Stars, Space, and a Grand Ball: What’s Coming Up at Budapest’s Legendary Gundel
If you’re planning a trip to Budapest in February, you might just catch the city’s most elegant and star‑filled night of the year. On 7 February 2026, the historic Gundel restaurant in City Park (Városliget) will host the Gundel Ball 2026, a glamorous evening where fine dining, classical music, and ballroom dancing meet under the theme Among the Stars – a celebration of Hungarian excellence, community, and a little bit of space magic.
For foreign visitors, this is a rare chance to step into the world of a true Budapest institution: a place where generations of Hungarians have celebrated weddings, anniversaries, and national pride, and where the city’s elite and cultural icons gather for one of the most talked‑about social events of the year.
A Ball Where Everyone Can Be a Star
The Gundel Ball is not just another fancy dinner; it’s a carefully crafted experience that brings together the best of Hungarian tradition and modern flair. The 2026 edition carries the motto “Among the Stars – at the Gundel Ball, everyone can be a star,” and it’s a promise that goes beyond glitter and gowns.
The evening is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, a place where people connect, dance, and share a moment of beauty and joy. It’s about reviving the old Viennese ball tradition – the waltz, the elegance, the sense of occasion – but in a way that feels fresh, open, and very Budapest. Whether you’re a local or a tourist lucky enough to snag a ticket, the idea is that you’re not just a guest; you’re part of the story.
Hungarian Space Pioneers as Guest of Honour
One of the most exciting parts of this year’s ball is that its special guests are three legendary figures from Hungarian space research: Tibor Kapu, Gyula Cserényi, and Bertalan Farkas, the first Hungarian cosmonaut. Together, they represent different eras of Hungary’s journey into space, from early scientific breakthroughs to the historic Soyuz mission in 1980.
Having these space pioneers as the evening’s honoured guests ties perfectly into the Among the Stars theme. Their presence turns the ball into more than just a party; it becomes a tribute to curiosity, perseverance, and the power of community – values that resonate just as strongly in a grand ballroom as they do in a space mission control room.
A Night of Dance, Music, and Inclusion
At the heart of the Gundel Ball is the opening dance, a modern interpretation of the classic Viennese waltz, choreographed by dance artist Andrea Keleti. The performance will be led by a group of young first‑time ball guests – students from Budapest Business School, dancers from across Hungary, and hobby dancers who’ve been training hard for this special night.
What makes this opening particularly special is that it will include a wheelchair dance couple, in cooperation with the Budapest Association of People with Disabilities. Their performance is not a separate act; it’s an integral part of the choreography, symbolizing the ball’s inclusive spirit. The message is clear: elegance and grace belong to everyone, and the ballroom is a space where all kinds of stories can shine.
A Taste of History: The Pope’s Menu Returns
If you’re a food lover, there’s another reason to visit Gundel in February: the return of a legendary menu. From 17 to 26 February 2026, the restaurant will serve a special “Dignity Menu” inspired by the meal prepared for Pope John Paul II during his visit to Pannonhalma Abbey in 1996.
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This modern reinterpretation of the 1996 papal menu is part of Gundel’s “Famous Guests” series, and it’s a four‑course journey through refined Hungarian and Central European flavours:
- A starter of forest mushrooms sautéed in butter, served with brioche and veal jus, rich and earthy, perfect for winter.
- A fragrant caraway soup with vegetables and poached quail egg, a comforting classic with a touch of brightness from pickled caraway.
- The main course: roast pike‑perch in Gundel style, with seasonal vegetables, green peas in different textures, and a delicate potato and zucchini medley.
- To finish, a beautiful “Pannon Hills” dessert – layers of vanilla, chocolate, and walnut in a playful, modern composition that looks like a miniature landscape.
This menu is available only for dinner, and advance registration is required, so if you’re in Budapest during those dates and want a truly special dining experience, it’s worth booking early.
Wine from Earth… and from Space
The Gundel Ball also features some very special wines that fit the celestial theme. The evening will debut a new Chardonnay 2024 and a Chardonnay brut sparkling wine from Etyeki Kúria, a Hungarian winery whose Chardonnay grape seeds have actually been to space as part of a Hungarian plant mission.
Yes, you read that right: the seeds of these grapes once orbited Earth, making the wines served at the ball a literal taste of Hungary’s scientific and agricultural ambition. These exclusive wines will be available only to guests with special tickets and in the private room, adding an extra touch of exclusivity to the night.
More Than a Party: Giving Back to the City
The Gundel Ball is also a moment for the city to come together for good causes. Throughout the evening, guests will have the chance to support three Hungarian organizations through a special donation installation called “One Ball, One Smile.”
The ball will raise funds and awareness for:
- The Budapest Association of People with Disabilities, which supports inclusion and accessibility.
- SINOSZ – the National Federation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a long‑standing partner in promoting communication and rights.
- The Lámpás ’92 Foundation, which works on social integration and community projects.
This social responsibility is a core part of the event’s identity, showing that a glamorous night out can also be a night of solidarity and shared values.
Practical Info for Visitors
If you’re in Budapest in early February and want to experience a piece of this magic, here’s what you need to know:
- The Gundel Ball 2026 takes place on 7 February 2026 at the Gundel Restaurant in City Park (Városliget), just a short walk from the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Heroes’ Square.
- Tickets are sold online via Cooltix, and availability is limited, so it’s best to check early if you’d like to attend.
- The special Pope John Paul II “Dignitary Menu” is available from 17 to 26 February 2026 for dinner only, and advance booking is required through Gundel’s reservation system.
- The restaurant is easily reachable by public transport (M1 metro to Széchenyi fürdő or Hősök tere, or several trams and buses to the park).
Why This Matters for Tourists
For foreign visitors, the Gundel Ball and its related events offer a unique window into Hungarian culture. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about how Budapest blends its deep traditions – fine dining, classical music, ballroom dancing – with modern values like inclusion, science, and community.
Even if you don’t attend the ball itself, visiting Gundel during the “Famous Guests” menu period is a wonderful way to taste a piece of Hungarian history and hospitality. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the city on 7 February, you’ll be in a city that, for one glittering night, truly feels like it’s dancing among the stars.
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