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, 5 July
Creative Mornings Budapest – Denae McGaha on Trust
Creative Morningsis a global community that brings people together monthly for free and inspiring in-person talks. You can not only listen to creative people sharing their experiences but also connect with like-minded individuals. This July, you can explore the theme of trust with Denae McGaha, an American travel writer living in Budapest since 2017. She'll be sharing her personal journey and tips on how to build a life in Budapest.
Plus, enjoy free coffee and pastries, thanks to volunteers and local partners.
More details here.
Kolorádó Festival
Kolorádó Festival has become an essential part of the Budapest summer scene. What truly sets it apart is its unique atmosphere. It's in the woods just outside Budapest, so forget endless scrolling and social media updates – this festival is all about enjoying the music and connecting with people. There's a real focus on having fun, with attendees dancing and chatting instead of glued to their phones (since there is no reception). This year's lineup is particularly exciting, featuring Red Axes (performing two nights!), Blawan, and Hungarian favourites Carson Coma, Analog Balaton, and Csaknekedkislány.
More details here.
Budapest Unknown Mini-festival 2024
Budapest Unknown brings lesser-known but all the more excitingup-and-coming underground bands under one roof. From July 4th to July 6th, you can get to know 12 young local bands on the stage of 8th district locale Auróra – enjoying their concerts for a ridiculously small entry-free.
More details here.
Saturday, 6 July
Castle Sunset Terrace x House Grooves
Sip your drink above the roofs of Castle Hill marvelling at the Parliament and the Chain Bridge while a DJ spins disks! This free party will kick off in a stunning section of the Buda Castle, the Savoyai Terrace. And it starts early, so you can dance in the sunset to feelgood house & disco grooves.
More details here.
Vintage Night Shopping
For an extraordinary shopping experience, head to one of the city's vibey residential areas, Wekerle. Here, a relaxed summer night bazaar is popping up on July 6th (5 pm - 1 am), where you can forget crowded garage sales and browse artsty pieces in a friendly atmosphere. While you treasure hunt, a DJ spins discs, and what else do you need on a Saturday night?
More details here.
Lőrinc Barabás Concert
Hungarian trumpeter and composer has been calling the shots in Budapest’s improvised music scene for nearly two decades. And you can catch him live at Este11, near the vibrant Bartók Béla út, for just HUF 1,500. In his upcoming performance, he'll play the trumpet, piano, and keyboard while also using a loop station and sound modulator.
More details here.
Open-air Cinema: Larry
For an epic movie night, head to this pop-up cinema on downtown Hunyadi tér and watch a Hungarian film under the stars. On July 6th, you can see the drama 'Larry' with English subtitles. It's a brilliant movie, though a far cry from an uplifting rom-com. Instead, you can witness the everyday struggles of a 21-year-old Hungarian country boy working as a shepherd. He escapes to rap music from his stuttering. Best bit? The event is free.
More details here.
Sunday, 7 July
Sunday Pool Party at the Private rooftop
Join a hip summer party series on a rooftop that overlooks the City Park – along with a giant striped hot-air balloon. And has a pool. Which you can dive into between 1 pm and 11 pm, while listening to upbeat DJ music, enjoying the views, the sunset, and some delicious drinks.
To avoid queues, reserve a table by emailing theprivaterooft6p@gmail.com. Entry fee varies, and you can buy tickets on the site.
More details here.
Dollybirds at the Bem Cinema
If you'd like to peek into the everyday life of Hungary's socialist era (spiced up with humour), watch Dollybirds this Sunday! Our favourite repertory cinema, Bem, puts it on the big screen on July 7th. Travel in time and enjoy this music-infused, hilarious Hungarian film, which will be screened with English subtitles.
Get tickets here.
Canada Day at Hopaholic Craft Beer Bar
Craft beer enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that local beer bar Hopaholic (in the heart of the party district), is celebrating International Canada Day with a tap takeover. That means you can not only sample Hungarian brews but also get to know cutting-edge Canadian beers. This year, the beer list is even more exclusive than before, presenting ’ best among else. You can enjoy the tap beers at a good price and have the option of ordering a flight.
More details here.
(Cover photo: Csudai Sándor - We Love Budapest)
