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.
Firday, 19 April
Banff Mountain Film Festival 2024
If you are seeking an adrenaline rush from the comfort of a plush cinema seat, get a ticket for the Baff Mountain Film Festival. The event celebrates mountain culture since 1976, showcasing films selected from hundreds of entries. Returning to Hungary on April 18th-19th, the festival promises a real treat to film fans: inspiring stories, breathtaking scenery and adventures on land, water and air. Catch the crème de la crème from the annual international competition for documentaries on nature and mountains at Cinema City Mammut.
All films are in English or with English subtitles. Find more details here and general info on the Canadian website here.
Asian Street Food Festival
Open-air street food market Botellón Terasz, located right on the main street of the Jewish Quarter, is going Asian this week. So if you are a fan of sushi, ramen, and baos, head to Kazinczy utca – and make sure to be hungry. The city's top Asian restaurants, including Kicsi Japán, 101 Bistro, Wang Mester, and many more, are presenting their signatures. Tasty drinks and live music are also part of the deal – come alone, with friends, or with a pup.
More details here.
TOGETHER. Images of Inaktelke 2000-2002 exhibition – GUIDED TOUR
If you are curious about rural life in Eastern Europe, sign up for this tour at the Museum of Ethnography. Taking about a thousand slides in Inaktelke (Inucu, Romania) between 2000 and 2002, the photos of Erzsébet Winter showcase segments of village life – as in everyday moments, relationships that sustain the community, connections, norms and rules.
More details and tickets here.
Saturday, 20 April
Madách Flea Market
If you like hunting for treasures, especially if they are vintage, head to the gate of Budapest's Jewish district and browse on Madách tér. The Flea Market will be open from midday to 5 pm, giving you enough time to both shop and neck a spritzer in one of the surrounding bars.
More details here.
I bike Budapest
On April 20th , experience Budapest in a whole new way! Join the 'I bike Budapest' cycle parade and demonstration to pedal through the city like never before. Rent a bike (Bubi) and come along – all are welcome, there is no age limit. Begin with a picnic and music in Népliget (People's Park) before embarking on the scenic route to City Park – passing through Üllői út, Petőfi Bridge, Attila út, Tunnel , Chain Bridge , József Attila utca, Andrássy út , and Heroes' Square .
More details here.
ZÓRA Concert
If you are up for a moving performance by a Hungarian talent, get tickets for ZÓRA's concert. The singer, who is always on the move between Los Angeles and Budapest, is hitting the stage at the Akvárium NagyHall, bringing avant-pop, alternative, and cinematic tunes. Whether in solo piano or band setup, the sound and experience are truly unique, intimate, and direct.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 21 April
Farmers' Market at Szimpla Kert
Kick off your Sunday with delicious and locally sourced brunch (on the 1st floor) and some serious food shopping at Szimpla Kert. Being a true gem in the middle of Budapest' Jewish Quarter, this farmers' market has been ruling the roost for 10 years now. Every Sunday (9 am - 3 pm), the city's iconic ruin pub is transformed into an open-air market to give space to 30-40 Hungarian producers and their goods.
More details here.
Spring Lantern Magic at the Budapest Zoo
This is the last weekend to experience family fun at the Zoo's evening lantern parade, so make sure not to miss it! 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 and tickets here.
Parno Graszt Concert
If you are after lively Gypsy tunes, mark your calendar! Parno Graszt, a Hungarian band playing authentic Roma music, takes the stage of open-air concert venue Kobuci Kert on April 21st. . Any concert by this band is great for letting off steam and letting your feet do the talking.
Get tickets here.
(Cover photo: Milán Medgyesi - We Love Budapest)
