Summertime starts in the Várkert (CastleGarden) Bazaar within programs to the Festival

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The VárkertFeszt – CastleGarden-Festival meeting place for quality entertainment will arrive on June 6–7 with summer-kick-off music and colorful, mostly free family programs, where all ages will find their favorite! At the press conference titled “EXPERIENCE. WITH YOU”. On May 14, we were presented the summer offerings of the festival at Castle Bazaar. Was told by the presentations, there will be legendary performers, jazz concerts, sunset DJ sets, dance halls and fabulous children’s programs, as well as heart-warming romantic films which will surely guarantee the unforgettable moments!

The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and they The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and taste gastropubs drink specialties, refreshments and delicious snacks from the nearby food trucks. The audience can also enjoy the smashing concerts from the terrace of the VarjúVár restaurant with a special panoramic ticket. Among the summer programs, Krisztina Sikota highlighted the musical and dance performance “Our Father Has Messaged” on the second day of the festival, the all-arts evening of the Grecsó brothers, the jazz concert of the Balázs Elemér Group and the Summer Dance Houses available from June to August. She added that our next summer open-air exhibition will be realized in cooperation with the Museum of Fine Arts / Hungarian National Gallery. It shows that Italy is not only an extremely popular travel destination, but also a recurring inspiration and constant motif in Hungarian art. The free exhibition will be on display on the ramp leading to the Gloriette of the Várkert Bazaar from the 2nd. of July until the 27th of September, 2026.

At the press conference, Kati Kovács, Kossuth and Liszt Ferenc Award-winning singer, said that love songs are the most popular among the audience, so they will definitely resonate. Felícián Kovács, the lead musician of Kati Kovács’ band, revealed that with a long concert and are coming to the VárkertFestival with an expanded orchestra – percussionists, wind instruments, strings.

During the summertime Viktor Király will perform at the Várkert Bazaar with the Budapest Jazz Orchestra in the production titled “Queen Real Jazz”. According to the singer, the rich musical world of the Queen band’s oeuvre is particularly suitable for being expressed in the language of jazz. In addition to the best-known hits, the concert will also feature rarely heard songs in unique arrangements, the production being a tribute to the musical genius of Freddie Mercury. Viktor Király will close with his song titled Solo.

Extra flash news was told … “Among a/m Keep Floyding, which evokes the oeuvre of Pink Floyd, will perform, as well as the Metha sunset DJ set for electronic music lovers as part of the Be Massive series. Castle Garden Movie … On the closing evening of the week, Sunday, the iconic film Made in Hungária will be screened outdoors.”

Further infomation in English drop over: https://varkertbazar.hu/en

Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter

Coming Up … Mujahid Zoltán & Group’N’Swing @ Várkert Bazaar Festival – Budapest

One of our country’s favorite swing & boogie show bands, Group’N’Swing, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year at the VárkertFeszt on the 7th of June @ Várkert Bazár Festival.
The nine-member formation is also preparing a surprise for the anniversary performance. The singer did not reveal all the details at the press conference but mentioned there will be from classic tunes, swing-pop, iconic world hits up to current hits.
Spoke about songs included in the program, forinstance
… Elton John’s I’m Still Standing for sure, but Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now and CeeLo Green’s Forget You are also included in the program. The greatest hits of the classic swing era are not left out either: for example, New York, and other audience favorites.

The band was formed in 2006, and in 2009, their first album, Swing, amagim élek, brought them national recognition. Since I started singing in Group’N’Swing, I have shaped the style of the band myself: the sound of our songs has become more modern and pop. They kept the swing basics, which they combined with different musical styles, creating a kind of modern musical fusion, including soul, twist and rockabilly elements.

Also told that jazz and swing come from the same root? The roots of jazz music go back to the culture of African-American communities. Jazz developed from the mixing of several different musical traditions; its early forms were greatly influenced by blues and ragtime, and then the Dixieland style developed from this, among other things. Swing became one of the later, large-band trends in jazz in the big band era of the 1930s. Danceable, virtuoso and extremely energetic music, because it can be easily combined with other genres. The meeting of swing and pop creates a very fresh sound, which the audience also really likes.

