The weekend starts here – gigs, films, festivals & more

Friday, 17 June

Főzdefeszt
After a break of six years, it's time to raise a glass at Főzdefeszt, a showcase for breweries, their beers and their brands, produced and developed at lightning speed in the meantime. Featuring 50 Hungarian breweries and 20 gastronomic outlets best suited to beer, organisers are looking forward to welcoming returning Főzdefeszt guests and greeting new ones in City Park. More details

Óbuda ZeneZug Festival
Around the house in historic Óbuda where the great Hungarian novelist Gyula Krúdy used to live, the local society is staging their annual ZeneZug Festival. Music by Bartók, contemporary jazz, sounds of the 1700s, a classical music stand-up and a diverse closing concert by Ági Szalóki all feature. The Budapest String Chamber Orchestra also take the stage, before a themed walk through the halls of the Óbuda Social Circle. More details

SPORT NIGHT 2022
On the night of 17 June, Heroes’ Square and City Park will be full of movement as thousands indulge in their favourite pastimes or try out new forms of exercise for SPORT NIGHT 2022. Whether it’s lively zumba or a serious ride on one of the 100 spinning bikes on Heroes’ Square, a hike to the roof of the new Museum of Ethnography building or some SUP in the surroundings of City Lake Park, you’re sure to have a special adventure. If all this weren't enough, the organisers have also laid on least 17 different forms of movement (Latin dance, badminton, exercises, yoga, martial arts, Teqball) that can be practised free of charge from 9am to 4pm while enjoying the festival atmosphere. More details (x)

Tilos Marathon: Eclectic Nap
On 17 June, within the framework of the Tilos Marathon festival raising funds for Budapest's main independent radio station, Eclectic Day runs until dawn. Various DJs and bands play the main areas of the Dürer Kert, including Fran Palermo, Abigél, Parano! D and In: Forma from Hangkelt. More details

8 Years of BETWIXT
BETWIXT is an electronic-music community based in Pécs, southern Hungary, comprised of DJs, producers and related artists who strive to source the finest tracks from all the world's musical styles in the spirit of phenomenal eclecticism. This year they are celebrating their eighth birthday by holding a party at Toldi with a full crew, two guest performers and a new compilation album. invitees are OIEE and WaTa, the BETWIXT members BRSK, Trueflashh, illben, BØC, micha, Nash K and Slamjeez. More details

Saturday, 18 June

BOKODIL Zine Festival
On 18 June, denizens of the Hungarian underground will meet on the first floor of seminal ruin bar Szimpla Kert to browse zines, slam poetry and play music as part of the first BOKODIL Zine Festival. Hungarian speakers can enjoy a roundtable discussion about the future of slam poetry, followed by a competition, then take part in a zine workshop. Late in the afternoon, DJ Audiolife’s set will ignite the party, with more music to follow. More details

5 Years of Garden Wonder
Celebrating its fifth birthday, Garden Wonder is holding a special party on Saturday, 18 June at a secret location. Emerging, talented indie musicians will perform in a backyard setting around a campfire: Filiah, Abbe Lewis, Wave of Sound and Adam Harpaz all feature, four artists from different countries, the US, Australia, Hungary and Austria. However, the event is at least as much about the community as it is about the performers, so the goal is to maintain a familial atmosphere where you can mingle with like-minded people over a drink or two. It’s an English-speaking concert whose intimate and chill vibes can be enjoyed by the banks of the Danube, with a BBQ sizzling away as the music plays. The number of tickets for the event is limited and the exact co-ordinates will only be sent after registration. Tickets here. More details

The Black Lips
Hooray! Real garage rock from Atlanta, with a whole bunch of spontaneity – stage invasions, flaming guitars, fireworks – thrown in for good measure. More than 20 years into this kind of racket, the Black Lips may not have mellowed but they should at least keep their clothes on. Musically, they go bang, their most recent offering, Sing in a World That's Falling Apart, gaining considerable acclaim. They also must be the only garage rock band to have played both Iraq and for Super Bowl night in America. Support is provided by those screaming emos from Macedonia, YÖU and 7AM from Slovenia. Not to be missed. More details

MazsiMÓ GipsyMÓ
One of the most exciting bands in the Hungarian world music scene was formed in 2021, the supergroup MazsiMÓ GipsyMÓ, playing the kind of Catalan rumba first made famous by the Gipsy Kings. Headed by Mihály Mazsi Rostás, leader of the internationally acclaimed Romengo band, MazsiMÓ GipsyMÓ also throw old Hungarian songs into the mix. Their show on Saturday closes the season at the Fonó Club. More details

Sunday, 19 June

Eco Zsibongó
At Eco Zsibongó, everything is about health and environmental awareness. More than 30 exhibitors arrive with their quality products, and even meat lovers and vegans alike can find delicious snacks. Experts will be on hand to discuss sustainability and nutrition, while the little ones can enjoy a balloon concert, fire jumping, dancing and a mini-festival. More details   

National Beatles Meeting 2022: Paul McCartney 80
With Macca reaching 80 on Saturday, Hungary's Beatles' fraternity mark the occasion with the year's largest get-together for fans of the band. Eurovision candidate András Petruska performs alongside a host of other musicians, interpreting all your favourite songs on the Kobuci Kert stage. Rare Höfner guitars will be on display, and sharp Hungarian-speaking Beatlemaniacs can win a grand prize in the Beatles quiz. More details

Mulholland Drive
A flat-out Lynch classic, exploring the dark side of Hollywood through a tenderly developing relationship between an aspiring actress and a beautiful femme fatale who has left her memory behind in a car crash. A trendy, pompous young film director provides one of several sub-plots. All is painted onto a canvas of timeless retro and effortless pop cool. Screened in English with Hungarian subtitles, at 8.45pm at the Művész. More details