Friday, 5 May
Spring Derby & Food Truck Show at Kincsem Park
The 9th Spring Derby and Food Truck Show is coming to the historic Kincsem Park racecourse on 5-7 May. The best representatives of the Hungarian street-food scene will be rolling into the park; you can nibble on poke bowls, Indian, Thai, Mexican, pizza, raclette, fish & chips and many more. Alongside the horse and greyhound races, rugby matches and activities for kids, live bands and street musicians also perform.
More details and tickets here.
Pancake Picnic in Buda
The first weekend of May brings loads of pancakes to Újbuda (Kőrösy József utcai bazár) in the form of a mini gastro festival. Between noon and 8 pm (on Friday) and 10 am - 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, you can try American pancakes and crêpes stuffed with savoury or sweet fillings, layered or deep fried. Unusual flavours and textures are all part of the deal, but also gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options. This event is for the whole family, with clowns and balloons involved.
Trainspotting at the Bem Cinema
Bem Cinema brings us yet another classic on Friday: Trainspotting. Set in the Edinburgh drug scene, this film is not the definition of a cheerful Friday night, but it will leave you deeply moved.
The film starts at 9 pm and will be screened in the original language with Hungarian subtitles. Get tickets online here or on the spot.
Saturday, 6 May
Flower Collective pop-up fair
Berber Budapest will be in full bloom on the first weekend of May. The rug shop will turn into a pop-up flower market, where you can get your hands on gorgeous stems or have a huge bouquet made. Handmade gifts will be on sale too, and you can even sip on a glass of wine while browsing. The market is open between 11 am - 6 pm on Saturday and 11 am - 4 pm on Sunday.
Chinatown Terrace
If you are a fan of Southeast Asian cuisine, a visit to Budapest's Chinatown is a must. They have opened their terrace for the season, offering food and tables al fresco (every day between 5 pm and 11 pm). Laid out is Chinese street food at its best: pancake, dim sum, teppanyaki, oden, Cantonese curry, rice noodle roll, shaved ice, tong sui, and other special treats you can hardly bump into anywhere else in the city. Find more food recommendations here.
Cleansing yin yang flow yoga in a salt cave
Reward your body and soul with cleansing in Sóker Salt Cave. In this special yoga class energising flow meets stretching yin poses, while the sea salt spray helps better breathing. The practice ends with deep relaxation, accompanied by calming sounds.
More details and tickets here.
Henri Gonzo és a Papírsárkányok concert
Henri Gonzo és a Papírsárkányok is a Budapest-based Hungarian band, a fresh voice in the capital's underground music scene. On Saturday, you can listen to them live at Trafó while they will present their first LP at a seated concert. The performance will also feature never-before-heard songs in an eclectic arrangement, with unique visual and lighting techniques, performed by young and charismatic multi-instrumentalists.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 7 May
Pancs Farmers' Market
Get ready to fill your tote back with local goods such as seasonal fruits, veggies, cheese, ham, salami, bread, syrups, jams, juices and wine at Élesztőház's upcoming farmers' market. The courtyard turns into a buzzing marketplace every Sunday (between 9 am - 2 pm) to give space to Hungarian producers. Also, a special guest is invited from the world of gastronomy to host a community cooking, using ingredients supplied by local producers.
WAMP the Hungarian Design Market - Mother's Day
The Hungarian design fair WAMP pops up at Várkert Bazár this May. The occasion is Mother's Day (which, in Hungary, is celebrated on the first Sunday of May), meaning an abundance of pretty gifts. From 10 am to 6 pm, you can get your hands on custom-designed clothes, jewellery, and accessories by Hungarian designers. You can also try gastronomic treats and create something from scratch at one of the creative workshops. The event's goal is also to be a community space with sustainability in mind. So feel free to bring your whole family (including your dog), there is no entry fee.
Secret Mapping
Secret Mapping Experiment does projection mapping on buildings, gigantic masterpieces and machines which are out of use. The concept is mapping as many abandoned and closed-down sites as possible and rethinking the spaces and architectural details. See the spectacular documentation of these unique projects installed in Memento Park, an open-air museum in Budapest dedicated to monumental statues and sculpted plaques from Hungary's Communist period. Doors open at 9:30 pm, and the light painting lasts between 8-11:30 pm.
Get tickets here.
The Raveonettes (DK), Maluridé
The Danish duo Raveonettes will perform for the fifth time on the A38 Ship. This concert will be huge as they are celebrating their 20th birthday. What to expect? Distorted guitar sound mixed with classic rock and roll and some new wave. Rock, art pop, melancholy and dynamism blended in a way no one can do better than the Raveonettes. Before their concert, Maluridé will warm up the stage.
Get tickets here.
