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, 3 May
Budapest Spring Festival
The 44th Budapest Spring Festival makes sure to shower the city with buzzing cultural programmes: over 40 events are popping up across nearly 30 locations between April 29th and May 12th. This weekend, you can join a club festival at the City Hall courtyard, see a parliamentary play at the Trafó House, an all-art show about sustainable fashion movements at Merlin Theatre, or a catwalk concert at Memento Park.
See the full programme and get tickets here.
Hello Europe! Festival
Join Budapest in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hungary's EU membership! From May 1st to 5th, the city is hosting an urban festival, embracing themes of freedom, diversity, and being European. Free events will pop up across town, including concerts, light installations, and kids' activities. You can also chill, dance or even set up for a barbecue on the car-free Liberty Bridge all weekend.
More details here.
ELEVEN Tavasz – Spring Festival on Bartók Béla út
And there is room for even more festivals: on May 3rd and 4th, Buda's artsy street, Bartók Béla út, is spoiling us with food, culture, art, and workshops. Highlights include the ZEMSE photo and jewellery exhibition (opening at 6 pm on May 3rd), along with pop-up concerts on Szent Gellért tér and Egyetem tér.
Find the full programme here (Hungarian-only).
Saturday, 4 May
Budapest Garden – Grand Opening
Attention, families! The riverside leisure centre, Budapest Garden, is opening its season with free entry and an array of cool activities that your children will love. Bouncy castle, trampoline (socks cost HUF 700), badminton, bubble football, volleyball – you name it! Starting at 1 pm, you can try your foot at swing, too. Take a lunch break and munch on burgers, deep-fried cheese, or doughnuts.
More details here.
Fux & Flowers – Design Fair
If you like flowers and jewellery, head to the cultural and community hub Pikszis for a very cool pop-up design fair. Grab a delicious coffee or pink lemonade and immerse yourself in the works of super-talented florists, jewellery designers, textile designers, and illustrators – whose items work perfectly as unique souvenirs. Pop in anytime between 11 am to 8 pm on May 4th.
More details here.
Open Mic - 10 Years After All-Stars Show
Open Mic Budapest, an extremely diverse community of musicians and music lovers from all over the world, is celebrating 10 years of existence with a massive concert. Kicking off at 6 pm on May 4th, they are presenting some success stories, with local and international talents hitting the stage at Városháza park (next to the City Hall). And you can see them without an entry ticket.
More details here.
Dance House Day
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 the 52nd anniversary of organising the first such event, Dance House Day is bringing an open-for-all dancing session to the square before Franz Liszt Music Academy. Join all-day-long singing and dancing, while live music is playing, then keep up the vibes at the Hungarian Heritage House.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Sunday, 5 May
DNB Sunday Brunch
Sunday Brunch is almost a religion by now. And if you are a believer, riverside restaurant DNB is a good place to be on April 28th. An array of dishes will be laid out, including grilled vegetables, fish, cheese, chia pudding, and many more, which you can sample without limitation. Hungarian wine, sparkling wine, beer, and soft drinks are also included in the package, and the panorama is almost an extra. And the best bit? You can enjoy all these on the terrace – the weather forecast predicts sunshine.
More details here.
KORART Gallery – Stock clearance sale
Calling all antique enthusiasts! KORART Gallery in downtown Falk Miksa utca is about to host a stock clearance sale! Enjoy discounts from 10% to 50% on over 1700 items, including furniture, paintings, sculptures, Art Deco and mid-century modern items, lamps, chandeliers, and even marble fireplaces and indoor fountains.
More details here.
Yoga for better sleep
End your Sunday with a 90-minute restorative yoga class in a beautiful Bali-inspired studio in downtown Budapest! The spotlight will be on rest and rest only – so if you struggle with unwinding, falling asleep, or meditating, this session is for you! Your yoga instructor Orsi, founder of Yoga Brunch Hungary, will share her experiences from Bali, helping you to a good night's sleep. All levels are welcome, and all equipments are provided.
The class costs HUF 4,500, apply by sending an email to yogabrunchbudapest@gmail.com. More details here.
