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, 13 September
Creative Mornings Budapest
Kick off your Friday with an inspirational talk and a great international community! That's what Creative Mornings is all about. You can not only listen to creative people sharing their experiences but also connect with like-minded individuals while grabbing a free coffee and pastry. In September, you can explore the theme of reflection with the upcoming keynote speaker, contemporary artist Olga Lo.
Sign up here.
Budapest Wine Festival
September means grape harvest and wine festivals. And if you're up for tasting the créme de la créme of the Hungarian wines, don't miss the 33rd Budapest Wine Festival between September 12-15th! Excellent vinos, sparkling wines and gourmet food await in the historic setting of the Buda Castle. Enjoy stunning views of Pest and the Danube, and explore the country's wine regions, one sip at a time.
Details here.
Kraft – Craft Beer Festival
If you're a fan of beer instead of wine, worry not, as an international beer festival is also hitting town! Local and regional breweries come together to present their best selections at Dürer Kert: throughout the weekend, you can taste specialities, tapped by the brewers themselves. Also, feel free to have nice chats between barrel-aged imperial stouts and fruity berliner weisses. Of course, there will also be classic lagers and ales for lovers of more traditional flavours. Come as you are, enjoy good pints (you can pay per drink), listen to live DJ sets, and grab a bite at a street food truck. To keep you safe from the rain, tents will be set up and indoor spaces will be used too.
Details here.
Saturday, 14 September
Anna Kereszty: Sky and Water Embrace exhibition
For a nice artsy treat, pop to TOBE Gallery and see Hungarian photographer Anna Kereszty's exhibition before it closes on September 14th. It will be worth it: her series explores the magical connection the artist has with a place and the memories associated with it. In this case, the place is none other than the famous 'Hungarian sea' (our biggest lake) Lake Balaton.
Details here.
Miss KK X Budapest Bagel
Buda's beloved bagel shop turns into an exhibition space on Saturday, where you can see the intriguing creations of local street artist Miss KK. You might have already spotted her pieces across town, but now, you can appreciate her art in a collection, and even shop her prints and stickers. Not to mention having some amazing bagels. But watch out, you'll only have a very limited time, the event is betwen 10 am and 1 pm.
Details here.
Circa (AUS): Humans 2.0
If you'd top up your contemporary art intake even further, don't miss out on Trafó's event! Circa, one of the world's top circus companies, is bringing some food for thought through its upcoming performance. Their acclaimed show Humans now continues with Humans 2.0, a mesmerising choreography of intertwined bodies set to Ori Lichtik's music. Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 offers an intimate, original take on the challenges of human existence.
Get tickets here (for September 14th or 15th).
Celebrating Hungarian Jazz
A full day of events will celebrate Hungarian Jazz at the House of Music Hungary on Saturday, including free outdoor (but covered) concerts, an awards ceremony, and evening concerts. Performing on the outdoor stage will be the Nart Orchestra, Bohém Ragtime Jazz Band, and Kovász, while in the auditorium, the Hungarian Jazz Celebration Awards will take place before the evening concerts. At 8 pm, Szakcsi Lakatos Róbert's Gyp-bop will perform, followed by Tzumo Gypsy Dreams at 9:30 pm to close the day.
Get tickets here.
Fluctuations – The Flowing Festival
Be part of a special international project at Turbina! Fluctuations – The Flowing Festival, which is heading to Budapest after Lille, Brussels, and Utrecht. The event aims to connect people through artistic, musical, and community events: on September 14th, you can enjoy fantastic vibes, concerts, talks, and workshops.
Details here
Sunday, 15 September
WAMP Design Market
The monthly design fair WAMP pops up on September 15th in the stunning Neo-Renaissance complex of the Várkert Bazár. You can browse the selection in the beautiful garden from 10 am to 6 pm: get your hands on custom-designed clothes, jewellery, and accessories made by Hungarian designers. Feel free to bring your whole family (including your dog). There is no entry fee.
Details here.
Children's Book Festival in Újbuda
Újbuda is a lively, café- and gallery-filled neighbourhood on the Buda side. And you can experience its buzz on September 14-15th as families take over one of its main squares, Gárdonyi tér (or B32 Gallery in case of bad weather). You will be showered with family-friendly things to do, with some English-friendly options available. On Saturday, you can draw your own fairytale (2 pm), be dazzled by the MAGICMAN magic show (3:30 pm), and dance around at a concert (6 pm). On Sunday, get creative with a bookmark-making session at 11 am and catch more concerts at 2 pm and 6 pm. Plus, there’s an exhibition on both days. And the best part? It’s all free!
Details here (Hungarian-only).
Pelican Blue at the Bem Cinema
If you are up for watching a Hungarian movie, add Pelican Blue to your list, which you can catch with English subtitles at the Bem Cinema on September 15th. It's a rare gem, a blend of documentary and animation, equally entertaining and informative. With the Iron Curtain's fall, after the 40-year communist regime, and the borders opening, our heroes, Ákos, Laci, and Petya, decide to see the world. Fuelled by their chemistry knowledge, they forged train tickets using Pelikan blue carbon paper, a key tool in their operation. This act unlocked the gateway to Europe, not just for them, but for many others who followed their lead.
Get tickets here or on the site.
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
