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, 24 November
Verzió International Film Festival
Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival is an important meeting place for the documentary film community – both filmmakers and film lovers. Between November 22nd and 29th, you can join screenings, discussions and accompanying events with the participation of invited filmmakers and experts at the Toldi, Művész and Corvin cinemas, the Blinken OSA Archivum and the CEU in Budapest. See 80 documentaries from 40 countries, including award-winning ones. The question this year is: where are we headed?
See the programme here.
Városháza Park Ice Rink
On Deák Ferenc tér, minutes away from the dazzling Christmas Fair on Vörösmarty tér, a brand new ice rink is about to open. That means, on November 24th, you can be among the first to don skates and slide in the atmospheric surroundings right next to Small Boulevard. The rink is open until January 7th: 8 am to 8 pm on Monday-Wednesday and 8 am to 9 pm on Thursday-Sunday. Ticket prices are surprisingly fair: you can enjoy laps for HUF 1,950.
Bohemian Betyárs concert
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Hungarian revelry at Dürer Kert as the Budapest-based formation Bohemian Betyars takes the stage. The dynamic band blends a crazy number of genres into its sound: speed-folk freak-punk, seasoned with Hungarian, Balkanic and Gipsy elements. Originating from humble beginnings of busking across Europe, Bohemian Betyars has evolved into a global musical force, enchanting audiences at festivals in China, Japan, South Korea, and the US. Experience their infectious energy live and let loose as you dance your heart out on November 24th.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 25 November
DORIVISY X SIMON HOLPERT X FABRIKA
If you like handmade jewellery and unique ceramics, don't miss out on the pop-up sale at vintage furniture store Fabrika. On November 25th (10 am - 5 pm), Dóra Visy and Simon Holpert are guest-starring as creators, bringing their beautiful pieces, which you can browse with mulled wine in hand.
More details here.
DISCOVER BORDEAUX – WINE TASTING
Think Bordeaux, but make it Hungarian! On November 25th, you are invited to taste Bordeaux-styled Hungarian wines in the elegant surroundings of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. You can sample more than 150 wines from 60 wineries, all made of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, the French region's three most famous blue grape varieties (see the list of exhibitors here). You can also enjoy pop-up school performances, and participate in a raffle to win valuable prizes.
Get tickets here.
Exhibition: Handle with Care
Here's an exhibition everyone should see, and not only because it's housed in the intriguing building ofLudwig Museum. Also, the theme speaks to everyone: the collection is about the vulnerability of those in need of care. It presents the asymmetrical relationship between carer and cared for, the fragility of life and our ecosystem, and the cracks and gaps in the social care system, but most of all, it calls attention to the need for collective responsibility. The different artistic positions take up different points of view and showcase a diversity of issues. If you visit the exhibition on November 25th, you can even join a jewellery workshop with Romani Design (1 pm -3 pm) and see performances (4 pm - 6:30 pm). More details about these here (Hungarian-only).
Get tickets here.
Saturday Night Fever - English Comedy Night
Pure joy and laughter await at the next Hot Paprika Comedy event. On November 25th, international comedians will take the stage for an English-language stand-up comedy show at the wine bar Le Troquet, and we think you should not miss it. The show is free but donations are welcome.
More details here.
Acoustic pop-punk and American folk night
Ruin Brew is an international brunch spot and bar steps away from Batthyány tér. As a tradition, they host a monthly celebration of acoustic pop-punk and American folk music, which is always a friendly, laidback, and fun event. Next, you can listen to how Hungarians make music on Saturday: local artists from alternative bands gather to play some covers and originals just for you.
More details here.
Sunday, 26 November
CITY PARK ICE RINK
City Park Ice Rink is an iconic spot for some alfresco skating, making it a must-visit place during a wintertime trip to Budapest. You can rent skates on the site, drink hot tea between laps, and get a unique perspective on the Vajdahunyad Castle, which majestically backdrops your figure eights. The ice rink reopened for the season on November 20th, which means you can spend the upcoming weekend sliding and gliding.
More details here.
We Shall Dance – Gala night at the Vígszínház
Vígszínház is one of Hungary's eldest and most beautiful, still functioning theatres. On November 26th, you can visit it for an exclusive event: a sponsors' gala, organised by The Eva Duda Dance Company, one of the best-established independent contemporary dance companies in Hungary. Be part of exciting collaborations, featuring dance, music and theatre, among renowned Hungarian guest performers such as László Dés composer, Ervin Nagy actor, Petra Gubik actress, or Giorgio Fekete, singer of Carson Coma.
Get tickets here.
Sabrina at the BEM Cinema
Sabrina, the one from 1954 starring Audrey Hepburn, will be screened at our favourite repertory cinema on Sunday. Come 5pm, you can sit back and follow in black and white how Sabrina works her charm on the Larrabee brothers. The film will be screened in English with Hungarian subtitles.
Get tickets here or on the spot.
