The HUG Festival is organized for the sixth time by the enthusiastic team behind MAG Instruments — the first Hungarian handpan maker. The handpan is a UFO-shaped, steel percussion instrument with a meditative, atmospheric sound.

The gathering will take place July 2–5, 2026, in Pápateszér, located at the foot of the Bakony hills, 50 minutes south of Győr and less than two hours from Budapest.
HUG is a beautiful coming together. As the acronym suggests, its main purpose is one big hug — a circle of connection among handpan lovers, nature, and ourselves.

While the festival focuses on the handpan, its musical world is enriched by world music, drum & bass, reggae, and trance vibrations. This year, scientific talks about AI and artificial intelligence will continue, alongside children’s concerts and family programs. Music workshops will center around the handpan, djembe, and calabash instruments. The organizing team brings both Hungarian and international handpan and world music artists to the two open-air stages: Fire and Water.

Among this year’s international performers are the dynamic, genre-crossing Marcel Hutter Project (AT) and Rhytmaniacs (ARG), bringing organic trance rhythms.
Hungarian artists include the psychedelic world music formation Angorang Live Band and the inward-journey-inspired Julia Chants.

Sustainability is a core value of the Pápateszér festival. The organizers aim to use ecological solutions in creating the venue and community spaces. The event is zero-waste.

Participants are kindly asked to bring their own plates, cups, and cutlery, and to minimize plastic bags and single-use packaging.

‍This year’s motto: Supporting Membership — Become an “Official HUGGER”!
‍To strengthen the friendly, family-like atmosphere not only during the festival but throughout the year, the organizers have launched the Official Hugger Supporting Membership.Instead of purchasing a traditional festival pass, participants join as Supporting Members, which grants access to the four-day HUG Festival.

The membership includes camping.
Children under 14 can attend free of charge.
The organizers reserve the right to make program changes.
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Registration is possible via Google Form and by transferring the appropriate membership fee.