FIKSZ Applied Arts Festival

The FIKSZ Applied Arts Festival will take place for the second time from September 11–13, 2026, hosted by the historic building of the Petőfi Literary Museum!

This three-day event offers an insight into the diverse world of contemporary Hungarian applied arts, while also giving visitors the opportunity to meet the artists and creators in person.

One of the highlights of the festival is the applied arts market, where nearly one hundred contemporary artists from different parts of Hungary will showcase and sell their work. Visitors can discover porcelain, ceramics, glass art, jewellery, textiles and leather goods, as well as unique creations made from wood and paper. If you enjoy one-of-a-kind handmade objects, contemporary design, or are looking for special gifts that you won’t find in every shop, the market is definitely worth a visit.

The programme is complemented by workshops, craft demonstrations, talks, panel discussions, children’s activities and concerts. This means visitors can not only admire the finished pieces, but also get a glimpse into how they are made, discover the techniques used by the artists, and learn about the ideas and inspiration behind their work.

The central theme of the 2026 festival is “Creation and Reception.” In keeping with this theme, the event focuses not only on the artworks and functional objects themselves, but also on the connections that develop between artists and audiences, workshops and homes, and objects and the people who use them.

One of the recurring topics of this year’s discussions is the role of women in the world of applied arts. The festival explores the different roles women play in the field — as creators, mediators and audiences.

More than one hundred applied artists from different parts of Hungary will present their work at the festival. Visitors can discover a wide range of creative fields, including:

• porcelain and ceramic objects,
• glass art
• contemporary jewellery,
• textile and leather products,
• wood and paper works,
• unique design and functional objects.

Thanks to its diverse selection, the festival can be an interesting experience even for those who do not regularly follow the world of contemporary applied arts. Meeting the artists in person also offers a more personal experience than visiting a traditional exhibition or shopping in a design store.

The festival also has plenty to offer families, with children’s activities and creative programmes included in the schedule. Visitors can also try out different techniques themselves during the workshops. Some workshops may involve a materials fee, but admission to the festival and its programmes is free of charge.

FIKSZ can therefore be a great weekend activity even if you only have a few hours to spare. You can browse the market, discover the artists’ work, attend a talk or take part in one of the creative workshops.

The festival is also a great option for anyone who wants to discover a less conventional side of Budapest’s cultural scene. Taking place inside the historic Petőfi Literary Museum, the venue itself provides a unique setting for the event.

If you are interested in contemporary design, handmade objects, Hungarian artists and creative activities, FIKSZ is definitely worth adding to your Budapest itinerary. And since admission is free, it is easy to combine with other programmes in the city before or after your visit.

Date: September 11–13, 2026
Time: 10:00–18:00
Venue: Petőfi Literary Museum, Budapest
Admission: Free

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