Don’t be a square … I mean be there not to skip out.

Update & snap by Aggie Reiter

Catch up … Rosalia Wine Picnic – City Park Ice Rink – Budapest – 2026.

Date: Thursday, June, 4. – 3 p.m. – Sunday, June, 7. 8 p.m.

This weekend don’t have to rush anywhere may arrive as it comfy the visitors. Handy to bring your own blanket to spread it out and relax with your family and friends.

One of the biggest garden party of the summer should not be missed. Discover your favorite wine of the Year, and vote for who you think will be the winner of the Liget Bora election. Get your Deluxe glass package in advance at the City Park on the first weekend of June!

Rosalia promises true gourmet adventures for those seeking new flavors this year. Taste the debuting of the modern Hungarian burgers, including duck liver and truffle variations, while fans of international flavors can look forward to authentic Mexican tacos from Los Monos, Balkan grill dishes from Csevapivo, and crispy slices Pizza. Will be the charcoal-grilled chimney cakes and the colorful waffle wonders. The most peaceful moments of the weekend are promised by the Rosalia Brunch on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The visitors may enjoy leisurely, picnic-style snacks at stands marked with Sunday Brunch flags, spiced up with promotions lasting a few hours.

On Friday the rockabilly show of the Dynamite Dudes will enhance the atmosphere. During the day, we can get to know some winemakers better through interactive pop-up conversations, who will also treat us to a little extra tasting. On Saturday and Sunday, the free Creative Nook awaits the little ones with craft activities, face painting and making recycled jewelry, while they are entertained by children’s concerts on stage.

Rosalia welcomes its four-legged friends again this year, with dog massage seminars, obedience demonstrations and spectacular dog dancing demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Those looking for inner peace can join Soulty Yoga’s wine yoga on the morning of June 6th and 7th where can greet the morning sun in rosé-colored outfits and with glasses full of cool rosé.

Opening hours:
Thursday-Friday, June 4-5: 3 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, June 6: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, June 7: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Rosalia Brunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Entrance: The Rosalia Wine Picnic is free for everyone. Those who would like to taste can purchase a glass with the Rosalia logo or an indulgent Deluxe Glass Package in advance or on site, but there will again be an opportunity to rent glasses. The payment method for the event is the Festipay festival card, which can be topped up with cash and bank cards, but of course it is also possible to pay with the one-touch MasterCard PayPass and VISA PayWave bank cards.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Podcasts coming to HBO Max from the 19th of May, 2026

Companion podcasts to the Game of Thrones universe – including House of Dragons and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – and other fan favorites are coming to HBO Max across Europe.

From May 19, the Harry Potter: The Official Movie Podcast has become available in Hungary, opening a new, even more immersive era of the fan experience.

HBO Max launches its podcast offering on the platform across Europe

From June, HBO Max will introduce several franchise-focused podcasts in Europe, centered on Game of Thrones and its ever-expanding universe. Fans will also have access to the Game of Thrones Anniversary Podcast Special, The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Podcast, and the Game of Thrones Podcast: House of Dragons, the latter of which will also have a brand new season coming next month to accompany the third season of House of Dragons, which will also be available in video format.

In addition, there will be companion podcasts and in-depth discussions related to HBO Max’s most popular series and films, including The Last of Us, The Pitt, The Comeback, and The Sinners, as well as the complete multi-season rerun of Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Official History of Curb Your Enthusiasm.


The European podcast platform will officially launch on May 19th with the debut of the Harry Potter: The Official Movie Podcast, which will be available in the region at the same time as the global premiere. Hosted by renowned film critic and presenter Rhianna Dhillon, the show offers a joyful yet analytical overview of the eight Harry Potter films, with special guests, film discussions and deeper exploration of generation-defining moments.

The Harry Potter: The Official Movie Podcast will launch with a special two-part edition, followed by weekly episodes of two episodes per film. Fans can stream the video version exclusively on HBO Max, while the audio version will also be available on major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Roland Garros is here again – You Bet … WBD offers the most comprehensive coverage to be ever seen!

