UEFA Champions Festival brings four days of football and entertainment to Budapest
Monday, May 25, 2026
Article summary
Ultimate Legends Champions Tournament, free activities and live entertainment headline the Champions Festival at Heroes’ Square in the build-up to the final.
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The UEFA Champions Festival will transform Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere) into a vibrant football hub from Thursday 28 May to Sunday 31 May, offering fans and visitors a free, open-to-all celebration of European football ahead of the UEFA Champions League final at Puskás Aréna.
The festival will have an exciting programme of football activities, live entertainment and family-friendly attractions in one of the city’s most iconic locations. It will officially open on Thursday at 10:30 CEST with a special opening ceremony featuring the arrival of the UEFA Champions League trophy to the festival by 2007 winner Cafu, and the mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony.
Festival hours
Thursday 28 May: 10:00 – 22:00 CEST
Friday 29 May: 10:00 – 22:00 CEST
Saturday 30 May: 10:00 – 22:00 CEST
Sunday 31 May: 10:00 – 18:00 CEST
Fans, families and visitors can immerse themselves in the UEFA Champions League atmosphere through interactive football games, UEFA partner activations, roaming performers, and entertainment, plus appearances from football legends. There will also be the opportunity to take photos with the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy, with its giant replica located on-water and surrounded by an open ‘cat-walk’ allowing fans unique experience and content opportunities in the heart of Budapest.
The festival’s inclusive and diverse entertainment programme includes local Hungarian headliner Vasovski Symphonic Live on Thursday evening, and international hitmaker and producer SIGALA headlining the Friday Night Show on the main stage in front of the Szepmuveszeti Muzeum at 21:00 CEST.
Supporters will also be able to watch the match live between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal at the festival on Saturday night as the road to the final reaches its climax.
A wide variety of food and beverage outlets, including Hungarian specialities, will be available throughout the festival site, while official UEFA Champions League merchandise stores will offer exclusive apparel, match balls and more.
Legends take centre stage in Budapest
The Ultimate Champions Legends Tournament returns for its second indoor edition, already sold out, on Friday 29 May, featuring some of the biggest names in UEFA Champions League history back on the pitch.
Hosted at Papp László Budapest Sportaréna, the indoor tournament captained by legends Luís Figo – defending his title from last year’s win – Cafu, Ivan Rakitić and Hungarian legend Roland Juhász, will feature star-studded teams including Xavi Hernández, David Silva, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Roberto Carlos, Robert Pirès, Marco Materazzi, Eric Abidal, Hungarian legends and many more.
Returning to the pitch this year to support the legends is Brazilian content creator Luva, while futsal icons Ricardinho and Falcao will make their first Ultimate Champions Legends Tournament appearances, adding even more star power to what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football and fan entertainment.
The Ultimate Champions Legends Tournament will be livestreamed on UEFA.tv, UEFA.com and UEFA’s YouTube and TikTok channels.
The countdown to the final begins
Visitors are encouraged to download the UEFA Champions League app and visit the event guide, to see the full festival programme, site maps, public transportation options, daily live updates and more.
Note to media
Media wishing to attend the festival can request accreditation here. Please note that this accreditation is not valid for the Ultimate Champions Legends Tournament.
Accreditation for the Ultimate Champions Legends Tournament can be requested here. The tournament media application deadline is Monday 25 May 23:59 CEST.