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, 19 January
La Fondue Date at the 360 Bar
Get ready for a super cheesy night above the city at the 360 Bar! If the heated igloos wouldn't scream Alpine atmosphere loud enough, add some fondue to it! The special weekend menu includes Crispy Bacon Fondue, Spicy Jalapeno Fondue, and Classic Swiss Fondue, served with extra bites such as serrano ham, chorizo, and pickled vegetables. Make it a romantic night or a family supper, cool vibes and picturesque views await.
Book a table here.
Kamalect – Party underground
The cellar system in Budapest's industrial and residential area Kőbánya (10th district) is an intriguing location – being a millennia-old stone mine –, though it can only be visited on special occasions. January 19th will be one of those, as a rave is set to revitalise these unbounded catacombs. Join the party, and enjoy numerous installations and performances on two stages.
Get tickets here.
Exclusive Pop-up Dinner at The National Institution for Blind People
Konyhakör is a group of talented gastro enthusiasts organising public dinners at the most unexpected places. Next up, they are laying the tables in the stunning Art Nouveau building of the National Institution for Blind People, near the City Park. And it's not only the location that will make your jaw drop. The 8-course menu, the creation of five chefs from the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Uliassi, is also set to amaze, from the cuttlefish tagliatelle amuse-bouche to the Pigeon with Parma Ham Fat and Sicilian Cannolo.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Update: The event is sold out, but you can join the waiting list here.
Totem Tribe: Alizarina (FR), Vedat Akdag, Baladi
If you are up for a surreal musical journey, pop to the downtown club (and cinema) Toldi on Friday night. The French Alizarina will spice up the scene with a mix of techno, klezmer, gipsy, and Balkan beats. Then the rhythms of Vedat and Balint Boldizsar bring an ancient chant, casting a hypnotic spell on you.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 20 January
Szimpla Craft Fair
On January 20th (12 pm - 5:30 pm), local designers' beauty products, home furnishings, gifts, delicacies and many other goodies will fill the courtyard of Szimpla Kert. The 'Kraft' Craft Fair is a perfect opportunity to see Budapest's most famous ruin bar from a different perspective while getting your hands on unique souvenirs.
More details here.
Canada Tap takeover at Hopaholic
Canada Day is officially observed on July 1st, but Fake Canada Day can be whenever. At the local craft beer bar Hopaholic, it happens to fall on several days between January 10th and 21st – meaning you can sample new wave brews from The Great White North for more than a week. See what's on tap, or trust the bartender and ask for a flight. Pizza and burgers are available too.
Book a table here.
Night of Ice Rinks
If you are big on ice skating, you'll love the Night of Ice Rinks. On January 20th, you can slide and glide through several rinks, all open longer into the night. Watch out as extra activities are also about to pop up. In Budapest, you can perform pirouettes at City Park Ice Rink, Budapest Park, or Jégkert (all listed among the best ice rinks in the city). A little further away from the city centre, Csepel Ice Park awaits with an awesome ice corridor. The ice rink on Szent László tér and ice hockey centre Tüskesátor also join the fun.
More details here (Hungarian only).
Sunday, 21 January
Françoise Gilot: Rising Phoenix
Witness the most comprehensive exhibition of the legendary artist Françoise Gilot (1921-2023) that has ever been staged in Europe! The Kunsthalle hosts a collection spanning from her earliest pieces to the paper-based compositions of the late stage of her art, showcasing Gilot's main periods, themes, and series. You can see the work of the extraordinary French painter, also a former partner of Pablo Picasso, until February 4th. The exhibition pays tribute to the artist's close friendship with Endre Rozsda too, since it is owing to this special relationship that Gilot developed a love and attachment towards Hungary.
More details and tickets here.
Don't give up on Veganuary!
If you signed up for the challenge of going plant-based in January, well done and keep going! We have just rounded up the best eateries in Budapest offering delicious animal-free meals, from Middle Eastern spots to vegan pubs and pasta bars.
See our collection here.
Free concerts on the Day of the Hungarian Culture
In honour of the Day of the Hungarian Culture, which is officially on January 22nd, you can join free concerts at the popular cultural centre Turbina. During the day-long mini-festival on January 21st, 13 musicians step on the stage, so if you are curious about local talents, don't miss this event (5:30 pm - 9 pm).
More details here (Hungarian-only).
