CityRocks Budapest: Central Europe’s Biggest Rock Flashmob is Coming to the Capital
Picture this: hundreds of musicians from across Central Europe gathering on one stage, instruments in hand, ready to unleash the most epic rock performance Budapest has ever witnessed. This isn’t just another concert – it’s a musical revolution that’s about to rock the Hungarian capital for the very first time.
CityRocks, the phenomenon that started as a friendly conversation among music lovers in Szeged back in 2017, has grown into something truly extraordinary. What began as a simple question – “How can we bring live rock music to more people?” – has evolved into Central Europe’s largest rock orchestra, where professional musicians jam alongside enthusiastic amateurs in an unforgettable celebration of rock music.
Event Details
Here’s everything you need to know to be part of this historic musical moment:
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Time:
Best deals of Budapest
- Gate Opening: 5:00 PM
- Event Start: 5:30 PM (Blue Stage), 8:00 PM (Red Stage)
- Event Finish: 1:30 AM
Location: Barba Negra Red Stage/Blue Stage, Szállító u. 3., Budapest
Tickets:
- Super Early Bird: 3,900 Ft
- Early Bird: 4,900 Ft
- Normal: 5,900 Ft
- Supporter: 10,000 Ft
Tickets are available online at tixa.hu. Children under 12 enter free with parental supervision, while those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Main Attraction: Hundreds of Musicians, One Epic Performance
The heart of CityRocks lies in its main performance on the Red Stage, where hundreds of musicians will come together to perform ten carefully selected rock classics. This isn’t your typical concert setup – since no stage could accommodate so many performers, the musicians will be positioned in the center with the audience surrounding them on both sides, creating an intimate, immersive experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.
The setlist reads like a rock lover’s dream:
- Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
- Judas Priest – “Breaking the Law”
- AC/DC – “It’s a Long Way to the Top”
- Midnight Oil – “Beds Are Burning”
- Siouxsie and the Banshees – “Passenger”
- Fish – “Konzervzene”
- Supernem – “Hova megy ki?”
- P. Box – “Vágtass velem”
- Zorall – “Ő még csak 14” (Deep Purple/LGT mashup)
- Tankcsapda – “Örökké tart”
Double the Fun: Two Stages, Non-Stop Rock
While the main CityRocks performance takes center stage, the Blue Stage offers its own spectacular lineup of tribute bands that will transport you straight to the concerts of rock legends. You’ll experience the raw power of Metallica through Metallicum, feel the grunge energy of Pearl Jam via Pear Jam, and dive into the dark depths of Black Sabbath with Sabbath Szombat. The evening kicks off with Bad System, the special award winner from CityRocks’ 2024 talent competition.
A Community Like No Other
What truly sets CityRocks apart is its incredible inclusivity. Age doesn’t matter here – previous events have featured musicians ranging from 8 to 74 years old. Whether you’re a bedroom guitarist or a seasoned professional, whether your instrument cost as much as a weekly meal or a new car, everyone is welcome. This philosophy has attracted musicians from across the Carpathian Basin and beyond, with participants traveling from Poland, Austria, Germany, the UK, Sweden, France, and Italy.
Practical Tips for the Ultimate CityRocks Experience
Getting There and What to Expect
Barba Negra is easily accessible in Budapest, and with gates opening at 5:00 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere before the main performances begin. The venue’s dual-stage setup means you can move between different musical experiences throughout the evening.
Since this is a standing event with musicians positioned centrally, comfortable shoes are essential. The energy will be infectious, and you’ll likely find yourself moving to the rhythm whether you planned to or not.
Insider Tips
- Arrive early to secure a good spot near the musicians on the Red Stage – being surrounded by hundreds of performers creates an unparalleled sensory experience
- Stay hydrated – with performances running until 1:30 AM, it’s going to be a long, energetic night
- Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music, though you might not want to muffle this once-in-a-lifetime sound
- Download the setlist beforehand so you can sing along to every anthem
Beyond the Music: Exploring Budapest’s Rock Scene
Pre-Concert Dining
Before heading to the venue, fuel up at one of Budapest’s excellent restaurants near the Danube. The area around Barba Negra offers several dining options, from traditional Hungarian cuisine to international fare that’ll give you the energy to rock all night long.
Post-Concert Wind Down
After experiencing the high-energy performances, consider exploring Budapest’s famous ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. These unique venues, built in abandoned buildings and courtyards, offer the perfect atmosphere to discuss the night’s incredible performances with fellow music lovers.
The Magic of Musical Unity
There’s something profoundly moving about watching hundreds of strangers come together to create something beautiful. CityRocks embodies the universal language of music, breaking down barriers of age, nationality, and skill level. As the organizers beautifully put it: “We are not alike, but we are not different either. We all need to be there, to be someone together”.
The event has gained such recognition that it placed second in Hungary’s “Concert of the Year” competition in 2019, competing against major arena productions. With over 140,000 followers across social media platforms and videos viewed by more than 150 million people worldwide, CityRocks has proven that authentic, community-driven music experiences resonate far beyond geographical boundaries.
Your Ticket to Rock History
This August 22nd marks a historic moment – the first time CityRocks brings its magic to Budapest. You’re not just attending a concert; you’re witnessing the birth of a new tradition in Hungary’s capital and becoming part of a story that celebrates the power of music to unite people from all walks of life.
Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Grab your tickets at tixa.hu, mark your calendar for August 22nd, and prepare to be part of Central Europe’s biggest rock orchestra. Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of hundreds of people creating music together, CityRocks Budapest promises to be an experience you’ll treasure forever.
Rock on, Budapest – your biggest musical adventure awaits!