Friday, 17 November
Celebrate Budapest's 150th birthday
Budapest is turning 150 years old on November 17th, and the city will go big on celebrating the birthday. Besides visiting the Budapest-themed Lumina Park, enjoy light shows around the City Hall, a variety show with dancers, aerialists, and illusionists (18 November, Eötvös10), and join free concerts in the City Hall's courtyard (18 November, Városháza).
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Hip-hop50!
Get ready to groove in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the hip-hop genre! While the exact birthdate might be elusive, the roots of hip-hop can be traced back to the legendary block parties in the Bronx in 1973. It was there that DJ Kool Herc pioneered the genre by spinning extended funk breaks from colossal sound systems. On November 16th, you can pay homage to this cultural phenomenon that has shaped generations. Experience Hiphop@50 at the House of Music Hungary, where prominent Hungarian musicians and MCs are hitting the stage with a bursting energy.
Get tickets here.
Christmas Markets
Voted Europe's best Christmas market three times, the Advent festivities filling the square before St Stephen's Basilica will be back in full swing from November 17th, stretching into the new year ( January 1st). The Christmas fair on Budapest's focal Vörösmarty tér, probably the most renowned of all, also opens its stalls on November 17th: you can enjoy the festive spirit, a massive Christmas tree, mulled wine, chimney cake, and a free train ride (if you are a child) until December 31st.
Saturday, 18 November
Makers' Market
Makers' Market 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, too. Their upcoming event is at a special venue in celebration of Budapest's birthday; the City Hall. And apart from stocking up on super cool designer goodies, you can also join workshops and listen to live acoustic music.
More details here.
MOST – Brunch & Design Fair
Another design fair, but this time paired with brunch: on November 18-19th fashion, flavour, and fun will blend at downtown basement bistroMost! Whether you're revamping your wardrobe, searching for unique souvenirs, or starting your Christmas shopping spree, this designer fair is the place to be. At the weekend, you can stock up on local designer products, such as ceramics, clothes, jewellery, and even stationary – the list of vendors is so extensive, we won't even try to name everyone (check it out here). And then stay for a hearty brunch: Budapest Bagel is bringing its mouthwatering bagels, while coffee and other breakfast dishes will be provided by the restaurant.
See the list of vendors here.
Beer tasting: LIQUID Cocaine Day at MADHOUSE
Hip downtown craft beer bar Madhouse is dedicating a full day to a crowd-favourite beer. Brewed and born first in 2016, it's already the 7th birthday of this vicious release of a DIPA, marking November 18th as the unofficial official Liquid Cocaine Day. Stop by for a drink or two, then wash them down with some tasty bites.
More details here.
SUNDAY, 19 November
Farmers' Market at Szimpla Kert
Being a true gem in the middle of the party district, 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, Mangalitza meat, freshly picked and dried mushrooms, and sandwich spreads. Once you are finished with your shopping spree, settle down upstairs for a hearty brunch.
More details here.
Hungarian Cinema: Explanation for Everything
If you are into Hungarian cinema, don't miss out on the new film by Hungarian writer-director Gábor Reisz. ' Explanation for Everything' premiered on October 5th, and already pocketed a prominent award at the Venice Film Festival. It's about a high school student struggling to focus on his final exams and being in love. You can catch screenings with English subtitles at Művész Cinema or Toldi.
Get tickets hereor on the spot.
The Haunted Youth (BE), del.grady at A38
Head to Budapest's iconic floating club A38 Ship to end the weekend in style. Its stage welcomes The Haunted Youth, the band of 29-year-old Joachim Liebens, which has become a Belgian indie sensation in no time. The songs, often about the struggle of life but coated in gloriously dreamy guitars and synths, are therapy to Liebens, and strike a chord with indie lovers all over Europe and even the US. Every single is a hit and the debut album Dawn Of The Freak is enthusiastically received by the critics and adored by the fans.
Get tickets here.