This photograph shows the Roland Garros Paris logo during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on May 25, 2024. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP) (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Roland Garros is here – Warner Bros. Discovery offers the most comprehensive coverage ever Fans can follow 900 matches on HBO Max and Eurosport, with live coverage of the main draw starting on Sunday, the 24th of May. HBO Max features – such as Multiview and Key Moments – take tennis coverage to a new level in Hungarian, can get excited for Fábián Marozsán, Márton Fucsovics, Anna Bondár, Panna Udvardy, Dalma Gálfi. Viewers can meet an exciting team of experts, who are now joined by Johanna Konta and Henri Leconte, completing the trio of Alex Corretja, Tim Henman and Laura Robson.

Tennis legend Venus Williams and Hall of Fame icons Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Lindsay Davenport, Jim Courier and more will join the expert panel during the two-week broadcast in Paris. Returning favourites including Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander, Chris Evert and Boris Becker will continue to cover the action across Europe. (WBD)Warner Bros. Discovery will provide the most comprehensive Roland Garros coverage ever, with every match live, with full-day programming and on-site productions bringing fans closer to the most iconic clay-court tournament in tennis.

Qualifying matches are now available to watch live on HBO Max in Europe and the United States of America. A total of 900 matches will be available during the tournament, while 215 hours of live linear coverage of the main draw will be available on Eurosport across Europe*.

A ball boy holds a Roland Garros 2023 official tennis ball during the men’s singles quarter final match between Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Russia’s Karen Khachanov on day ten of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on June 6, 2023.
(Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP) (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

Herald News by Aggie Reiter

Visit Pécs @ the10th Zsolnay Light Festival between July 2nd and 5th 2026.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.





Vasarely’s spirit and the limits of imagination: a flood of jubilee light envelops Pécs at the 10th Zsolnay Light Festival Ten years after the streets of Pécs first shone with the magic of contemporary light art, the 10th anniversary edition of the Zsolnay Light Festival is bigger and more spectacular than ever: over four nights between July 2nd and 5th, it will bathe the city in a flood of light with more than 30 works.

In addition, its theme pays tribute to Victor Vasarely, a world-famous native of Pécs, as part of the Vasarely Memorial Year. The event has now grown into one of the most spectacular city festivals in Europe, with more than a hundred thousand visitors annually.

The 2026 anniversary edition is intertwined with two exceptional anniversaries:
Commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Victor Vasarely, a native of Pécs and the father of optical art, and the Vasarely Museum in Pécs celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The theme of the Light Festival this year is therefore Vasarely’s PLASTI-CITÉ // COLORFUL CITY concept – which invites you into the world of optical illusions, to the sensory experience of movement, space and light.

The Cathedral facade is the festival’s biggest canvas …

The most anticipated event of the festival, the Zsolnay Light Art Video Mapping Competition, turns the facade of the Pécs Cathedral into a light canvas every evening. This year, Italian, Chinese and Bulgarian artists will compete for the audience’s votes – their works will be imbued with a visual world drawing from Vasarely’s op-art heritage. In addition to the competition, a special work will also debut: as part of the Irish focus program, the Kiégő Izzók team will pay homage to the oeuvre of Martyn Ferenc with a projection.

The Path of Light: more than 30 stops at the limits of imagination which forms the backbone of the festival, will allow visitors to discover the works of domestic and international light artists at 15 downtown and 19 Zsolnay Quarter-surrounding locations.

Get your feathers hats and fancy cloths to join the Back to the Hippie era of the 70s!

On Theater Square, New York’s Liquid Light Lab evokes the legendary analog light shows of the era.

Imagine the colors of Kandinsky, the vibrations of Jimi Hendrix and early Pink Floyd concerts – this floating, sensual universe will inhale visitors for four evenings.

The Light Path station on Theater Square is part of the USA250 commemorations. The atmosphere is turned up to the maximum by DJs from Tilos Radio: this is not just a projection, but a shared, psychedelic journey into the realm of lights. – According to Vasarely’s credo, art is a common language, which should leave the exhibition spaces and become a part of everyday life. The concept of the Path of Light also resonates with this: it elevates the urban space into an open gallery, where through interactive installations visitors themselves become part of the creative process and the community experience.

