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, 15 March
March 15th commemorations
March 15th is a bank holiday, commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The uprising paved the way towards establishing the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, granting the country partial independence from the Austrian Empire. Today, March 15th is honoured with celebrations nationwide. The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony before Parliament and family-friendly events then take place around Buda Castle such as in the Riding School.
You can also visit museums for free, check out the list here .
Car-free Embankment – Opening weekend
Pedestrians and cyclists are taking over a chunk of the lower embankment in downtown Pest at the weekends, creating a pop-up promenade on the road between Margaret Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge. Kicking off even earlier than last year, you can walk, cycle, or skate on this section, basking in the sunshine and enjoying the stunning views (the Parliament on one side and the Buda Castle on the other) from the March 15th long weekend until October 23rd. What's even more exciting is that various events are popping up, such as a grill terrace, bar, live music, dancing, or yoga. You can follow the events on the Hungarian site or go for a walk and see what's happening yourself!
More details here.
Terrace Opening at Tereza
The weekend not only promises 15+ degrees but al fresco margaritas and tacos. Downtown Mexican restaurant Tereza officially opens its terrace, offering delicious Tex-Mex dishes. Kick off the long weekend with a nice dinner or end it feasting in the charming garden with live music in the background. Booking is recommended.
Book a table here.
Saturday, 16 March
Lángos Day at Római parti Piac
If it's Saturday, it must be the Római part market, now in place by the Danube. At 8 am, the lángos stand fires up and shoppers start to rifle through the mushrooms on the stall. Check out the colourful flowers in the back courtyard, and browse the handicrafts, homemade jams and cordials.
The market is open every Saturday between 8 am - 1 pm. More details here.
English Stand-Up Comedy: Love & Heartbreaks
The Hot Paprika Comedy team of Bangladeshi student Tauseef Parvez and former senior ad exec Rupert Slade, both comics in their own right, are getting ready for another great show. On March 16th, prepare for stories about relationships as the theme is love and heartbreaks at the 8th district hangout Mixát.
Get tickets here.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Fonó Dance House
A Dance House is a very traditional yet casual Hungarian event, where folk musicians play jolly, fast-paced songs and professional dancers teach visitors a few easy steps. On March 16th, you can experience it for yourself but make it Irish! In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, you can join the concert of an Irish-Hungarian band Bran at Fonó Budai Zeneház, and then learn those Irish dance moves.
Get tickets here.
Be Massive Party x Marriott Hotel
If you prefer electronic music and don't mind a fancy venue either, also mark your calendar! Be Massive party series is back at one of its signature venues, the Panorama Hall of Budapest Marriott Hotel. Metha and Be Massive DJs will provide music and the view of the Danube and the Buda Castle will definitely put the cherry on top.
Get tickets here.
Sunday 17 March
Brunch and Wardrobe Sale at Greenhabit
Greenhabit is a hip and health-conscious eatery in Buda. On March 17th, they are teaming up with Hungarian influencers for a cool pop-up event. But first brunch! Have a breakfast bowl or a pancake taco and sip on a mimosa or a coffee, and then you are all set for browsing the goods, whether it's something basic, a unique piece, shoes, bags, or even a jacket you are after.
Makers' Market Budapest
Keep up the shopping spree, and stock up on designer products too! Makers' Market Budapest is a monthly fair, where you can get your hands on contemporary and artsy pieces made by Hungarian designers. You can also have a chat with them and learn more about the items, which can also make a souvenir so much better than a magnet. So head to Marczibányi Téri Cultural Centre, browse, shop, and join workshops.
More details here.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
For those with Irish roots, March 17th means one thing only: St. Paddy's Day. Luckily Budapest gets its fair share of the celebrations, and you can enjoy a major part of it free of charge. Head to Szabadság tér between 1-5 pm, and immerse yourself in the revelry: green hats, shamrocks, dancing, the lively music of fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns, face painting, Guinness, and Irish food await in abundance. At 2 pm, a parade sets off from the square crossing Kossuth tér, Akadémia utca, Zrínyi utca and reaching St. Stephen's Basilica, then heading back to Szabadság tér.
More details here.
David Helfgott (AU)
On March 17th, the renowned Australian pianist, David Helfgott, returns to Budapest. He is about to captivate audiences with a concert at the historic Great Synagogue, which is a sensation in itself. The evening's focus revolves around timeless masterpieces, including Chopin's profoundly emotional Ballade No. 1 in G minor and the ever-relevant Ballade No. 4 in F minor, guaranteed to stir the soul. Franz Liszt's mesmerizing Ballade No. 2 in B minor offers a glimpse into piano virtuosity, while his ethereal study, Un Sospiro, conjures the enchantment of love.
Get tickets here.
(Cover photo: Bálint Hirling - We Love Budapest)
