Sziget is one of Europe’s largest festivals and stars the world’s biggest music artists. The festival transforms Óbuda Island in Budapest, Hungary into ‘the island of freedom’ with 20 different venues and stages.
This year’s festival begins on Tuesday, 11th August and ends on Saturday, 15th August. Each day runs from 11 am to 6 pm and features everything from pop, electronica, and rock to BMX riders, cabaret, talks, and magicians.
If you are interested in attending this exciting musical and cultural festival, held on a beautiful Hungarian island, check out this guide to discover why the Sziget Festival is one of the most popular in Europe.
Festival Line-up
Sziget features musicians, dancers, magicians, drag performers, puppeteers, and fire swallowers! To keep track of your timetable, download the Sziget App to create a schedule, have access to a map of the island, and receive up-to-date notifications about the festival.
Here are some of the big music artists performing on each day:
- Sunday 9th (Day -1): János Bródy Day with Azahriah, Bagossy Brothers Company, Beton.Hofy
- Monday 10th (Day 0): Faithless, Goran Bregovic, Morcheeba
- Tuesday 11th: Sombr, Zara Larsson, Dijion, and Wolf Alice
- Wednesday 12th: Twenty One Pilots, Natasha Bedingfield, and Biffy Clyro
- Thursday 13th: Florence + the Machine, and Lewis Capaldi
- Friday 14th: Bring Me the Horizon, Skepta, and Sigrid
- Saturday 15th: Jorja Smith, Skrillex, and BBNO$
They also showcase diverse and cultural programmes, some of which are available every day!
Anybody Walking: Ballroom Magic (11th – 15th) was created to honour the ways ballroom has queer, trans, and BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of colour) communities. You’ll be able to watch and celebrate local and international ballroom talents walk different ball categories, at the Magic Mirror stage.
Aserdus FireDance Company: Sparklingers (11th – 15th) is a captivating and artistic fire dance, performed by engaging and mesmerising fire dancers. This stunning show involves juggling, flaming props and pyrotechnics, and fireworks.
Cypher Town Battle (11th and 12th) makes you the judge in a dance competition! You’ll be able to watch world-renowned dancers compete in breaking, hip-hop, and house battles, and cheer for your favourite. The dancers will be joined by live DJs and hosts, helping create a hyped and energetic atmosphere.
The Whale Street (11th – 15th) is a travelling performance by French company Compagnie de Production Populaires et Polymorphes (CPPP). The show is inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, following Captain Ahab in his pursuit of the whale. Each chapter is accompanied by live music, circus acts (aerial straps, Chinese pole, balancing acts), and dance (flamenco and hip-hop).
Ticket pricing
Sziget offers three types of passes , which can be upgraded to VIP tickets.
Their Full Festival Pass gives access to all 5 days. Currently the 5-day Pass is €379 (€399 full price (fp)) or €309 (€319 fp) for the 21&Under Pass not including the Handling fee.
They also have 3-day passes which are available for the 11th-13th, 12th-14th, and 13th-15th August. This costs €269 (€279 fp) not including the additional €17 Handling fee.
If you are only interested in attending one day, they do sell Day Tickets for the main five days and the two extra days. These range from €65 (€70 fp) to €105 (€109 fp) per day.
The VIP tickets gives you access to the fast lane entrance, the Main Stage Viewing Terrace, and VIP areas with toilets, wi-fi, and bars. VIP versions of the Full Festival Pass, 3-Day pass, and Daily pass are €599 (€619 fp) €449 (€459), €115+ (€120+ fp) respectively.
Accommodations
While you might feel tempted to stay in the Budapest city centre and travel in every day, to have the true festival experience you should stay on site! This year there are six on-site accommodations.
Free basic camping (€0+)
Whether you have a 5-day Pass, 3-day Pass, or 2+ consecutive Day Tickets, you’ll be able to camp on-site for free! All you need to do is bring your own tent, and find your perfect spot. To save the hassle (and avoid extra luggage), you can get a pre-pitched tent starting at €159 for five nights!
This site has community showers and toilets nearby. There’s even an on-site ALDI to replenish your snack and drink supplies throughout the week!
To ensure that you secure the best spot, arrive early with a Moving-in ticket allowing you to set up your tent before the official start.
Camping of Nations (€30+)
Located right next to Sziget Beach, the Camping of Nations has two zones: Country-Inspired zone, and Diverse Nations Area. The first allows you to stay close to attendees from your home country, while the second means you can connect with other nations.
This area also has free luggage storage and Wi-Fi! You’ll also have toilets and showers exclusive for Camping of Nations campers.
Caravan Camping (€269)
Purchase a reserved pitch so you can bring your home to the island! There are three sizes available:
- Small: 2 x 4.5m
- Medium: 8 x 6m
- Giant: 10 x 7 m
They also have exclusive shower and toilet facilities for Caravan campers, and electricity if you bring your extension cord!
Sziget Ville Premium (€399+)
The most luxurious and comfortable on-site option. These are pre-installed premium accommodations created to provide attendees a relaxing stay.
The Bell, Comfort, Boss, Cohen, and Who Tents are pre-pitched luxury tents with beds or mattresses provided. They can accommodate 2-6 people, and come with a range of amenities (lamps, chairs, tables, storage area, power outlets).
They also have Wooden Huts, and Love Huts which have convenient lights, power outlets, and blankets and pillows.
Similarly their Igloo’s have light and power outlets, alongside artificial grass floor. The Premium Igloos also have refrigerator and air conditioner!
Family Camping (€119+)
This family only area is perfect if you are bringing young children with you! Especially since all children under 11 enter for free!
This area is more relaxed with a playhouse and quiet nap zone for kids. The dining area is complete with benches and tables, alongside a fridge, oven, and drinking water.
Easy XS (Access) Camping
Easy XS Camping aims to be a supportive environment to ensure the festival is accessible to all. This zone has easy-access toilets and showers available, plus you are close to festival entry points.
This is expanded to the ticket types where you can get a +1 or +2 accompanying person(s) included in your ticket. Also, wheelchair rental, charging points, and passenger transportation are included free with this location.
The Sziget Festival is one of the most diverse and welcoming European festivals. They go beyond most music festivals by having dance competitions, circus acts, fire juggling, cabaret, and magic shows. Be sure to grab your ticket for one of the best summer festivals!