The public programs and light works in the city center are free to visit. The closed spaces and the special installations in the Zsolnay Quarter and the Kodály Center can be visited with the Light Festival MAX wristband, which can be purchased on thr SPOT from May 7th.

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

Taste the ice-cream loved by Sissi Queen Elisabeth of Hungary

For anyone who might kinda not recall who she was ... Queen Elisabeth, often remembered as Sissi, was born into the House of Wittelsbach in Munich. She was raised on the family’s country estate, Possenhofen Castle, on the shores of Lake Starnberg. Elisabeth was known for her love of Hungarian culture and her contribution to the memory of the Hungarian people, and was an important supporter of the Hungarian Compromise. Elisabeth’s death was also tragic, as she was assassinated in Geneva.

Gödöllő celebrates Sissi’s favorite flavors with its 60th anniversary ice cream: the ice cream for the city’s 60th anniversary has been introduced

Almonds, violets and sour cherries: these are the ingredients of the jubilee ice cream that the internationally awarded Sissi Ice Cream Parlor created for the 60th anniversary of Gödöllő being declared a city. The ice cream, named “Gödöllő60”, revives Queen Elisabeth’s favorite sweets in a modern form – the specialty was tested by Mayor Dr. György Gémesi among the first to test in the ice cream parlor’s workshop.

Gödöllő will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its declaration as a city in 2026. In honor of the anniversary year, the family-run Sissi Ice Cream Parlor, which has been operating in the city for 15 years, has created a special recipe. With this gastronomic gift, the company wishes to thank the settlement, which has been home to their artisanal workshop for a decade and a half.

Violets, almonds and sour cherries: a tribute to the past and local characteristics

When dreaming up the “Gödöllő60” ice cream, the creators were looking for a flavor that was both elegant and closely linked to the local history and the city’s natural characteristics. The choice fell on violets, almonds and sour cherries – the recipe is a direct reference to the historical figure of Queen Elizabeth and the former richness of the Gödöllő gardens.

The queen’s passionate love for violets was well known: it was her favorite flower, and she also sought out delicacies made from it. She also liked violet ice cream, syrups and candied violets; her perfume was also made from this flower, and her rooms were decorated with shades of violet. It is no coincidence that when she arrived in Gödöllő, the castle garden was regularly filled with violets in her honor.

In addition to the royal elegance, the creators also included local ingredients typical of the settlement in the concept. Sour cherries and almonds are closely linked to the city: Antal I. Grassalkovich, considered the founder of Gödöllő, had several large orchards, the memory of which is preserved in several street names to this day. The new flavor combines this dual heritage: the soft almond ice cream is completed with violet sour cherry sauce and a crunchy almond layer.

From the mayor’s tasting to international recognition …

The city ice cream prepared in honor of the anniversary year was first tasted by Dr. György Gémesi, – mayor of Gödöllő, in the ice cream parlor’s workshop.

Ice cream is one of my favorite desserts, fortunately, in addition to chocolate, vanilla, and punch, we can now taste hundreds of flavors and Sissi is a leader in this not only in Gödöllő, but also throughout the country. It is truly a great pleasure that the Gödöllő60 ice cream was created for the 60th anniversary of becoming a city – said Dr. György Gémesi.

Behind the words of appreciation lies serious professional work. The recipe is based on the experience of ice cream master Andrea Koncz, who has been making ice cream with her husband János Koncz for 36 years. Over the years, their names have been associated with numerous awards: the Sissi team has previously won the title of Balaton Ice Cream of the Year, and has been a multiple podium finisher and special prize winner in the Ice Cream of the Year competition. In addition to domestic successes, the ice cream shop is also at the forefront of the profession internationally: in September 2025, they were the only Hungarians to receive the prestigious “Master of Quality Award” at the Scirubetta Festival in Italy.

For fifteen years, Gödöllő has not only been the location of our work, but also our home. This is where our dream came true, and here we found a community that has supported us from day one. Gödöllő60 ice cream is not just a recipe: it is our personal gift and expression of gratitude to the city – said Andrea Koncz.

