Margó Literary Festival 2025: Autumn Edition in Budapest
From October 9–12, 2025, Budapest hosts the Autumn Margó Festival of Literature and Book Fair, one of the most important literary events in Hungary. Taking place at Millenáris and the National Dance Theatre, the festival combines book launches, readings, debates, and concerts, offering visitors an inspiring four-day experience of Hungarian and international literature.
A Premier Literary Forum in Hungary
Since its debut in 2011, the Margó Literary Festival has become a key meeting point for writers, poets, and readers. Organized three times a year—spring, summer, and autumn—it adapts its programs to the season. Spring focuses on contemporary Hungarian authors, summer offers a lively mix of literature and open-air concerts in the countryside, while autumn welcomes international stars to Budapest, fostering a global literary dialogue.
Special Highlights of the Autumn Festival
This October edition brings more than 67 programs, 14 international authors, and four evenings of music-literature performances. For travelers in Budapest, it’s a chance to step into the city’s vibrant cultural life. Note that most programs are held in Hungarian, but the international guest writers will still provide opportunities to connect across languages through discussions and book signings.
Key international names this year include:
- Iréne Solà (Spain)
- Sofi Oksanen (Finland)
- Egill Bjarnason (Iceland)
- Narine Abgarjan (Armenia)
- Vigdis Hjorth (Norway)
- Terézia Mora (Hungary/Germany)
- Claudia Durastanti (Italy)
- Lana Bastašić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Ivana Bodrožić (Croatia)
- Silvester Lavrík (Slovakia)
Alongside them, many of Hungary’s most beloved contemporary authors will present their newest works, from novels to collections of poetry.
Concerts and Literary Performances
One of the unique aspects of Margó is the mix of literature and music. This year, visitors can look forward to:
- A Doors multimedia tribute by Soma Nóvé, iamyank, and Tibor Vangel
- Bob Dylan lyrics reimagined by Anima Sound System and guest artists
- A Radnóti Miklós-inspired performance by Vecsei H. Miklós and QJÚB
- Kollár-Klemencz László presenting his new novel with a live concert
While book presentations are free of charge, tickets are required for the evening concerts and literary-music shows as part of the Liszt Fest.
The Margó Prize
The Autumn edition also features the Margó Prize, which annually recognizes the best Hungarian debut prose book, giving young authors a much-needed platform in the literary world. The award ceremony is always a highlight, drawing attention to fresh voices and new perspectives.
Practical Information
- Dates: October 9–12, 2025
- Venues: National Dance Theatre, Millenáris, Budapest
- Admission: Free for book launches and literary talks; ticketed entry for evening concerts
- Languages: Programs are primarily in Hungarian, with selected international events featuring foreign authors
Why Visit Margó Festival?
For literature lovers visiting Budapest, the Margó Autumn Festival is the perfect way to discover the city’s vibrant literary scene while also experiencing international voices. It blends contemporary Hungarian writing with global perspectives, offers book signings, live music, and one-of-a-kind performances. Whether you pop in for a talk at Millenáris or stay the whole weekend, it’s an accessible and memorable way to connect with Budapest’s cultural heartbeat.