1. V4 - VéNégy Festival

Inspired by the regional partnership of the Visegrád Four countries, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland, it takes place again by the side of the Danube, just about 45 mins from Budapest.

This celebration of music and theatre features top regional and local acts such as Belgä, Carson Coma and Halott Pénz.

Dates: 22-25 June.
Location: 2626 Nagymaros.

2. Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival

Celebrating the 120th anniversary of the world’s most iconic motorcycle brand, this festival offers a range of events, including car and motorbike exhibitions, stunt shows and musical performances.

Glenn Hughes and his band will play a few Deep Purple numbers, along with similar acts such as Airbourne and Wolfmother.

Dates: 22-25 June.
Location: Puskás Arena Park, Dózsa György út 5, 1146 Budapest.

3. Kolorádó

This intimate and family-friendly festival takes place in the Buda hills. With no mobile-phone coverage, it encourages attendees to live in the moment.

The French band La Femme headline, along with various local artists, workshops and spiritual activities.

Dates: 28 June-1 July.
Location: Cserkészpark, 2094 Nagykovácsi.
See here for transport details.

4. Balaton Sound

Taking over a site on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary’s main holiday getaway, this long-established festival brings together some of the biggest names in electronic dance music.

In 2023, this means Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox and Charlotte de Witte - see vid above for the full line-up.

Dates: 28 June-1 July
Location: Nyárfa utca 13, 8621 Zamárdi.
See here for transport details.

5. Duna-part Feszt

Now in its second year, this ‘festival for everyone’ offers three days of concerts on four stages on the banks of the Ráckeve branch of the Danube.

It showcases Hungarian rock and electronica with artists such as Carson Coma, Azahriah and Valmar.

Dates: 6-8 July.
Location: Kossuth Lajos utca 84, 2300 Ráckeve.

6. Waldorfeszt

Celebrating its tenth edition, this year the fest features top Hungarian acts such as Ivan & the Parazol and Analog Balaton.

Geared towards younger Hungarians, Waldorfeszt is popular with those having recently graduated and looking to let off steam, but naturally everyone is welcome.

Dates: 6-9 July.
Location: Kalandpark és Kis-Állatpark, Törökmező, 2626 Nagymaros.

7. Bánkitó Festival

Underscored by eco-consciousness, this green focused festival takes place in the village of Bánk, in Nógrád County north of Budapest - the video below shows (with Hungarian commentary) what went on last year.

Along with theatre performances, games and installations, this year it features performances by underground bands Platon Karataev and Csaknekedkislány.

Dates: 13-15 July.
Location: Petényi út 6,  2653 Bánk.

Follow this link to see the 2nd set of Top Summer Festivals in Hungary

Words by Peterjon Cresswell
Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com

Main Photo Credit: 
Sziget.hu/Rockstarphotographers