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, 12 July
SISKO Studio Archive Sale
If you're after Hungarian designer goods, to SISKO it is! The hip 8th district store is about to host a massive summer sale, meaning you can get your hands on treasures like unique bags, Kamay Ko dresses, virágéknál tees, and accessories with up to 70% discount.
Zenélő Budapest – Free concerts across town
This summer, Budapest bursts into song with the 10th-anniversary edition of the musical event series Zenélő Budapest (Musical Budapest). From July 5th to August 16th, a vibrant program of 60 free open-air concerts awaits music lovers across the city's most iconic spots such as the Buda Castle District, the modern Széllkapu Park, and the Hall of Columns at the Kunsthalle. The latter offers a contemporary twist on classical music in its Classics in Modern Covers series featuring a saxophone quartet. Catch their performance at 11 am and 1 pm this Friday!
More details here and on the Hungarian website.
Open-air Cinema: Hair
See one of the most epic movies of the 1970s under the stars this Friday! Hair is making an appearance on the sandy pitch of Budapest Garden, and you can sing along with the loveable hippies before swiping away your tears for free.
The film will be screened in original language with Hungarian subtitles.
More details here.
Vintage Night Market
If you adore really cool vintage and retro pieces , visit this garage sale on the weekend. It might not be downtown, but the prospect of a good treasure hunt will be worth the trip (just take bus 133E from Astoria). Vintage furniture, industrial lamps, posters, picture frames and unique porcelain and ceramics will be on display, and lemonade and beer will be available too.
More details here.
LAVALAVA W/LOCKLEAD (NL) AT PONTOON
LavaLava guys are taking up their summer residency at riverside bar Pontoon. And on Friday, they are kicking off the season together with an exciting Dutch guest. Locklead, from Utrecht, has been conquering the world, spilling house anthems for the past few years. His masterpiece "Moon" has been the closing track of many LavaLava sets over the past year and is guaranteed to outshine the lights of the Chain Bridge this night. Sip cocktails and dance away the night to fresh and classic house and disco beats!
More details here.
Saturday, 13 July
Vintage Clothes Fair at Szimpla Kert
On July 13th (between 12 pm - 5:30 pm) head to Budapest's most iconic ruin pub, Szimpla Kert , but forget the beer this time. Instead, browse a great selection of vintage and recycled clothes and accessories. The event is not only about shopping though - it is also a meeting place for like-minded people who stand for sustainability.
More details here.
Bal de rue
On July 13th, the French Institute organises its traditional annual street party to celebrate Bastille Day with music, dance, wine and food. The event is completely free, and you can try your hands at break dance and enjoy dance performances, lively concerts, and DJ sets.
More details here .
Chairlift Night 2024
Zugliget Chairlift is one of the most unusual and fun ways of transport in Budapest. It comes with scenic views of the Buda Hills while taking you up and down the side of János Hill. And on July 13th, you can enjoy a ride in an even more exciting setting: with the setting sun or under the starry sky. Upon the Chairlift Night, you can hop onbetween 7 pm and 1 am.
More details here.
Indie Rehab Birthday Party at A38
Get in the British Mood as iconic concert venue Ship hosts an Indie Rehab party. So get on those dancing shoes and sing the night away to the best hits of the Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Tame Impala, The Black Keys, Franz Ferdinand, The Beatles, The Kooks, Crystal Fighters, Oasis, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Killers, among the rest of the crème de la crème of the indie bands.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 14 July
Pici Piac – Kids' Design Fair
This cool market is entirely dedicated to babies, children, and mothers ! That means you can stock up on adorable goods from maternity wear and home décor to textiles, plush toys, bags, books, and many more. The fair is showcasing the works of 50 gifted Hungarian designers at the local-favourite Fény utca Market (on the Buda side).
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Budapest Record Fair
Hungary's biggest vinyl record and CD fair is about to land in ELTE (Eötvös Loránd University), bringing an array of LPs, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, posters, magazines, books, and even pins. So if you are a music enthusiast, mark your calendars!
More details here.
Duna Tropical Latin Fest on the Riverside
Fans of Latin music and fiestas, we have some good news! Duna Tropical Latin Fest, an energetic event that celebrates the rich traditions of Latin music and culture, will pop up on the Pest Embankment – the one closed from traffic on summer weekends. Dance to the tunes of the popular Latin folklore formation Alacalufe Band and stay for Dj sets.
More details here.
'Eat, Pray, Love' at the Bem Cinema
If you could do with a feel-good movie, head to the repertory cinema Bem on the Buda side of Margaret Bridge! Grab a beer, and watch Julia Roberts savour pasta in Italy, struggling to meditate in India, and fall in love in Indonesia. 'Eat, Pray, Love' will be screened in original audio and with Hungarian subtitles.
Get tickets online here or on-site.
(Cover photo: Vidaukt Bar - Facebook)
