From 30 May to 1 June, summer storms into Budapest in spectacular style with Castle Garden Festival, a festival brimming with music, culture and family fun. Expect an explosion of concerts, vibrant literary evenings, dazzling dance performances and feel-good films to set the tone for the sunny season. Children will revel in a world of wonder too – from outdoor swings and puppet shows to musical demonstrations, choirs and interactive games. Picnic in the glorious spring sunshine or indulge in mouth-watering street food and craft drinks from our pop-up food trucks. And to top it all off, capture the moment with a drone-shot video message from one of Budapest’s most beautiful spots. A true memory in the making, Together with you!
The festival opens with a stirring folk dance performance by Fitos Dezső Company, ‘The Village’, a visually rich journey into Hungarian traditions. Blues and rock fans can feast their senses on Jenő Fekete & His Band, joined by guest vocalist, rock and blues singer Tamás Takáts. The next evening ushers in the lush melodies of Gershwin, performed by the Budapest Jazz Orchestra with velvet-voiced Orsi Urbán and jazz pianist Richárd Révész. Balázs Szabó’ Band will light up the stage with a genre-blending mix of folk, pop, rock and funk. Literature collides with music at the Castle Garden Literature event ‘In the Footsteps of Hellas’, where verse and song will transport you to ancient Greece – one of writer Magda Szabó’s most beloved settings.
On 1 June, the festival crescendos with two powerhouse finales. The Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra presents a genre-blurring concert featuring Andrea Malek and Bandi Jáger, bringing jazz legends to vivid life. Parno Graszt and Bohemian Betyars are throwing a party for the ages– an all-out celebration of raucous, riotous rhythms. Their joint performance is a whirlwind fusion of fiery gypsy music and high-octane folk-punk, exploding with energy and spirit. One thing’s for sure: feet will be stomping, and hearts will be racing at this unforgettable night.
Back by popular demand, Metha’s free DJ sets return with a bang – catch the electrifying sunset sessions on both Friday and Sunday, when the Neorennaissance Garden turns into a chill-out haven.
The garden also hosts a rich programme of free events for all ages. On day one, Zsolt Prieger and Bori Magyar present The Legend of Antal Szerb – a unique and unmissable blend of song, improvisation, literature and philosophy. Nóra Horváth and Balázs Oláh reimagine the world of mulatós music (Hungarian folkish party music) in THE BALL, fused together with the pulsing beats of electronic music. Fans of contemporary soundscapes will be spellbound by the poetic collaboration between Gergő Balla & konkoi the following day.Mihály Dresch and his string quartet perform songs from their album Reptető, drawing on the musical treasures of Székely Land.
Meanwhile, Szalonna and his band invite folk lovers to an evening of heartfelt laments and fiery, virtuosic dances. The final day will see the Ripoff Raskolnikov Band – a defining voice of Hungarian Americana – take the stage. Earlier in the day, New Fossils, ambassadors of urban jazz, will team up with the Willany Leó Improvisation Theatre to entertain festival goers..
At Zenélő Budapest’s free giant instrument showcases, anyone can become a musician for one day – just pick up one of the extraordinary instruments and give it a go! Cheer on your favourite fairytale characters at the musical storytelling and puppet shows, or get hands-on in the creative recycling workshop. Soar into the sky on the festival’s giant swing, then catch student choirs and music school performances echoing through the acoustically stunning Stair Pavilion. As night falls, settle into the Dry Ditch Stage for classic Hungarian films under the stars – with Dollybirds and Control lighting up the screen.
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