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.
Friday, 30 June
Pop-up beach by the Danube
Having long walks, lángos, and chilled spritzers on the Római-part (Római embankment) is a summer bucket list item. But from 30 July, things are getting even more bucket-listy as a picturesque section of the area turns into an open-air beach for the season. Until the national holiday of 20 August, you can bathe in the Danube every day within a section of the river delineated by buoys. What's more, the beach is free to use, with toilets, showers, a diaper-changing facility, sunbeds and lifeguards on site.
The beach is on 15-17 Kossuth Lajos üdülőpart. The nearest transport stop is Szent János utca on the 34 bus route, three stops from Rómaifürdő HÉV station, a 15-minute walk away.
Africa Festival Budapest
If you are up for learning about African culture while having a feast, head to downtown Botellón Terasz. They are hosting an African festival between 18 June and 1 July, where you can try authentic dishes, sip on ice cold drinks, dance to vibrant music, see live performances, and shop traditional clothes and jewellery.
More details here.
Kolorádó Festival
If you suddenly can't reach your friends on the phone, they are probably at Kolorádó. And this is your sign to join them. This intimate and family-friendly festival in the Buda Hills is famous for not having a phone signal or 4G. But it does have hippy vibes, five venues, and many underground acts, including some foreign ones. The festival kicked off on Wednesday, but Friday and Saturday are filled with reasons to rave, too: Mary Lake, Fantastic Man, and Claudio PRC take the stage alongside local artists.
More details here.
Wes Anderson: Asteroid City
Discover an art cinema while immersing yourself in Wes Anderson's brilliant pastel-coloured world. Asteroid City offers pleasing aesthetics and a parade of celebrities: Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Adrien Brody, Sophia Lillis, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton are all in the cast. You can watch the film in English (with Hungarian subtitles) at several art cinemas around town: Művész, Corvin, Puskin, Toldi, Tabán, and Kino).
Get tickets on the spot or on the Hungarian website.
Saturday, 1 July
A visit to Robert Capa Photography Center
Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Centre is a hip place to visit in itself. And now, it is hosting an exhibition with a unique concept: portraying the residents of Petőfi Streets in different parts of the country. And as in Hungary, most streets are named after Petőfi, expect an extensive and remarkable collection: the Pictorial Collective documentary photography collective has photographed 266,000 people over the past year and a half. So if you are curious about contemporary Hungarian society, this exhibition will provide intriguing insight.
More details here.
Fény utca Market Birthday Party
Fény utca Market (Fény utcai piac), the most popular market on the Buda side, is turning 25, which calls for celebration. If you visit the market between 30 June and 1 July (hop on tram 4 or 6), you will be treated to live music, welcome champagne, and Japanese bolognese.
More details here.
G&T at the Liz and Chain Sky Lounge
If you don't mind matching your drink with stunning views, head to Liz and Chain Sky Lounge on top of the Budapest Marriott Hotel. The summer cocktail offer has just got wider as Malfy Gin entered the scene, showering you with options of G&Ts and other gin-based specialities. But take your time selecting; the vibe is chilled, the drinks are cool, and you can even nibble on Italian treats such as Zucchini crisps, Lobster bruschetta, Parma ham with melon, or a pizza.
Book a table here.
Stop Thinking Party at PONTOON
On July 1st, the floating bar PONTOON is hosting a sunset party, which will turn into a moonlit disco. Four DJs play electronic beats, so you can expect some raving alongside a stunning view to match the mood. Even if you don't feel like partying, you can chill by the Danube with a beer in hand.
Sunday, 2 July
Farmer's market at Szimpla Kert
Being a true gem in the middle of Budapest' Jewish Quarter, Szimpla Kert's farmers' market has been ruling the roost for 10 years now. Every Sunday (9 am - 3 pm), the city's iconic ruin pub is transformed into an open-air market to give space to 30-40 Hungarian producers and their goods. Fill your basket with cheese, honey, jam, syrup, fruit and vegetables and meat of mangalitza and game, freshly picked and dried mushrooms, truffle specialities, spices, and sandwich spreads. Once you are finished with your shopping spree, settle down upstairs for a hearty brunch.
More details here.
Clothes Swap by the Danube
A chunk of downtown Pest embankment is car-free on summer weekends, with events popping up on the road between Margaret Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge. Such as this upcoming open-air clothes swap on Jane Haining rakpart (4 pm - 6 pm), where you can donate your long-untouched clothes and get new garments! The rules are simple: bring anything you don't wear anymore (make sure it is in good condition), and start hunting for new treasures. There is no entry fee.
More details here.
Full Moon Flow – Yoga on top of the Tunnel
The Buda Castle Tunnel has been connecting the Chain Bridge with Buda's residential area since 1857. And it also offers a gorgeous view of the city, which you can enjoy in different yoga poses on July 2nd. This 60-minute full moon flow will give you a good stretch and release the tension from your body, which is really all we need on a Sunday evening.
Details here.
Folk concert in the City Park
The folk dance band Erdőfű brings traditional East-European folk music to the open-air stage of the House of Music Hungary (in the City Park). You can experience what it is like to go to a Hungarian folk dance festival, where cheerful music, dance, and a cultural heritage create a sense of community and belonging.
