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, 12 January
Harry Potter Days at the SUGAR! shop
To all the Potterheads: between January 12th and 14th, a magical collection is landing at the sweet heaven SUGAR! shop & Confectionary. You can not only savour creative cakes, menus and shakes but also sip on smoking potions. Prepare for eight types of cakes, snake-frog ice cream shakes, butterbeer hot chocolate and two types of set menus coming with Harry Potter gifts.
More details here.
English-friendly Cinema
If you are curious about Hungarian films, head to the downtown art cinema (slash bar and club) Toldi, where the latest movie by Hungarian director Gábor Reisz is being screened. Explanation for Everything (read more about it here) invites you to peek inside the everyday life of a family and explore the complicated inner struggles of the son who is about to complete his GCSE. If you'd go for something lighter, you can always count on BEM Cinema, where old-school films and big classics are revisited from week to week. This Friday, Tim Burton's animation Frankenweenie will roll on the big screen.
Indie party
If Blur and the Oasis speak to your heart, Úri Muri is the place to be on Friday night. The 7th district party spot is set to host an epic indie party, featuring all the best hits from the '80s and '90s. PanelproliTomi, Marci McFly, and Janesz Gassman (BOTB) are spinning the discs.
Saturday, 13 January
English stand-up comedy with Rogier Bak
Are you up for a laugh? Rogier Bak, a stand-up comedian from Amsterdam, is joining the Hot Paprika Comedy team to share ridiculously good stories on Saturday night. All you need to do is head to Mixát Stage in the Palace Quarter, sit back, and enjoy the ride. About Rogier: 'he is Dutch but has worked incredibly hard to make sure you could never tell. Having spent his formative years in the US, he feels like a foreigner in his home country. He may just be the only Dutch person who wishes he were American.' You can expect satirical takes on Dutch and American culture, accents, and observations.
More details and tickets here.
Saturday vibing at the Technocool exhibition
Take a very cool exhibition in the stunning building of the Hungarian National Gallery (showcasing the visual arts of the decade after the fall of communism), then add music to it. There, you have a perfect Saturday evening. Two young DJs, Sacafunk and Noirnite, are putting on tracks from the '90s and seamlessly transitioning to contemporary hits. That means you can view the collection, and then stay for the party right under the dome for an art-meets-music experience.
Get tickets here.
Maluridé concert
Join the captivating show of the local band Maluridé at downtown Akvárium Klub. They are guaranteed to transport you to an alternative world through their balladistic songs, featuring a selection from their first album 'Under The Same Sky' along with some new tracks. Warming the stage will be Oranika Sound, delivering ambient and organic house tunes, featuring a handpan. It's a musical journey you won't want to miss.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 14 January
Farmers' Market at the Szimpla Kert
Being a true gem in the middle of Budapest' Jewish Quarter, 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, the meat of mangalitza and game, freshly picked and dried mushrooms, truffle specialities, spices, and sandwich spreads. Once you are finished with your shopping spree, settle down upstairs for a hearty brunch.
More details here.
Ruth Orkin Photo Exhibition: The Illusion of Time
This weekend is your final chance to see a retrospective of the renowned American photographer Ruth Orkin's work. The exhibition is not only a must-see due to its venue at the stunning Hungarian House of Photography, Mai Manó House, but also because Orkin's portrayal unveils a strange yet magical world that every photography enthusiast should explore.
More details and tickets here.
Children's Turbina
Attention families with children between 0-9 years, cultural centre Turbina is expecting you for a fun afternoon! The theme revolves around kings and queens, meaning the little ones can even handcraft a crown. They can also explore musical instruments, learn folk dances, and navigate through laser obstacles. Chess and face painting are also on the agenda, with the exciting addition of fire jugglers joining the event.
Get tickets here.
More great things to do in January here.
