We know it’s hot, but don’t forget about cultural programs even in summer! Yes, the best place is in the cool water of a pool, but these programs totally worth making the effort.

Quincy Jones 85, 16 July

Quincy Jones, one of the most influential musicians and producers of the 20th century is 85 years old this year. On this occasion, he gives two large-scale concerts in Europe where he presents an unforgettable performance as a celebration of his life and heritage with some of his favorite talented musician friends. The Budapest jubilee concert will include the well-known singer, bassist Richard Bona from Cameroon, Dee Dee Bridgewater, one of the most respected jazz singers in the world, Alfredo Rodriguez Cuban pianist-virtuoso, and the Slovak Hungarian jazz guitarist, the now world-famous Andreas Varady. Another unique guest of the concert will be the Budafoki Dohnányi Orchestra with the conducting of the world-famous John Clayton.

27. Summer Music Festival in Vajdahunyadvár, 2 July – 2 August

The Summer Music Festival in Vajdahunyadvár opens its doors to the music-loving audience for the 27th time this year. We can enjoy the symphonic concerts and performances of Budapest Bar, the 100-member Gypsy Orchestra and the Sabbathsong Klezmer Band in this unique Renaissance setting. The most enjoyable classical concert series of summer is waiting for guests on Mondays and Thursdays in the „concert hall” in Károlyi courtyard. Sit back and enjoy the outdoor concerts of Tchaikovsky, Bach, Beethoven or Vivaldi's compositions.

Seuso Treasures, 12 July – 31 August

Three years after the first seven pieces of the Seuso Treasure had been brought back to the country, Hungary has just recovered the remaining seven missing pieces of the outstanding collection dating back to ancient Roman times – making the invaluable collection complete again. From 12 July the pieces are exhibited for the public on daily basis between 12 noon and 6 pm in the Parliament until the end of August when they will set off for a tour around the country ending in the Hungarian National Museum. The so-called Seuso Treasure is a collection of high-quality silverware dating back to the ancient Roman times named after its owner, Seuso, a high-ranking Roman clerk who lived 1500 years ago next to „Lacus Pelso” (today Lake Balaton). The treasure was made in the 4th century AD and comprises of big-sized silver dishes.

Frida Kahlo exhibition 07 July - 04 November

Probably the most defining and iconic female artist of the twentieth century, Frida Kahlo is the subject of an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery in the summer of 2018. Thanks to the kind generosity of the Museo Dolores Olmedo, Mexico City, and several other important Mexican collections, more than thirty paintings and other works by the artist are being brought on loan to Budapest. The selection – which not only features the artist’s hallmark self-portraits, but also includes such major works as her very first canvas, painted in 1927, as well as paintings and portraits inspired by the events in her life, works suffused with symbolism, drawings, and even photographs – offers a glimpse inside the evocative, yet physically and mentally tormented inner world of Frida Kahlo, and shows us the mythical reality that she experienced and recreated.

VI. Óbuda Blues Festival in Kobuci Garden, 23-27 July

World-renowned musicians and Hungarian masters gather in the garden of Zichy Castle every year to invite the audience to enjoy living blues. This event has now become the most important celebration of the genre in Hungary, thanks to the fact that Eastern European blues isn’t just a traditional genre, but also a vibrant, contemporary artistic power!