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, 23 February
Bob Marley: One Love at the Bem Cinema
If you're curious about the life of the reggae icon Bob Marley, here is your chance to get a glimpse of it through the newly premiered film. To make it more special, we say, buy tickets for the screening at Bem Cinema (starting at 4 pm), an iconic spot on the Buda side, with an old-time charm and no dedicated seat numbers.
Get tickets here or on the spot.
Indoor Beer Festival
You can taste more than 100 types of draught beer during the Indoor Beer Festival at the historic Várkert Bazár on February 23-24th. The selection will be generous: APA, IPA, and Stout from tiny breweries and well-known brands are both on tap. The spread will also be multicultural with Hungarian, Czech, English and Belgian beers on offer. With the entrance ticket, you can try as many variations as you like and pair the drinks with dinner (starting at 5 pm on both days).
See the list of the breweries here and get tickets here.
Indie Rehab party
If the sounds of Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, Killers, Oasis, and Twenty One Pilots resonate with your heart, the upcoming British Mood knees-up is the place to be on Friday night. Kicking off at 10 pm near Astoria, you can dance, sing along, and jump the night away.
More details here.
Saturday, 24 February
Coffee bar Bazaar
On February 24th and 25th, coffee enthusiasts will gather in Millenáris Park to celebrate the variety of brews. At this coffee expo, more than forty exhibitors will display their products, which means you can taste coffees, wines, beers, spirits and other drink specialities at the stalls. Side events will pop up too such as table tennis tournaments, workshops or the Pro Cup Tasters Championship, where professional baristas will compete.
More details here.
Winter Night of Choirs
Singing is a joy anytime, anywhere – that's the sentiment of the Csíkszerda choir. Every year, they organise the Night of Choirs, an event set to fill the winter air with angelic sounds. Join them on February 24th at 6 pm at the House of Music Hungary, where choirs from Hungary and abroad will perform a total of 30 concerts at five locations simultaneously. The choirs are divided into categories by genre, including classical, early music, pop, contemporary, and world music. Be a part of this musical experience and witness the pure happiness that singing together brings.
More details here.
Catch a performance by a Hungarian band
The formation Bëlga is kind of an icon in the Hungarian hip-hop scene. Their career started in the '90s, and they have been performing ever since. They are famous for their witty lyrics (parodies) criticising society with humour, but even if you don't speak Hungarian, you will get the gist. Their music will make you nod your head to the rhythm.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 25 February
Hungarian Bride Exhibition
Three years ago, a Facebook group started collecting material for this exhibition, and the results are stunning. Through 50 love stories and 300 objects, the 500-year history of marriage and women unfolds. Explore magnificent bridal gowns, from regional costumes to white princess sets. And learn about the changing status of women, while tracing how the perception of love has changed from the odd fad to the most important basis for a lasting relationship.
More information here and here.
Doughnut party on Madách tér
If you're eager to indulge in a poroper Hungarian tradition that involves food, head to Madách tér's Központ, near Deák Ferenc tér. On February 25th, a crazy Sunday afternoon doughnut baking session is popping up, promising mouthwateringly delicios and traditional ribbon doughnuts – all in the name of a belated funky carnival celebration.
More details here.
Vegan dinner with sound bath at Normafa
If you'd love to check out from reality for a bit, head to the panoramic hiking spot Normafa this Sunday. In the embrace of nature, at the Normafa Hotel, you can immerse yourself in the soothing and recharging experience of an hour-long sound bath. After releasing all the stress and tension, you can treat yourself to a delightful vegetarian and vegan dinner - also included in the experience. If you are in search of a longer spiritual holiday, you can opt for a full-on yoga retreat.
More details here.
(Cover photo: Krisztián Bódis - Budapest Images)
