Celebrate Houdini's 100th in Budapest

A major 3-day celebration honoring Houdini will be held October 29-31, 2026, in Houdini's birthplace of Budapest, Hungary. Our good friend David Merlini of The House of Houdini is one of the event organizers. He revealed the details at a press conference yesterday (Houdini's birthday). The following coverage is from Hungary Today:

The “Houdini 100” commemorative series of events has begun, featuring a film festival, a circus production, a statue unveiling, and a quiz show for visitors in 2026.

The Houdini House in Budapest, in collaboration with the Hungarian Hollywood Council, Origo Film Studio, the Budapest Hungarian Circus, and Eötvös 10, is preparing numerous events to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini, said David Merlini, founder of the Houdini Museum in Budapest, at a press conference held Tuesday in Budapest.

He added that they are organizing numerous programs for this commemorative year. Their plans include the unveiling of a statue of Houdini, the installation of a memorial at Origo Film Studio, a production at the Budapest Grand Circus, as well as a film competition targeting young people and a film festival with the help of the Hungarian Hollywood Council.

He emphasized that they hope to create a fitting tribute to Harry Houdini, who was not merely an escape artist but someone who redefined the limits of human capability. He noted that a century has passed since Houdini took his final bow before an audience in 1926.

The “Houdini 100” program series is not only a commemoration of a historical figure, but a commitment to preserving a legacy that belongs to all of us, he emphasized.

Balázs Bokor, president of the Hungarian Hollywood Council, announced that the film festival will be held between October 30–31 under the title “Houdini 100 – Magic.” They are accepting submissions from young people and students up to 25 years of age, who can create their films—up to 15 minutes long and on the theme of magic—using a smartphone or any simpler device.

The festival will open at Eötvös 10 on October 30, with screenings simultaneously taking place at the Budapest Grand Circus. The awards ceremony will be held on October 31 following the grand gala performance on the ring of the Budapest Grand Circus, he added.

Visit the official website Houdini100.org for more details.

Related:

• Hungary issues an official Houdini stamp
• The marvelous Hungarian magician turns 152
• The House of Houdini opens today in Budapest