Friday
10am - 6pm: Geishas By the Danube at Várkert Bazaar (Palace of Guards) For the first time in Budapest, the joint exhibit of the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts and the Kovács Gábor Arts Foundation presents the history of Japonism in Hungary with turn-of-the-century fine art alongside original Chinese and Japanese artifacts. From the mid-1800s onwards, Japanese art, fashion, and aesthetics had such a high influence on Western Europe that demand for Japanese porcelains, silk, bronze, lacquers, fans, and all pieces of art was ever-growing, and Japanese motifs adorned the era’s decorative ceramics. This phenomena – collectively called Japonism – is an exciting episode of intercultural influence. 10am - 8pm: “Specters and Experiments” at Ludwig Museum of Contemporary ArtsPutting a surreal focus on the recent past, this exhibition provides an overview of Magyar painter Attila Szűcs’s oeuvre. The “ghosts” of the past, that is, the phantoms of history and the reminiscences of art history, have always played a determining role in Szűcs’s art; in a number of his works he features well-known historical figures like Nikola Tesla, Miklós Horthy, Buster Keaton, Adolf Hitler, and János Kádár, at the same time seeking to reinterpret these personalities with the tools of painting as seen through a contemporary blind spot. 12pm - 8pm: Vintage Christmas Market at LoveBug VintageVisitors to this event can browse wonderful vintage treasures, such as fake fur, coats, dresses, jumpers, boots, turbans, antique jewelry, and all kinds of winter wear with fine glasses of champagne amid trendy music. The fashionable feather headwear and earrings of The Flying Heads, the unique leather boots and shoes of FlyWalking, the beautiful bracelets and charms of Huruhuru, as well as the unique Budapest-themed tote bags of B2 Collection will all be featured at this two-day-long Vintage and Designer Christmas Fair. 7:30pm - :
Kodály 134 at Liszt Ferenc Academy of MusicIt is now a tradition that the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music pays tribute to the memory of one of the most prominent Hungarian composers and public figures of the past century, the creator of the Kodály Method, Zoltán Kodály, on the day of his birth. At this high-spirited celebration the various major choral works, Serenade, and several folk songs of the Magyar maestro will fill the elegant concert hall of the Academy.
11pm - 6am: Supernova w/ Enrico Sangiuliano at A38Supernova Techno’s next special guest is Italian producer, performer, and sound designer, Enrico Sangiuliano, whose beatport techno tracks oftentimes play at prominent clubs and festivals at full blast. From 11pm on Friday night, the music master coaxes the crowd onto the dance floor at A38, and mixes techno tunes till dawn.
Saturday
7:30am - 5pm: Decathlon FittAréna at SYMA Event and Congress CenterCentral Europe’s largest fitness event – which rightly bears the title of “the fittest day of the year” since 2006 – is held for the 11th time in 2016. On December 17th, the SYMA Event and Congress Center welcomes all fitness fans with a wide range of exercises, such as gymstick, kangoo, yoga, and hot iron at Decathlon FittArena. 11am - 8pm:
Creative Christmas Arts Fair at Museum of Applied ArtsHungarian jewelry makers, ceramists, and artists present their new collections and fresh ideas at this two-day event. Fashion, design, and art enthusiasts can find new favorites and ideal Christmas gifts at the stands of acclaimed Hungarian artists. In addition to easing Christmas shopping, this weekend also provides opportunities to meet designers in person, who can present fashion items from a brand-new perspective.
6pm - 10:30 pm:
Batman and Batman Returns at Bem CinemaOn Saturday afternoon, Bem Cinema’s guests can watch both Batman at 6pm, and Batman Returns at 8:30pm with just one ticket. In the iconic 1989 release, Bruce Wayne begins his war on crime in Gotham City against his major enemy, the maniacal Joker. In Batman Returns, a corrupt businessman and the grotesque Penguin plot to take control over Gotham City, and only the Dark Knight can stop them – but the Catwoman also has her own agenda.
7:30pm - :
Marissa Nadler at A38Boston-based singer and songwriter Marissa Nadler’s melancholic mezzo-soprano voice was described by Pitchfork – an American online music magazine as – “one you would follow straight into Hades”, and also “textured and angelic, with just a hint of pain captured within her iridescent falsetto”. On Saturday evening, her gothic folk songs that are soothing and haunting at the same time fill A38 Ship.
11pm - 6am: LÄRM, LavaLava: Youandewan at LÄRM
The Berlin-based British house DJ and producer, Youandewan aka Ewan Smith, has been forging his own brand of deep house over the past ten years, and released his first ten track solo album titled “There Is No Right Time” – that shows a distinct development in his musical career – in October. On Saturday he comes to Budapest to throw an unforgettable party, filling the city’s most beloved Berlin-style club, LÄRM, with his shy but seductive songs.
Sunday
10am - 6pm: Vegan Sunday Market at Impostor
From now on, Impostor is planning to host a small vegan market each month, and they warmly welcome everyone to their first event held on Sunday. Pamper your taste buds with wonderful vegan produce purchased at this market, such as grillable vegan ingredients, Eastern treats, coffee specialties, cakes, sandwiches, chili sauces, as well as nutty bites, burgers, syrups, and raw cookies, and meet new people at this cool community center. The event is child- and dog-friendly.
10am - 6pm:
WAMP Christmas Fair at MillenárisThe now ten-year-old WAMP Design Center always holds several Christmas fairs in the holiday season; this year, on Sunday, they await everyone looking for special and unique presents with more than 200 Magyar designers at Millenáris Hall B. Limited-edition clothing collections, unique jewelry, high-quality accessories, décor items, children’s products, and special gastro brands await visitors all afternoon. The entry fee is a 500-forint ticket that can be used toward a purchase at the design fair’s stands.
4pm - 5pm:
Recirquel Contemporary Circus Company: Tricks at Palace of ArtsRecirquel Contemporary Circus Company is an ensemble of 11 talented performers who aim to introduce a new genre of circus to the public. Since their formation, they have put together four different shows: Night Circus, The Naked Clown, Paris de Nuit, and Non Solus, which all became sold-out performances to The Palace of Arts in Budapest. Tricks is an exclusive compilation of the best scenes of the four shows that even enables the audience to take a glimpse behind the scenes after the performance, and perhaps even try a few of the less-challenging maneuvers.
8pm - :
Howrodks: Grace at Mu TheaterHungarian contemporary choreographer
Adrienn Hód is internationally renowned for her dance pieces that often appear at festivals and theaters abroad. She believes that there are certain human feelings and sensations that are “forbidden” to be shown in real life; however, on the altar of art even these emotions can be investigated. In her daring dance piece, “Grace”, four dancers transcend boundaries and examine the questions of nudity. The performance is in English, with Hungarian subtitles.
9pm - 12am:
Szimpla Jam at Szimpla KertOn Sunday night, a group of music enthusiasts gathers at Budapest’s beloved Szimpla Kert, mingling myriad genres while improvising music together. Professional amplifiers are provided, so all you have to do is bring your instrument and a good mood, and join the late-night jam session showing off your self-written songs, and vamp on tunes with other guitar heroes.
