We've rounded up the weekend's highlights: from sampling fresh oysters in the Buda Hills to shopping at a charity wardrobe sale and enjoying world music at the Budapest Ritmo festival.
Prosecco & Pasta Night
If burrata, Mortadella, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, and cannoli speak to your heart, book a table at Posner Bistro for Friday evening. The 6th-district restaurant is hosting an Italian night, serving up traditional dishes based on secret family recipes. The menu includes all the staples: antipasti, Salame Rosa, and four types of pasta dishes, crowned with dessert and Prosecco. Luciano Vivolo is starring in the event, travelling from Bologna to present his limited wine collection.
The price of the menu is HUF 24,900. Get a ticket here.
Autistic Art x Ruhastory Charity Wardrobe Sale
Hungarian designers team up with Autistic Art (a foundation supporting autistic housing facilities in Hungary since 2006) to host a charity wardrobe sale. The location is a gallery on artsy Bartók Béla út (house nr. 76), where you can join a pretty exclusive experience. Alongside their latest collections, designers, including Anna Daubner, CAKÓ, Kamay Ko, and Printa, also bring some pre-loved items, and a sample sale pops up too. All vendors offer a part of their profit to the foundation.
Registration is needed, sign up here for the 7-8 pm slot. More details here.
Budapest Ritmo 2024
Budapest Ritmo is the biggest world music festival in Central-Eastern Europe, which we wouldn't miss. Kicking off on April 11th, you can delve into world-class music until April 13th, with artists spanning from Turkey through Western Africa to Estonia. You can also watch music documentaries about the hottest topics of the world music industry at the conference.
See the timetable here.
Saturday, 13 April
Season Opening Farmers' Market at Római part
With the temperature reaching 25 degrees on Saturday, heading to the riverside Római part (Roman Beach) sounds like the perfect plan. It's also a place you need to visit before you die, according to the American Condé Nast Traveler. Apart from strolling alongside the Danube and having one-on-one time with a spritzer, you can get your hands on fresh strawberries and asparagus at the farmers' market. Then sample Hungarian specialities such as lángos (deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese), grilled sausages and chimney cake.
The market is open every Saturday between 8 am - 1 pm. More details here (Hungarian-only).
Oyster and champagne at the Normafa
Another brilliant destination for a nature-filled spring walk is Normafa, nestled in the Buda Hills. But make that walk bourgie and start at Normafa Síház, which is hosting an oyster-champagne tasting event to open its terrace in style. That means you can sip on Moët & Chandon champagnes as early as 11 am, pairing the drinks with 2 types of the famous aphrodisiac. The daytime party also involves music, provided by DJ Candyman.
More details here. Book a table here.
Spring frolic at Várkert Bazár
At the foot of Buda Castle, in the stunning surroundings of Várkert Bazár, kids will be in the spotlight this Saturday. The one-day family event will be filled with music, puppet shows, arts and crafts, interactive games - you name it. General entry is free, but you need to sign up for the activities (here) and buy a ticket for the concert and the puppet show.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
MEO Design Fair
If you are into local art, don't miss the upcoming design fair at Eötvös10. Contemporary artists and makers bring their jewellery, clothes, illustrations, paintings, ceramics, and homeware, which you can browse from 10 am to 6 pm.
More details here.
Bartók Spring International Art Week
It's still not too late to experience Bartók Spring: the closing weekend brings classical and popular music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual arts to Budapest. See performances by world stars and cutting-edge local artists, hosted by exciting venues. See the exhibition of Hungarian photographers who emigrated to the United States. Watch the film of Cuba's legendary diva, Omara, as she celebrates and shares the music of her beloved island with the world.
More details here.
Sunday, 14 April
Turkish Brunch at Dobrumba
Kick off your Sunday with an abundant brunch at the local favourite eatery, Dobrumba (in the heart of Budapest's Jewish district). The menu is brimming with Turkish delicacies such as Cilbir (poached egg, yoghurt, beluga lentils, herbs, chilli oil), Menemen (Turkish egg-dish, pepper, tomato, fresh green spices), Lamb köfte (lamb, tahini, marinated red onion, green herbs, green zhoug, balástyai organic salad mix) and traditional Turkish tea.
More details here. Book a table here.
The Door – Theatre performance with English subtitles
Experience Hungarian theatre at downtown Örkény Theatre, which offers English subtitles for some of its shows. Next up, we have The Door – the adaptation of the novel by Hungarian writer Magda Szabó. The storyline follows the intriguing relationship between a writer and her housekeeper. For a comfortable experience, pick a seat on the balcony.
Get tickets here.
+1 ETYEK PICNIC
Etyek is a picturesque village (a 35-minute drive away from Budapest), famous for its wine production. It is surrounded by vineyards, so a trip here always comes with stunning scenery. Every spring, they host their traditional picnic, livening up the hills and the Gastro Promenade with live music, local products, seasonal food, wine tastings, and a vibrant atmosphere. This year, the Spring Picnic is on 13-14 April.
How to get there? You can drive (look for the car park on Boti Street) or use public transport. Buses depart every hour from Kelenföld Railway Station.
More details here.
