Shows, concerts and cultural attractions – Budapest is always buzzing. Each week, we gather all of the important happenings taking place in our favourite city so you can plan ahead. See what you can get up to!
Friday, 12 May
Floralia Spring Festivities and Roman food tasting
Travel back to Roman times at the Archaeological Park of the Aquincum Museum. During the Floralia Spring Festivities, the ruins will come to life with programmes recalling Roman traditions. Expect guided tours, herbal-themed walks, an antique fashion show, experimental archaeology, music and dance, theatre performances and gastronomic treats. The event lasts the whole weekend but comes with a dedicated English programme on Friday. Children are more than welcome.
More details here.
Bartók Béla Bál - Street music festival
Bartók Béla Boulevard is a vibrant street on the Buda side. It is the opposite of touristy, which is why we say check out its upcoming street music festival (between May 11-13) and experience what it is to feel like a local. You can join free concerts and parties: Vedat Akdağ, Ivan Akusztik and the Pandóra Projekt are taking the stage. But you can also exchange plants or participate in a gardening workshop.
Budapest100 - Peek into 150-year-old buildings
Budapest100 is the most exciting architectural-cultural festival. Between May 11 and 14, it opens doors (quite literally) to historical buildings, giving you a sneak peek into 50 houses. You can join guided walks and occasionally listen to live music while learning about curious stories of the sites. On the occasion of the capital's 150th birthday, the focus is on 150-year-old buildings this year. Most of them are residential blocks, but there are also institutions among them: for example, the Szimpla Kert, the Rumbach Synagogue, the National Public Service University and the Batthyány mausoleum in the Fiumei út cemetery. The events are free of charge, but you need to sign up.
More details and registration here.
Reopening of Paloma Artspace
Within the walls of a former 19th-century mansion on Kossuth Lajos utca, you can visit young Hungarian designers to chat and browse handmade goods. Nearly 50 artists have small showrooms at Paloma Artspace, reopening on May 12th after a revamp. This afternoon, you can peek into the everyday life of the designers, meaning jewellery makers, textile designers, ceramicists, leather decorators, musical instrument makers, a retro ceramics shop and a community sewing shop.
More details here.
Be Massive party at the Budapest Marriott Hotel
The Be Massive party series has been present in Budapest for 20 years, and will be back on May 12th at one of its signature venues, the Panorama Hall of Budapest Marriott Hotel. Metha and Be Massive DJs will provide music, and the view of the Danube and the Buda Castle will put the cherry on top.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 13 May
Catch the Vibe - Outdoor Yoga Class
Let the sunshine in at this upcoming outdoor yoga class. You can sign up for an energising flow (starting at 4 pm.), surrounded by the stunning and green Széllkapu Park. Roll out your mattress on the grass next to Zsiráf, just close enough to hear the vibey music played by DJ Ordiman. After the class, stay for a G&T.
More details here.
Spring Art Fair at B32
B32 Gallery is hosting a spring design fair on May 13th. Between 11 am and 7 pm, you can browse handmade goods of more than 40 designers. They will also be present, so you can have a chat and see how the jewellery, artwork, and bags are made. Admission is free of charge.
Gamer Symphony - Game Music Show
Budafok Dohnányi Orchestra’s spectacular Game Music Show will feature music from the most popular and iconic video games, seasoned with dance and fascinating visuals. It is equally for gamers and audiences open to exciting symphonic music. You can be among the first ones to experience this special show in Budapest.
More details here.
Pure Lust: Christian Löffler (DE)
Christian Löffler states that he tries to combine melancholy with euphoria. „All my music is connected by a gloomy spirit, which is minted by a warm sincerity.” He started to play music at the age of 14, living in a secluded region, he had to teach himself the essentials of making electronic music. He is also working as a visual artist and follows the same approach when making music as when painting or taking photos. You can experience his storytelling skills through music on May 13th at Akvárium Klub.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 14 May
Budapest Photo Festival 2023
This is the last weekend you can join this year's Budapest Photo Festival. The annual event presents a contemporary overview of Hungary and beyond. Exhibitions pop up across museums, galleries, and cultural institutions - and the majority of them can be visited free of charge (except for the Kunsthalle, the Kiscell Museum and the Military History Museum).
More details here.
18th Budapest International Comics Festival
The Budapest International Comics Festival is marking its 18th birthday, and we can celebrate this with a five-day event. Between May 10 and 14, join exhibitions, workshops, discussions, and an English performance. See the comic book library set up at Gólya Presszó. Buy comics. And make sure not to miss one of the highlights on the 14th, when award-winning comic creators improvise together with Balázs Zságer. Also on Sunday, Joonas Sildre, the Estonian comics artist who created the graphic biography of Arvo Pärt, will discuss Pärt’s heritage with Hungarian post-metal musician Iamyank.
More details here.
May Craft Fair
On May 14th, fashion, design and art will meet at a new location, Ellátó, at the May Craft Fair. Get your hands on unique houseware, jewellery, bags, clothes, natural cosmetics, toys and all kinds of unique handmade products made in the spirit of recycling. You can take part in workshops too.
