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, 22 March
A day at the Aeropark
Did you know that once upon a time, Hungary operated its own airline, Malév? You can explore its history at Budapest's Aviation Museum, which has just reopened for the season on the historical Terminal 1. Go behind the scenes (transported by a vintage Malév Ikarus bus), and get a taste of flying an aircraft or helicopter in the simulators at Aeropark. Story-telling pilots, flight engineers, technical experts and flight attendants await you every day (and even night) aboard the aeroplanes.
More details here.
Márton Agócs and Mihály Fejér – concert
If you are up for a 100% Hungarian musical experience, head to B32 Gallery on Friday! Starting at 8 pm, two members of the ethno-beat band Aurevoir. are hitting the stage to serve you some truly vibrant and authentic tunes.
More details here.
Spring Lantern Magic at the Budapest Zoo
Experience family fun at the Zoo's evening lantern parade! Marvel at hundreds of lantern creatures, from tigers to butterflies and mythical beings. See illuminated birds, pandas, gorillas, and more. Then stick around to pet adorable baby animals or take a ride on the vintage carousel.
More details here.
Saturday, 23 March
Budapest Photo Festival 2024
Handpicking and presenting an outstanding collection of contemporary art – Hungarian and international – Budapest Photo Festival is back between March 23rd and May 12th. Opening the festival, you can view a pretty special exhibition at the Kunsthalle. Women's Focus features humanistic photographs by five female artists of Magnum Photos.
Flick through the programme and find the most fitting exhibitions.
Pop-up Spring Fair at Fabrika
Vintage furniture store Fabrika is hosting a spring fair this Saturday, a real feast for the eye! You can not only get your hands on special indoor plants but also unique souvenirs like ceramics, slow fashion pieces including Ikat cotton shirt dresses, beautiful Himalayan accessories, and even copper and bronze furniture accessories such as handles or hooks. Grab a glass of champagne and let the shopping spree begin!
List of participants and more details here.
Korean Flea Market
Here is another treat for treasure hunt lovers, and it's quite a unique one. At the Korean Cultural Center's flea market (between midday and 3 pm), you can give away clothes or exchange them with others. The fun part starts with the payment: you can only use replicas of the traditional Korean brass coin, yeopjeon (엽전). Vendors will automatically get the coins according to the quantity and quality of their goods, while other participants can earn them through experiential activities. The event is open to everyone who loves Korean culture and flea markets, entry is free, but registration is needed.
More details here.
Technokunst: Acidmoon (IT), Blazej Malinowski (PL)
Electronic music aficionados, mark your calendars: Saturday night will see a techno night at the local cultural centre Turbina. Blazej Milanowski, born in Poland and based in Berlin, takes the stage in the big hall to bring you hypnotic and groove beats. In the small hall, the duo of Baco and Li spins the disks.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 24 March
Sütiutca Festival in Budapest's Jewish Quarter
Sütiutca (Cake Street) is a Jewish cultural and cake festival, celebrating Purim. The location is the shortest street in Budapest's Jewish Quarter, Csányi utca, where 12 installations are about to showcase contemporary Jewish cultural life and gastronomy. Head there between 10 am and 6 pm, and join one of the 25 events.
More details on the Hungarian website.
Kenyérlelke Sourdough Bread Festival - Easter
If you like sourdough bread and fresh bakes, join this festival on March 24th (from 10 am) and try the best ones! The prominent Hungarian sourdough bread community, Kenyérlelke (lit. Soul of the Bread), organises an Easter edition of its annual festival, bringing sourdough enthusiasts under one roof. Amazing bakeries – such as Freyja, Panificio il Basilico, Bake my Day, and Artizán – bring their creations to Fény utca Market, and they won't let you starve. Easter essentials such as braided bread and ham will also be on offer, which you can sample while listening to buskers.
More details here.
Sunset Rooftop Yoga
Blending the beneficial effects of yoga and the stunning view of a March sunset, Yoga Brunch is hosting a class on a covered and heated rooftop terrace overlooking the City Park. March 24th marks the first full moon of spring, which will be the perfect occasion for a 90-minute yin-yang session. All levels are welcome, but bring a mat if you can (renting one is also an option). The class price is HUF 5,000, which includes a gift from The Body Shop Hungary. Sign up by sending an email to yogabrunchbudapest@gmail.com.
More details here.
Barnaby Booth (UK): Never Get to Heaven - dance performance
If you are into inspiring dance performances, don't miss out on the award-winning choreographer and lighting designer Barnaby Booth's work, Never Get to Heaven. The show tracks twenty-four hours in the life of ten people. Taking place in the gap between two sunsets, it uses light and intricate movement to look at how hope works, and how it changes hour to hour.
More details and tickets here.
(Cover photo: Sándor Csudai - We Love Budapest)