This world-class knowledge and local patriotism for the city are combined in each scoop of “Gödöllő60”. The festive dessert is available from today in the Sissi Fagyizó store in Gödöllő, so the city’s residents and visitors can celebrate the anniversary with a worthy.

Go for it … Give it a try … surprise you taste to enjoy new flavors.

Remommendation by Aggie Reiter

Documentary about the terrorist attack on the Nova Festival to be screened @ Nyíregyháza

Documentary about the terrorist attack on the Nova festival to be screened @ Nyíregyháza

According to the announcement, the modern state of Israel is a diverse, multi-religious, democratic country with an extremely complex social and cultural structure. Tivadar Herzl, of Hungarian origin, played a decisive role in the founding of the state. In addition to the various branches of Judaism, Muslim and Christian communities also live together in the country. In recent decades, Israel has achieved outstanding results in high-tech, pharmaceutical research, defense innovation and many other areas, while also facing ongoing security challenges and the presence of terrorism.

The aim of the series of events is to provide a comprehensive picture of this complex social and historical reality, with particular attention to addressing the younger generations, while at the same time offering valuable and thought-provoking programs for all ages. In addition, the organizers aim to present the social, cultural and public activities of the contemporary Hungarian Jewish community. The diversity of the community and the role it plays in 21st century Hungarian society are given special emphasis.
The main elements of the program series are:

a school visit to the Zrínyi Ilona High School,
a school visit to the Bethlen Gábor High School,
meetings with public, religious and political figures of the county,
a presentation of the Emmy-award winning documentary We Will Dance Again, which deals with the events of the terrorist attack on the Nova festival on October 7, 2023.

The film screening will take place from 5:00 p.m. at the Váci Mihály Cultural Center (Nyíregyháza, Szabadság tér 9). The screening is free of charge with Hungarian subtitles, courtesy of the organizers. You can register at the following e-mail address: info@kerenh.hu

The program series contributes to conveying authentic knowledge about Israel and the life of contemporary Jewish communities, contributing to strengthening cultural understanding and openness

Press Release

Update by Aggie Reiter

Historical drama namely “The Choir” staring Ralph Fiennes

Premiere on the 23rd of April 2026.

The historical drama The Choir opens in cinemas on Thursday. Nicholas Hytner’s (The Salem Witches, King George) new film is a moving drama about the power of music and collective creativity, starring Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List, Conclave, In Bruges).

In 1916, the choir of the Yorkshire town of Ramsden loses almost all of its male members due to conscription. Despite the difficulties, the choir’s management wants to continue working together: they decide to recruit local young men who are not eligible for conscription due to their age. A new choirmaster arrives alongside the young people: the unyielding, self-willed, and working with strange methods Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes). As the draft orders arrive one after another, the entire community realizes that the best defense against the chaos that is upending their lives is to play music together.

The choir tells a story of solidarity and empathy through the fate of a diverse community, while emphasizing that art can be a source of support even in times of greatest crisis.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Wine enthusiasts didn’t miss the Badacsony wine region tasting @ New York Palace Budapest

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Yearly, Badacsony Region Wineries are coming to New York Palace – Budapest holding big early spring celebration with their wines. The wine tasting offer was on the spot by the top wineries around the Badacsony region, whom opened the opportunity to get a complete panoramic picture … mean by tasting … of where the wine offer of the Badacsony Wine Region are in our days.

The Badacsony in New York tasting was held for the fifteenth time at the New York Palace in Budapest. The event was doubly historic, as Weissenkirchen, one of the centers of the Wachau wine region, and Badacsonytomaj signed a twinning cooperation agreement at the event, which could be the basis for a fruitful relationship between the two wine regions. As for the tasting, in addition to the record-breaking 42 Badacsony wineries, 10 wineries from Weissenkirchen were also represented as special guests, and seven Austrian producers personally accompanied the wines, it was possible to meet average – good – excellent wines, but the quality is definitely improving year-by-year. So now the tasting items could only be grouped into the good – excellent – top wine categories. So now the tasting items could only be grouped into the good – excellent – top wine categories.

Those who attended the tasting could taste an incredibly wide selection to choose from.

Roll through the snaps taken at the event … Let the photos from the event do the talking.

Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter