Friday, 15 September
Gallery Weekend Budapest
If you are a contemporary art enthusiast, Gallery Weekend Budapest has to go on your bucket list. On 15-16 September, more than ten galleries offer exciting programmes all over the city. In addition to their trademark gallery tours, you can join other free programmes.
More details here.
Jazz Festival in Józsefváros
From September 15th to 17th, jazz merges with the rich cultural atmosphere of Budapest's Józsefváros. The Jazz Festival brings music lovers together in a district that has nurtured numerous Hungarian jazz musicians. Free concerts grace the stage on Rákóczi tér, right in front of the Market Hall.
See the programme here.
Cocktail Week
Cocktail lovers are in luck if they plan to spend their holiday in Budapest between September 13th and 23rd. During this time, Budapest Cocktail Week, featuring discounts, drink specialities, and art-related collaborations, will take place. Budapest Cocktail Week X ART will showcase 11 top-notch bars: Barside Budapest, Black Swan Lab, BESTIA, Bombay Budapest, FÉLIX Kitchen&Bar, Hudson Budapest, La Fabbrica, LEO Bistro&Rooftop Bar, MÚZSA, TOKIO, and Tom George Osteria. These bars will join forces with Hungarian designers who will present their amazing art pieces, including jewellery, clothing, and paintings.
More details here.
Autumn Festival in Újbuda
Whenever there is an Eleven festival in town, Bartók Béla Boulevard turns into a bohemian street jamboree. There will be gallery and studio visits, sports activities, concerts and various workshops between 15-16 September, all age groups are welcome.
More details and programme here (Hungarian-only).
Saturday, 16 September
Celebrating the Chain Bridge – Lánchíd Festival
City dwellers celebrated the reopening of one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks, the Chain Bridge, with a picnic. This celebration will continue on September 16th, when a mini-festival will take over the quays on both sides of the bridge. Expect free concerts, activities for kids, and exhibitions.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Second-hand Clothing Fair
Things will liven and brighten up in the city centre on September 16th, when second-hand and vintage clothes take over a chunk of Madách Square. Downtown bar Telep (as the organiser) welcomes visitors in their autumn sale: you can spend a pleasant - hopefully sunny - Saturday afternoon buying or selling stuff and find hidden treasures.
Facebook event here.
Open-air Cinema – Grease
Budapest Classics Film Marathon presents films you have probably seen a million times, but never in a setting quite like this. On September 16th, you can enjoy 'Grease' on a giant screen, with St Stephen's Basilica as the backdrop. It will be screened in English, but the best bit is that you can reminisce about those summer nights free of charge.
More details and programme here.
The Serial Chillers concert
The Serial Chillers are an international band formed in Budapest, renowned for their catchy songs, charismatic performances, energetic experiences, and positive vibes. Their musical journey spans various genres, from funk to tribal, psychedelic to soul, and lighthearted indie to heavy rock. Thus going to their concert is like embarking a magic carpet with many doors to open and many hallways to explore. The band's upcoming concert will take place at Budapest's iconic concert venue, A38 Ship, where they will be joined by psychedelic/funk/rock band Takeshi’s Cashew (AT).
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 17 September
Pancs Farmers' Market
Fill your tote bag with local goods such as seasonal fruits, veggies, cheese, ham, salami, bread, syrups, jams, juices and wine at this upcoming farmers' market. Ruin pub Élesztőház transforms into a bustling marketplace every Sunday between 9 am and 2 pm, giving space for Hungarian producers. On September 17th, the theme will be 'harvest', which means you can try fresh must (grape juice). You can also stay for lunch, as a special guest is invited to host a community cooking event, and this time the menu will include stew.
More details here.
Makers' Market – September
The Makers' Market Budapest is a monthly fair, where you can get your hands on contemporary, artsy and designer products made by Hungarian designers. While at it, you can also chat with them and learn more about the items, which can also make beautiful presents. Their upcoming event is on September 17th (10 am - 5 pm), and apart from stocking up on super cool designer goodies, you can also join workshops and listen to live acoustic music.
More details here.
Cultural Heritage Days
Discover what lies behind the doors of historical buildings, typically closed to prying eyes. During Cultural Heritage Days, you can peek inside such places as the ELTE University Library, Central European University, the Japanese Garden of Zugló, or the Headquarters of the Hungarian Social Security. Moreover, you can participate in events, workshops and guided tours for free: enjoy an outdoor concert of the Golgota Gospel Choir, try your hand at calligraphy, learn about restoration, savour tea in the Japanese Garden Teahouse Pavilion, or delve into the stories of the Bauhaus villas on Napraforgó utca's Experimental Housing Estate.
See the full programme here.
Roe Deer Spotting
Budapest might be an urban jungle, but it doesn’t take too much effort to make it into the surrounding nature. And it's totally worth it as in the autumn, you can join a super exciting tour. Head to Szentendre or the Budakeszi Wildlife Park and witness the mating season of the roe deer living among the trees. During this season, lucky visitors can even hear the bucks roaring and see them fighting for the hand – or hoof – of their sweetheart. Children under 10 and dogs are not allowed to join the tour.
Sign up here (Hungarian-only).
