal for business meetings, events, and conferences. Free WiâFi throughout, a spacious complimentary parking area, and a generous buffet breakfast included in the room rate keep logistics simple and costs predictable.
– A cozy city-center stay near Corvin Quarter: Think homey vibes in the middle of the city, with birdsong mornings a short stroll from the Corvin area. The property lists 86 comfortable hotel rooms and 5 spacious apartments, versatile event options, and a standout breakfastâplus the kind of warm hospitality that draws regulars back.
– Haller Camping: Tucked in a quiet park in the heart of Budapest, this well-equipped, 24/7 reception campsite is a wallet-friendly pick close to the action. Public transport runs late and reliably. Metro or tram rides take minutes to reach central museums, restaurants, hot-spring thermal baths, nightlife, and historic districts. Several grocery stores and a shopping mall are just a few minutesâ walk away.
– Thomas Hotel Budapest (3-star): In central Budapest, about a 17-minute walk from shopping hot spots like the Great Market Hall. WiâFi across the property and private on-site parking. Rooms feature soundproofed windows and desks; some come with dark-toned furnishings. The famed Rudas Thermal Bath sits roughly 1.24 miles away. Mornings start with a rich buffet breakfast; a cafĂ©-bar is on-site. The nearby Bonjour Cafe serves Hungarian dishes.
– Ibis Budapest Centrum: Just 164 feet from KĂĄlvin Square (KĂĄlvin tĂ©r) metro (lines M3 and M4) and 984 feet from the Hungarian National Museum. Offers free WiâFi, a garden terrace, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and satellite TV, and a 24/7 bar with light bites and drinks. Restaurants and cafĂ©s are steps from the entrance.
– ibis Budapest Citysouth: Positioned between the airport and the city center (about 20 minutes), next to a shopping mall and directly opposite a metro station. Itâs a handy choice for travelers flying in for the festival who still want fast access to downtown.
Make it a full sci-fi day
With multiple universes converging, Galaxy Festival 2026 aims for a crowd-pleasing blend: family-friendly by day, fandom-deep by design. Suit up, charge your devices, and clear some storageâthis is the kind of event where every corridor turns into a scene, every corner has a cameo, and every fan finds their tribe in Budapest.
