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. Get involved!
Friday, 10 February
See a movie for free at the Budapest Independent Film Festival 2023
Budapest Independent Film Festival 2023 (BIFF) returned to Kino Café Cinema with a rich and diverse programme. On 9 and 10 February, they will be screening 15 films of different genres, aiming to showcase emerging talents and address social issues. Many of this year’s films have premiered or screened in internationally acclaimed film festivals, while others will premiere on BIFF. The event is free, but you need to collect your ticket at Kino Café Cinema beforehand.
All films are in English or with English subtitles. See the programme here.
Taste dark beers at Fehér Nyúl Brewery & Taproom
To the glee of the lovers of porters and stouts, Hungarian brewery Fehér Nyúl dedicates a whole afternoon to dark beers. By visiting its taproom, you can not only see an authentic venue in Kőbánya but try five different types of dark beer from the tap. If you would stay closer to the city centre, try their beers at Petrol Beer & Barbecue.
More details here.
Dress up for the Art is our lifestyle – Carnival Finissage
Carnival season (or farsang as Hungarians call it) has arrived and LAVOR Collective dreamed up a very special party to celebrate it. It is going to be their 5th birthday party and the Finissage of its Art is our Lifestyle exhibition. But the point is that you can dress up as the biggest figures in the history of art, from Frida Khalo to Van Gogh and the Yawning Apprentice. It is worth taking it seriously as the winner will be rewarded with a unique piece of art.
More info here. Find more carnival celebrations here.
Let your hair down at the upcoming BalkanBeats party
The party series BalkanBeats radiates savage energies, colourful and fresh tunes, soulfulness and passion, which makes them impossible to forget or ignore. Their endless diversity arises from Slavic, Oriental, and Jewish traditions and Roma cultures. For this edition, tropical rhythms are guaranteed thanks to DJ Gypsy Box (coming from Mexico) and the Hungarian Szilvási Gipsy Folk Band. But DJ Robert Soko, the founding father of the BalkanBeats, and DJ Suefo will join the party too.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 11 February
Skate at the Csepel Ice Park one last time
Csepel Ice Park is one of the best ice rinks in Budapest, yet a pretty well-kept secret. This means that you can feel like a local when stepping onto the rink here. This weekend is going to be their last one for the season, so make sure to sharpen those skates and see those banging ice corridors yourself.
More info here.
See the 7th Texhibition
If you wish to see something different to the Star Wars or Vaszary exhibition, check out the 7th Texhibition - an exhibition showcasing works by Hungarian textile artists. In addition to the novelties of local designers, the works of Hungarian-Dutch Ilona Lénárd will also be on display at the FUGA Budapest Architecture Centre between 3-26 February.
There is no entry fee.
Join the Grand Budapest Bath Party
The complex of Széchenyi Baths is one of Budapest's most popular thermal baths and one of Europe's best spas. It is worth a visit any time of the year and day, but in February Saturday nights are getting some pizzazz. A party series, called the Grand Budapest Bath Party (or Sparty), kicks off on February 11th to bring electronic dance music and a mind-blowing visual experience while you party in the pools.
Get tickets here.
See The Anahit and the Freedom Candlemaker live at A38
On February 11th, the Hungarian band The Anahit will bring edgy pop songs to the A38 ship, making your hips swing eagerly. Make sure to arrive early as Cypriot musician the Freedom Candlemaker will warm the stage with vibey dream pop tunes.
More info and tickets here.
Sunday, 12 February
Spend your morning at the market
Feels like all our favourite markets had the same idea and planned a pop-up event on the last Sunday before Valentine's Day. This means that we are truly spoiled with fairs to visit: if you are looking to buy plants, head to Kiskertpiac, if you are planning to food shop at a farmers' market, visit Pancs and if you feel like mixing the two, go to Czakó Piacz, where hyacinths and hams will be both on offer.
Visit a design fair
More markets are heading your way! But this time Hungarian designer pieces are in the spotlight, which can make a beautiful present for Valentine's Day. This Sunday, head to the Makers' Market, which also offers workshops and live music, played by a DJ, then by the Hungarian band Platon Karataev.
See the Roman Holiday at the Bem Cinema
On February 12th (5 pm), you can watch a big classic, the Roman Holiday on the big screen at the Bem Cinema. The film, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, will be screened in English with Hungarian subtitles, so you can enjoy it even if you are a non-Hungarian speaker.
Get tickets here or on-site.
Watch the 2023 Super Bowl live at the ETELE Cinema
If you are a fan of the NFL, you already know that the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will face off on February 12th. Well, you can watch the game (and Rihanna's halftime show) on the big screen at the ETELE Cinema, while nibbling on Mexican hot wings or Kentucky fried chicken with coleslaw. You can choose between the Hungarian and the original American broadcast, so you can invite your Hungarian friends along.
Get tickets here (food and drinks are not included).
