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, 24 May
Downtown Festival Picnic
Free concerts and festival vibes fill downtown Budapest, as 'Belvárosi Fesztivál Piknik' kicks off on Friday. The revelry lasts three days and spans three locations (Szabadság tér – Zrínyi utca – Erzsébet tér), with local bands stepping on stage. That includes Henri Gonzo, the Quimby and ABBA tribute band ABBAbák, but Saturday morning promises entertainment for children, too. On Sunday, you can browse goods at the Markets' Day on Erzsébet tér.
See the programme here.
Gourmet Festival
If you consider yourself a foodie, Gourmet Festival is the place to be this weekend. Between May 24th and 26th, you can indulge in the crème de la crème of Hungarian gastronomy, celebrating female energies this year; chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and manufacturers who are taking an increasingly visible role in the traditionally male-dominated world of hospitality. Arrive hungry!
More details here.
Budapest Beer Week 2024
Budapest Beer Week, recently ranked the 3rd best craft beer festival in Europe, celebrates various craft beer styles and breweries all week. The festival's highlight though is the unlimited tasting sessions and afterparties on May 24th and 25th in Dürer Kert, with a bonus day and free entry on the 26th.
More details here.
Night of Charity Shops
On May 24th, charity shops across the country unite, extending their opening hours and offering discounts and great catches. In Budapest, you can pop into Narancsliget, Filantrópia, or SZIA among others to refresh your wardrobe while supporting a great cause.
More details here.
Saturday, 25 May
Ukmukfukk Zinefest
The annual Hungarian zine festival Ukmukfukk is returning between May 25th and 26th, bringing an abundance of books, comics, risograph prints, stickers and other publications from independent artists and publishers. Head to the 8th district locale Gólya and start browsing!
More details here.
Gin Festival Budapest
This weekend brings even more gastro events to Budapest! If you are a fan of gin and refreshing G&Ts, downtown Botellón Terrace will be the place to be. Between May 23rd and 25th, you can sip on delicious drinks and tonics at the 4th Gin Festival, surrounded by good vibes only.
More details here.
The Night of Reflections
Where art meets techno. View the exhibition Focus – Masterpieces, presenting the most precious works of the Hungarian Museum of Photography, before it closes. But make it a party! Neo Contemporary Art Space in the City Park is about to bid farewell to the exhibit in style, by hosting a party with DJs and unique lights. The dress code is monochrome.
More details here, tickets here.
La Femme Concert
This Saturday, the French retrofuturistic synthpop band returns to Budapest for their first Hungarian club concert. Their music draws from many sources, from punk to surf rock, while their travels have also been a big influence. Listen in, and enjoy the beats at downtown Akvárium Klub!
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 26 May
Brunch at The Garden Cafe Budapest
If you are after an insider tip, here you go. The all-day brunch spot The Garden Cafe has just opened inside the quirky hotel Brody House, offering sumptuous Turkish treats. Settle down in the lush inner garden, and enjoy a cilbir or triple cheese gözleme alongside a cup of Turkish tea. They also have more internationally trendy options, such as white chocolate caramel pancakes, which would be a shame to miss!
More details here.
Picnic on the Chain Bride
That's right. On May 26th, you can spread your picnic blanket on Budapest's most famous landmark. The bridge will be closed to traffic to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first citizen crossing. Expect concerts, people in period costumes, and a bubble show. Plus, since it's Children's Day, kids can enjoy special concerts and games on the Pest side. It will be so worth it! Check out photos from previous picnics to see what we mean.
More details here.
Children's Day
The last Sunday (or in some cases weekend) in May is all about children in Budapest. Up in the Buda Castle, Csikós Udvar and the Royal Riding Hall await with free family events, including an all-day artillery point, history lessons, workshops, weapons and combat demonstrations.
The Hungarian Railway Museum is hosting a 2-day celebration featuring loads of fun activities. Join concerts, admire a magician, enjoy a puppet show or do yoga!
And in the Buda Hills, one of the city's most unusual vehicles, the Children's Railway, is gearing up for its Children's Day party. Hűvösvölgy station transforms into a kids' paradise with face painting, workshops, bouncy castle, LEGO vehicles, a fire truck, and a vintage bus.
