Embankments
- Gastronomy
- Family
- Evening programme
Following the August 20 flag-raising and officer commissioning ceremony, the military air show hugely popular in recent years, will take place over the Danube. The pilots perform their aerial displays over the stretch of the Danube between the Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and Margit híd (Margaret Bridge), viewable from both the Pest and Buda embankments, with live commentary from a military expert.
Perhaps the most extraordinary event of this year's celebration is the evening show, which uses modern technology to make Hungary's history truly come alive. In this thirty-minute audiovisual performance, key events from Hungarian history are brought to life through spectacular light projection and a drone show. The visuals of this large-scale production draw on motifs from Hungarian painting, architecture, and ornamentation, with ever-changing imagery set against the contemporary Budapest skyline, evoking the traditions that connect us all. The show closes with a ten-minute fireworks display, after which the light and drone show repeats twice more over the course of the evening, so that everyone can enjoy it in the most comfortable way possible — or even watch it more than once.
Programme
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Gastro Pop-Up Market (Batthyány Square)
Artisan bakeries, patisseries and local producers will be offering their freshly baked treats, accompanied by coffee and homemade drinks.
Gastronomy, Family
Gastrospot (Buda Embankment)
20 August is not just about the founding of the state, but also about community: about how we spend time together, and what we eat and drink on this day.
Gastronomy, Family
Gastrospot (Batthyány Square)
20 August is not just about the founding of the state, but also about community: about how we spend time together, and what we eat and drink on this day.
Gastronomy, Family
Gastrospot (Academy)
20 August is not just about the founding of the state, but also about community: about how we spend time together, and what we eat and drink on this day.
Gastronomy, Family
Military Air Show
Hungary celebrates 20 August with a spectacular aerial display
Family
Audiovisual Show
Perhaps the most special event of the celebration is the extraordinary evening show, which uses modern technology to make Hungary's history truly come alive.
Family, Evening programmeAudiovisual Show — Encore
The first encore of the large-scale evening show
Family, Evening programmeLight Projection on the Parliament and Chain Bridge
The August 20 light projection can be viewed on the Parliament building and the Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) until 1 AM.
Family, Evening programme