5 reasons to go to a small festival instead of a big one

Summer is here and if you want to go to a music festival in Hungary, there’s plenty to choose from. Budapest’s giant festival, Sziget, which takes places over a week on one of the islands in the Danube, has skyrocketed to fame over the past few years–but many people don’t know about the smaller treasure trove of festivals that happen in Hungary.

I tried Sziget for my first music festival and it was…a lot. This year I tried a smaller Budapest festival which has made a name for itself among locals–Kolorádó. (Kolorádó’s made a name for itself abroad, as well, listed by the Guardian as must-see boutique music festival). I loved it. Now that I can compare and contrast between a major and minor music festivals in Hungary, I can give you 5 reasons why you should consider going to a small festival over a big one. Will you agree?
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1: It’s cheaper.
When I first saw ticket prices to Kolorádó, I did a little happy dance. A day ticket to Kolorádó was 10,000 HUF/$35 as opposed to Sziget’s $80. And once you get inside, it’s cheaper as well! I was shocked at the bar to see prices that I might see in a popular bar in Budapest, like 700 HUF/$2.50 for a beer, as opposed to the inflated Sziget prices. All in all, over my day at the festival I bought two drinks and dinner at a food truck, and only spent 4300 HUF/$15.

—Tip— Kolorádó is a cashless festival. Buy your card at the Festipay station and top it up with money via cash or credit card and you’ll be good to go! Return your card before you leave to collect your remaining balance as well as the 500 HUF card deposit.

2: It’s more personal.
Walking into Kolorádó I was greeted with open fields and open people. Instead of a hectic rush of movement in every direction, things were much more chill. And because it’s smaller you run into people over and over as you go between the different venues. In the end, it felt like it was easier to make connections. Even though I went alone, I started chatting with some girls on the shuttle bus up there and ended up making some festival friends.

–Tip–Getting to Kolorádó by public transport is easy! Catch a tram or bus from Széll Kálmán tér to the Hűvösvölgy tram stop. Then, buy a ticket to ride the shuttle bus directly up to Kolorádó! This year a one way ticket cost 800 HUF, and you can buy them only in cash. More info of getting to Kolorádó here.

3: It’s more local
Most of the bands were Hungarian. The international headliners brought in by Sziget are always cool, but this was a way to connect more with the country I was in through its own music. Most of the crowd seemed Hungarian as well. And it was great to meet a few people to connect with later, since we weren’t all tourists from different places who would leave after the weekend was through. There are definitely some awesome creatives I met who have projects I’m so excited to follow.

4: You’ll see the rising stars
Part of the draw of huge festivals are their world-famous headliners (like Mumford & Sons at Sziget last year😍), but smaller festivals have the bands that are up-and-coming, bands that are an authentic part of the country/city you’re visiting. Wouldn’t it be cool to follow an artist as they rise and be able to say “I saw them when they were still playing the small stage at festivals!”?. It’s a great way to get invested in artists that are still fighting to realize their dreams. And you get to be a part of that!

5: It’s more relaxed
Sziget had a whole island full of activities to explore, and eventually the FOMO got strong. Kolorádó still had programming to explore–art classes, yoga, films, workshops–but since they we’re closer together, there was less of a rush. In general, things seemed less hectic. Which means more time to connect with the people around you! Since I went solo, having the space to connect with people (or to just take an incredibly long, restorative nap in a hammock) was especially important.

Kolorádó was exactly what I pictured a music festival to be. If you’re looking for a festival that’s cheaper, more authentic, and easier to navigate, consider looking for the smaller festivals around you. And if you’re in Budapest in June, definitely hop on the bus to Kolorádó!

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