Autumn in Budapest is here! If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the crisp air and cozy feelings, there are a few fall events in Budapest that you won’t want to miss. Not sure where to start? I’ve put together this list of some of my favorite fall things to do in Budapest–take a look!*
*This post contains affiliate discount codes, which create a better price for you and a small commission for me =)
Food and Drink
Budapest Wine Festival Sept. 23-26
I challenge you to find a more picturesque spot to sip wine from all around Hungary! The Budapest Wine Festival takes place on the terraces of Buda Castle. You can spend an afternoon at this World Heritage Site as you sample the best of the best. Maybe you’ll even find a bottle perfect for your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. Cheers to that!
Pálinka and Sausage Festival: Early October
We’re headed back to Buda Castle for a celebration of two of the most famous Hungarian things: pálinka (a traditional fruit brandy) and sausage. Leave lots of room in your stomach and get ready to enjoy!
(Want to try more pálinka in Budapest? Head to an interactive tour of the Pálinka Museum! Use discount code “didi” for 5% off!)
Hungarian Sausage Festival October 8-10
Taste the best that classic Hungarian countryside food has to offer, right in Budapest! If you’ve ever walked through a Budapest market , you’ve probably seen the iconic red kolbasz, and now’s your chance to taste it in all its different forms! Not a big meat eater? No problem! There are supplementary vendors, so you can find a tasty homemade cheese, jam, or even chimney cakes!
Kürtőskalács Festival (cancelled for 2021)*
An entire festival to celebrate Hungary’s chimney cake? Count me in! Catch a glance at this hewy dough wound in a cylindrical spiral with steam coming out of the top, and you’ll see just how much it resembles a chimney. Traditionally, chimney cakes are dusted with toppings like cinnamon, crushed walnuts, or vanilla, but at this Budapest festival, you can find all kinds of flavors! Stroll around the stalls and choose between classic, gourmet, or even ice cream stuffed chimney cakes!
*(Sadly the festival has been cancelled this year, but you can still find chimney cakes around the city!)
Craft Beer Festivals
If you’ve ever wondered where to find craft beer in Budapest, September is the month for you! There are multiple festivals such as…
Corvin Craft Beer Festival September 22-26
Over 20 exhibitors and loads of Hungarian snacks await you at this end-of-summer party in the heart of the city. Spend four days trying over 100 craft beers from all around the world!
MonyoLand Brewery opening festival September 25
Celebrate the birth of Budapest’s newest craft beer brewery! Monyoland will host an opening with 10 of their own brews, street food, family friendly activities, and more!
Outdoors
Want a breath of fresh air? Walk through the crisp air and crunchy leaves of autumn in Budapest on one of these prettiest fall walks.
For a unique view of the Buda hills, hop onto the Childrens’ Railway and wind through the changing foilage.
Boating in Városliget gives you a chance to float on a lake in the shadow of a castle. Can you say romantic?
Activities
Budapest Design Week October 8-17
Surround yourself with the innovative and interesting creations of Budapest’s best creative minds! Venues all over the city pop up to showcase the latest creations of designers, as well as exhibitions, round table talks, workshops, and more. Dive into this inventive and exciting community at Budapest Design Week!
SPAR Marathon October 9-10
Are you ready to run? Budapest’s biggest fall race takes place mid October, and–trust me–it is one of the most picturesque runs you could ever do! Wind up and down the Danube and run past castles and monuments–all in the crisp fall air. Not feeling up to an entire marathon? There are 5k, 10k, and half marathon options as well. Happy running!
Pssst, want to train? Here are my favorite 5k runs in Budapest!
Barbarian Days at Aquincum Outdoor Museum October 2-3
Set up in the preserved Roman ruins north of Budapest, Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Site puts on historical program all throughout the year. During Barbarian Days you can learn more about the Romans’ ancient neighbors through craft classes, lifestyle demonstrations, games, and more.
Töklampás Pumpkin Carving Festival in Hösök Tere (cancelled for 2021)
Although Halloween isn’t a Hungarian holiday, it’s being celebrated in Budapest more and more every year. One way to celebrate Halloween in Budapest is to carve a pumpkin and display it at Heroes’ Square. This has always been one of my favorite things to do during fall in Budapest. The square is lit up with a rosy glow, and you can walk between pumpkins and be amazed at all the different creativity and designs. It’s definitely one of the the top family friendly events in Budapest.
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