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, 27 September
Brain Bar 2024
Brain Bar, taking place on 26-27 September, is Europe's largest festival about the future. By joining, you'll dive into thought-provoking conversations about the century's most pressing questions. Local and international opinion leaders – from sourdough bakers and nutritionists to mathematicians and physicists– will take the stage to discuss topics like 'Will aviation ever become sustainable? Does the digital world determine how we remember? Why does the tech industry solve fake problems?'. Plus, you can also unwind with a techno yoga class or enjoy a dance performance.
Get tickets here.
Budapest Contemporary – International Art Fair
Budapest's largest contemporary art fair is here to spoil you with international creativity! From September 26th to 29th, 30 local and 12 renowned European galleries will gather at the impressive Bálna building. Expect works from artists hailing from Austria, the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Serbia, and Slovakia, all showcased at a shared stand curated by visual artist Márton Nemes. Alongside the exhibition and fair, the organizers have planned a two-day art conference, educational programs for both adults and kids and guided tours to make sure there's something for everyone.
Details here.
Corvin Beer Festival
Beer lovers, this one's for you! The Corvin Beer Festival kicks off on September 26th on Corvin sétány, giving you the perfect chance to toast the end of the Indian summer with a few pints. With 150 types of draught and bottled beers on offer until September 29th, there's something for everyone – whether you're into IPA, APA, sours, or lagers. And don't worry, there'll be plenty of food trucks to keep you fueled!
Details here.
Toldi Birthday Bash
Toldi is both an art cinema and a club, making it the go-to spot if you're looking for an alternative party spot. They've just turned 12, which calls for a celebration. So, kick off the new club season with a wild weekend – house music takes centre stage on Friday while Saturday brings techno vibes.
Details here.
Saturday, 28 September
Budapest International Book Festival 2024
Immerse yourself in international literature and meet Iceland's most prominent author! The 29th Budapest International Book Festival returns to Millenáris from September 26-29th. It's a tradition at the festival to showcase the culture, literature, and publishing of a particular country or region. This year, special attention will be given to France and contemporary French literature, while the guest of honour will be Icelandic author Jón Kalman Stefánsson.
Details here.
CAFE BENE DESIGNERS' FAIR
Cafe Bene, a speciality coffee shop near the Parliament, is hosting a designers' fair this Saturday, giving you the perfect chance to shop local! We mean cool accessories, prints, and other handmade goodies by up-and-coming designers, which will make a nice souvenir or gift (even if it's for yourself). Don’t forget to grab a lemonade and a piece of cake while you're there.
Details here.
Hoptoberfest
Hoptoberfest is like the iconic German Oktoberfest but with a craft beer twist. Also, this is a great opportunity to peek into Budapest's craft beer scene - quite literally, since several breweries are nestled in this 10th district neighbourhood. From September 27th to 29th, you can taste around 30 types of brews at the HopTop Brewery, including the HELLES Bayor festival beer, all crafted on the spot. Besides the drinks, you'll be treated to concerts and DJ sets too, and the festival is family-friendly too. Entry is free, but you'll need to grab a festival cup for HUF 500.
Details here .
Újbuda Jazz Festival
If you're a jazz aficionado, Újbuda Jazz Festival between September 26-28th is a must! You can enjoy concerts at two iconic cultural hubs: A38 Ship and Fonó Club, where talented artists step on the stage. Expect a vibrant mix of jazz and improvisation, pushing the genre's boundaries. The lineup includes Luca Kézdy, Kerub trió, Dresch Misi Alternatív Kvartett, Borbély Mihály Balkán Jazz Projekt, and Subtones.
Details here. Get tickets here, here, and here.
Sunday, 29 September
Divas & Icons exhibition
Not to be dramatic, but this is your last chance to get a close-up look at the stunning stage costumes of icons like Rihanna, Björk, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Marilyn Monroe, and Billie Eilish at the Divas & Icons exhibition. Travelling all the way from London's Victoria and Albert Museum, the collection is on view at the House of Music Hungary until September 29th. It goes beyond pop divas, explaining the origin of the word. Not to mention that you can walk through the collection listening to bangers.
Details here.
Tex-Mex Festival at Tereza
The city's biggest Tex-Mex Festival is approaching! So if you're a fan of padron peppers, chorizo, chipotle mayonnaise, shrimp, and freshly grilled corn with cajun spiced parmesan, book a table soon! As Tex refers to Texas and Mex refers to Mexico, you can expect a cavalcade of colourful dishes, featuring marinated meat, fresh veggies, tortillas, delicious sauces and extraordinary spices. And it's not only authentic flavours spicing up the party but live music and special programs!
Book a table here.
International Coffee Day 2024
Coffee enthusiasts are coming together at the downtown club Akvárium on September 29th to celebrate International Coffee Day. From 11 am to 6 pm, you can explore a variety of activities, booths, brews, and contests – including endless tastings of coffee, coffee-based cocktails, and even tea. You can also level up on your espresso machine, or cheer on baristas at the latte art competition.
Details here.
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
