Budapest Spring Festival 2026
Amid Budapest’s early-spring buzz, the Budapest Spring Festival 2026 returns 27 February – 7 March 2026 at the green, hillside Petneházy Aparthotel in Budapest, Hungary. Designed for ambitious club players, titled guests, and norm-seekers, the festival features a nine-round classical Open with professional arbiting, international rating, and a smooth, afternoon-friendly schedule across ten days.
Led by WGM Tünde Csonkics and Rita Atkins, the event keeps logistics simple: one venue, clear timing, and straightforward registration, with all pairings and results submitted for FIDE standard rating. The setting—quiet, spacious, and well-connected to the city—makes it easy to focus on strong chess while enjoying Budapest’s culture between rounds.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 27 February – 7 March 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Petneházy Aparthotel |
| 🏠 Address | Feketefej u. 2-4, 1029 Budapest, Hungary |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss (single Open; rating-banded prize structure may apply) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 min/40 moves + 30 min, with +30″/move from move 1 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Standard (international rating) |
| 👤 Tournament Leadership | Organizer & TD: WGM Tünde Csonkics • Co-organizer: Rita Atkins • Chief Arbiter: IA Csaba Horváth • Deputy Arbiter: IA Attila Kása |
| 🧾 Notes | FIDE ID required; results submitted for international rating; fair-play and device rules apply |
🏆 Prize Fund
(The official prize breakdown is announced by the organizers; if provided, list will appear here.)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
System: Swiss, 9 rounds.
Cadence: 90′/40 + 30′, +30″/move from move 1 (notation required throughout).
Pairings & tie-breaks: Swiss pairing software; standard international tie-break order announced on site.
Fair play: Electronic devices must be fully switched off in the playing area unless expressly permitted by the arbiter.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Open A | Main international field (titled and rating-eligible players) | FIDE Standard |
| Open B | Parallel open for club players (rating-based entry; see on-site/entry info) | FIDE/National (as applicable) |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 27 Feb 2026 | 15:00 | Round 1 |
| Sat, 28 Feb 2026 | 15:00 | Round 2 |
| Sun, 1 Mar 2026 | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| Mon, 2 Mar 2026 | 15:00 | Round 4 |
| Tue, 3 Mar 2026 | 15:00 | Round 5 |
| Wed, 4 Mar 2026 | 15:00 | Round 6 |
| Thu, 5 Mar 2026 | 15:00 | Round 7 |
| Fri, 6 Mar 2026 | 15:00 | Round 8 |
| Sat, 7 Mar 2026 | 10:00 | Round 9 & Closing |
📝 Registration
How to enter: email your full name, federation, FIDE ID, and preferred section (A/B).
Primary email: csonkicstunde1@gmail.com
WhatsApp (organizer contacts): +36 30 211 2499 (Tünde Csonkics), +36 31 318 4320 (Rita Atkins)
Requirements: Valid FIDE ID, passport/ID for on-site verification.
Media & data: By entering, players consent to publication of pairings, results, photos, and rating submission.
👥 Organizer
The festival is organized by WGM Tünde Csonkics together with Rita Atkins, a Budapest-based team experienced in running international opens and norm-friendly events with clear communication and professional arbiting.
Email: csonkicstunde1@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +36 30 211 2499 (Tünde Csonkics) • +36 31 318 4320 (Rita Atkins)
🏨 Venue
Petneházy Aparthotel
Feketefej u. 2–4, 1029 Budapest, Hungary
A quiet, leafy hillside complex in District II with spacious halls suitable for classical chess; easy access to central Budapest by car or public transport; on-site amenities and outdoor areas contribute to a calm tournament environment.
🛎️ Accommodation
Players often book directly at Petneházy Aparthotel or nearby hotels/guesthouses in District II.
Early reservation is recommended due to the festival period; ask the organizer about any partner-rate options.
🚗 How to Get There
Public transport: BKK buses from central Budapest to District II (Petneházy area), then a short walk to Feketefej u. 2–4.
Car: Navigate directly to Petneházy Aparthotel, Feketefej u. 2–4, 1029 Budapest; on-site/nearby parking available.
Air/Rail: From Budapest Airport (BUD) or Keleti/Nyugati stations, connect via metro + bus/taxi to District II.
Sharpen your classical form in a serene, tournament-focused setting—Budapest Spring Festival 2026 offers nine well-timed rounds, professional arbiting, and the charm of Budapest in early spring.