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, 1 September
19th BuSho Film Festival
BuSho is an international short film festival that gives the growing short film community a chance to showcase their work. This year (29 August - 3 September), 64 shorts from 23 countries will be screened at several art cinemas across the city. They are divided into 12 blocks, each around 75 minutes long, with 5 or 6 films. Upon your visit, you can also meet the creators of the selected films and the leaders of film workshops and festivals. All in all, you can be part of a meaningful gathering of the creative communities to get to know each other through their work.
More details here.
Downtown Beer Festival 2023
Downtown Beer Festival is an annual celebration of the county's best brews, offering a decent way to end the summer. If you head to Szabadság tér between 29 August and 3 September, you will be spoiled with a local and international selection, rounding up to more than 250 varieties. Join beer premiers and discussions, and sample street food, too.
Check out the list of brewers here.
Classical Music and Star Gazing
Svábhegy Observatory hosts a pretty special event welcoming the autumn. On September 1st, you can lie on your picnic blanket at the foot of the observatory's dome and nibble on cheese and wine (you need to bring those supplies though) while classical music fills the air. That is how the famous astrologist William Herschel, who discovered Uranus and deeply loved music, will be commemorated. Following the symphonic concert, stay for star gazing through the dome's gigantic telescope. Be sure to bring some extra layers!
Secure your tickets through the Hungarian website!
Carson Coma Concert
Carson Coma is the new craze taking the scene by storm. Hailing from Hungary, this alternative pop-rock band has been captivating concert venues for a while now. They are rebellious, provocative, bohemian, and Gen Z cool. And their upcoming show at Budapest Park will be even cooler as several up-and-coming bands join them. So if you are eager to discover emerging local talents, here is your chance.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 2 September
Yoga & Brunch at Fióka
What else could you wish for on a Saturday morning if a good stretch and a healthy brunch? Well, you are in luck, as that is exactly what is about to happen at the lovely restaurant Fióka at the gate of Buda's beloved park, Városmajor. You will flow from asana to asana, then relax and meditate on the garden's manicured grass, then settle down with a refreshing smoothie bowl and a morning drink.
More details here.
Budapest Central European Fashion Week SS24
Budapest Central European Fashion Week celebrates the fashion industry on a regional scale. It serves as a bridge connecting designers and fashion enthusiasts from Hungary and the neighbouring countries, fostering trade relations and international visibility. This season, immerse yourself in the realm of top-tier and up-and-coming designers at Millenáris (in buildings G and the National Dance Theatre) and witness the unveiling of the Spring-Summer 2024 collections.
Schedule and tickets here.
'Bartók Feszt' Street Festival 2023
Bartók Fest' is a tradition by now: a day when a historical and hipster area of Budapest, Bartók Béla út and its neighbouring streets, are celebrated. Head to Szent Gellért tér and the quay and enjoy concerts, city walks, and activities for the whole family. Performers such as Analog Balaton, Ivan & The Parazol and Noémi Barkóczi will hit the stage.
Budapest Festival Orchestra – Free Concert
Budapest is turning 150 this year, and Budapest Festival Orchestra celebrates the occasion with a free concert on the Heroes' Square. As the conductor Iván Fischer puts it: 'To celebrate Budapest’s 50th birthday in 1923, a major concert was staged and 100 years later, the Budapest Festival Orchestra will continue this tradition with the premiere of the winning submission composed for the occasion. The BFO will also perform Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony'.
The concert is free to attend without registration.
Sunday, 3 September
Farmers' Market - Szimpla Kert
Take Budapest's pioneer ruin pub Szimpla Kert and add several stalls brimming with local produce. That's the Sunday Farmers' Market, every Sunday (9 am - 3 pm), where you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere. Fill your basket with cheese, honey, jam, syrup, fruit and vegetables, mangalitza meat, freshly picked and dried mushrooms, truffle specialities, spices, and sandwich spreads. Once you have concluded your shopping spree, head upstairs for a hearty brunch.
More details here.
Kiskertpiac Plant Fair
Mad Garden Buda is a cool place to be: it's a secret garden offering craft beer, chilled vibes, and a diverse array of plants (come 3 September). Get your hands on houseplants, culinary herbs, succulents, cacti, and hibiscus, along with other sustainable home decor items.
Ladies in Art Exhibiton
Have you ever visited Ruin Brew, the Los Angeles-style brewpub in the party district? Well, we think you should! This hip spot does not only host drag bingo every other Thursday but an art exhibition, too. On September 3rd (2 pm - 6 pm), art enthusiasts can revel in the works of talented female artists. While admiring the pieces, you can sip on bottomless mimosas, stay for brunch, or get a tattoo.
This event is for all ages. More details here.
Contemporary Jewish Cultural and Art Festival
All over Europe, people celebrate European Days of Jewish Culture on the first Saturday of September. On September 2nd, Budapest celebrates, too, with contemporary art in the focus. The location of the events is the shortest street in the 7th district, Csányi utca, where you can explore 12 open-air installations showcasing contemporary Jewish art and culture. From 10 am to 6 pm, approximately 25 various events take place, and if you pop into 5 Csányi Street, you can join more exhibitions and concerts. All events are free.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
