At a press conference in Budapest on Wednesday, Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development, Tibor Navracsics, emphasised that the Valley of Arts Festival is far more than just a cultural event—it's also a foundation for the region's economic model.

“The Valley of Arts is a great example of how culture can become an economic driver,” he noted. “It not only entertains residents and attracts tourists, but also boosts the region’s appeal, generates jobs, fosters entrepreneurship, and strengthens the local community year-round.”

New Venues & Expanded Offerings

Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sport, introduced one of the festival’s exciting new venues: Sportgarden, launched in autumn 2023 under the Athletes' Nation Program. This space will offer morning fitness classes, afternoon sport-themed talks and lectures, as well as all-day opportunities for physical activity and health screenings.

Festival Director Natália Oszkó-Jakab revealed that over 40 venues will host a wide array of events, from exhibitions and theatre to circus, dance, and live music—both classical and pop.

International acts will also be featured, including Franz Ferdinand, who will present their new album The Human Fear, whose cover was inspired by a painting by Hungarian artist Dóra Maurer, represented in the MűvészVölgy Kúria’s permanent collection.

Two exciting new additions this year include:

• Roma Udvar, spotlighting Roma culture.

• Buda Udvar, a theatre and cultural space representing the diverse cultural scene of Budapest’s 2nd District.

Gergely Őrsi, Mayor of the 2nd District, spoke about an urban regeneration programme along Margit Boulevard, where arts, sports, and community events are being integrated—and this local culture will now be brought to Kapolcs for festivalgoers to experience.

The 2nd District’s participation will focus on female artists, supported by local cultural institutions and theatre groups including Átrium, Loupe Theatre Association, Jurányi House, and Dante. Visitors can also enjoy fine art exhibitions and music across genres.

Rich Line-Up of Performers Across Villages
 

• Kapolcs Panoráma Stage: Elefánt, Carson Coma, Beton.Hofi, Bagossy Brothers Company, Quimby, Bohemian Betyars, Margaret Island, Blahalouisiana, Besh o droM, Ivan & The Parazol, Irie Maffia, 30Y, Hiperkarma, Punnany Massif, Belga, Aurevoir., Kornél Esti.
   

• Taliándörögd (Lőtér x Transport Museum stage): Duckshell, Parno Graszt, Péterfy Bori & Love Band, Cserihanna, Kiscsillag, Szabó Balázs Bandája, Csaknekedkislány, Sisi, Analog Balaton, Deva, Honeybeast, Ben Ellis and Marged (UK), Ukrainian Postman.
   

• World Music Court (in cooperation with the Hungarian Music House): Kerekes Band, Borbély & Dresch Quartet, Góbé, Pál István “Szalonna” and Band, Cimbaliband, György Ferenczi & 1ső Pesti Rackák, Bea Palya and her band.
   

• Vigántpetend Main Stage (Cirque du Tókert): Special birthday concerts by Hobo and Péter Geszti. Other performances by László Dés, Anikó Für & Pál Mácsai, Zsuzsa Koncz, Zorán, Budapest Bár, the Rippel Brothers, and Pál Frenák with István Simon.
   

Innovative Support from Sponsor

The festival’s main partner this year is Visa, marking their first major sponsorship in Hungary. Bence Sármay, Visa's regional manager, highlighted plans for a long-term partnership, including:
 

• Secure digital payments

• On-site Visa safes for valuables

• Visa rickshaws providing transport between venues

• Exclusive services and discounts for festivalgoers.

More:
The full program is available at www.muveszetekvolgye.hu