Friday
10am - 7pm: International Book Festival at the Millenáris Park
This free Budapest festival and intellectual forum celebrates literature every year by gathering book lovers and authors from all around the world to Buda’s Millenáris Park. Bestsellers and recently published editions, round-table discussions, concerts, book signings and other cultural events all feature. The festival runs all weekend.
11am - 8pm: VinCe Budapest Wine Show at the Várkert Bazár
If you’d like to try the finest wines in Hungary and Central Europe, this festival is for you. Between 25-27 April, Budapest’s beautiful Castle Garden Bazaar fills with top tipples for visitors to try. Numerous exhibitors showcase their best wines, while various kinds of pálinka brandies and spirits can also be sampled.
6pm - 11pm: Szerpentin Film Festival at various venues
Szerpentin is currently the only event in Hungary dedicated solely to films with a choreographic focus. The programme showcases both Hungarian and foreign features, screened at the Három Holló, the French Institute and the Trafó House over the weekend.
7pm - 11pm: Beaux Jaxon Quintet live at The Studios
Join Beaux Jaxon of the US and his fabulous quintet for some Friday Night Fish Fry with divine food and a fresh spin on Blues, R&B and Americana. Beaux's band features some of Hungary's best musicians, but before they get on stage enjoy a special guest appearance from North Americans Codiac!
8:30pm - : Inception at the Bem Cinema
Dom Cobb is a thief with the rare ability to enter people's dreams and steal their secrets from their subconscious. His skill has made him a hot commodity in the world of corporate espionage but has also cost him everything he loves. Cobb gets the chance of redemption when he is offered a seemingly impossible task: plant an idea in someone's mind. If he succeeds, it will be the perfect crime, but a dangerous enemy anticipates Cobb's every move. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.
Saturday
9am - : Eco-conscious fair at Élesztőház
An eco-conscious market takes place at Élesztőház on Saturday. Visitors can browse the products required for a lifestyle free of plastic, chemicals and additives. Hungarian manufacturers of green household items, clothing and toys showcase goods to help you reduce your carbon footprint.
8pm - : Sun Ra Arkestra Under the direction of Marshall Allen at Trafó
Sun Ra was one of the greatest yet most obscure jazz artists of the 20th century, known for his experimental style, cosmic philosophy and theatrical performances. As a pianist and band leader, his style ranged from retro swing to avant-garde free jazz, and often in the same piece. Sun Ra passed away in 1993. Since 1995, this group has been performing under the direction of saxophonist Marshall Allen, now in his 60th year of continuous activity with the Arkestra. The group play the Trafó House of Contemporary Arts on 27 April.
11pm - : Post Malone Night at VOLT Lokál
Post Malone is coming to Budapest's Sziget Festival in the summer, so this Saturday, VOLT Lokál is holding a warm-up party, where DJ Gozth will present the American rapper's repertoire.
11:30pm - : LTJ Bukem, London Elektricity, Randall at the Akvárium Klub
On Saturday, three British DJs appear at Budapest’s Akvárium Klub, all representatives of drum and bass. The legendary LTJ Bukem, London Elektricity and Randall play the big hall of the downtown club.
11:30pm - : Rudolf C at Lärm
Invited by party organisers Torso, Australian-born Rudolf Dorr aka Rudolf C comes to Budapest to play Lärm on Saturday. He produces analogue house and unconventional electro tunes and runs the renowned Salt Mines label with Shedbug (Geordie Elliot-Kerr).
Sunday
10:30am - : Blitz Brunch Premier at Konyha
On Sunday, city-centre restaurant Blitz.Konyha is introducing its brunch menu. Diners can look forward to various kinds of egg dishes, desserts, fresh fruit and vegetables. What’s more, you can wash it all down with a delicious Bloody Mary.
3pm - 6:30pm: I Bike Budapest
On Sunday, a huge group takes to the streets on two wheels on a quest to promote cycling in the city. Roads around Hungary’s capital will be cleared of cars for this special event, making the most spectacular sights more accessible by bike. Feel free to join for a more bikeable Budapest.
11:30pm - : Midnight Music at the Várkert Bazár
A regular event at the Várkert Bazaar, Midnight Music is an informal classical concert series held late at night, where spectators can enjoy the melodies while sitting comfortably on beanbags. On 28 April, the Budapest Festival Orchestra, led by conductor Manfred Honeck, play Tchaikovsky.
