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, 18 October
Primanima – World Festival of First Animations
If you're a fan of animations, Primanima is a great opportunity to peek into the freshest works of young artists. The 12th edition of the festival presents the first films by international students, and graduates, as well as the best animated shorts. Though you'll need to go all the way to Budaörs – Jókai Mór Community Centre and BABtér – it will be worth it: in addition to the competition for young directors and master filmmakers, the festival features the Silhouettes competition programme with thematic sections focusing on animated documentaries, experimental approaches and provocative, divisive works. In addition to programmes for adults, children and teenagers will find something to enjoy too. Besides the screenings, a design market and a PrimaParty will pop up.
Reawakening the Hengermalom: Kelesztés
Hengermalom (an old roller mill at 51 Hengermalom út) is an abandoned industrial building in Budapest's 11th district, which has gained a new purpose, even if just for a week. You can be among the ones experiencing something buzzing inside the walls: you can join workshops, talks, and tours, see an exhibition, a silent movie, enjoy a jazz concert and even a party.
Details here.
Kamay Ko AW 24/25 ATRIO ROMA – Launch party
Kamay Ko, a vibrant Budapest-based fashion label, draws its inspiration from the dynamic patterns and colours of the urban landscape. Their latest collection takes cues from Roman atriums, bringing fresh energy and elegance to their designs. And they're celebrating the launch in true style – with a party. Get ready to dive into a world of bold patterns and rich hues with Kamay Ko’s 2024-2025 autumn collection, debuting at Gallery East of Eden. Be the first to see – and shop – the new pieces.
Details here.
Saturday, 19 October
Family Day at the Children's Railway
Connecting some of the loveliest spots in the Buda Hills, the Children's Railway (Gyermekvasút) is one of Budapest's most unique attractions. Its quirk is that it is staffed with schoolchildren, who check tickets and act as guards – the driving, of course, is done by grown-ups. This month, a special event is brewing at its Hűvösvölgy station: on October 19th, you can not only enjoy a ride and a hike but join a family day, too. Fun activities await such as a bouncy castle, gigantic board games, puzzles, and fair games. The little ones can also try face painting, while train enthusiasts can enjoy a track, a wooden railway, a train simulator, and a model railway. Trains will be running all day between Hűvösvölgy and Széchenyi-hegy.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Isolation Budapest
Isolation Budapest, organised by the Liszt Fest and Akvárium Klub, returns for its third year on October 19th with a pretty strong lineup. Headliners include Jake Bugg, one of the top English songwriters of the 2010s, and Seun Kuti, youngest son of afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, performing with Egypt 80. The festival also features a solo piano and vocal set by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and a rare collaboration between Elias B. Ronnenfelt (Iceage) and drummer Gabriel Ferrandini, performing together for the first time in five years.
Details here and tickets here.
Frida Kahlo – Her Photos Exhibition opening
Be among the first to see the brand-new Frida Kahlo exhibition in Budapest! With 241 images the public has never laid eyes on, it gives you a rare peek into the family's most intimate moments. Curator Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, a photographer and expert in Mexican photography, handpicked the newly discovered photographs to create the 'Her Photos' exhibition, which is on display at the Mai Manó House from October 18th until January 12th, 2025. The images showcase various periods of Frida's life and the important people who shaped it. Whether you're a Frida Kahlo fan or a photography enthusiast, this special showcase is not one to miss.
Details here.
Sunday, 20 October
Fiksz Design Fair
Get ready for the second FIKSZ Design Fair of the year, happening from October 19th to 20th at the Petőfi Literary Museum. This is a great chance to shop unique, handcrafted pieces directly from nearly 70 artisans and learn about their creative processes. Expect everything from porcelain and ceramics to glass, jewellery, textiles, and leather – each piece embodying the spirit of contemporary design. Plus, be the first to see the latest collections from Hungarian fashion designers debuting at the event.
Details here.
Art Market Budapest 2024
This October, Art Market Budapest – the premier international contemporary art fair in Central and Eastern Europe – returns! Running from October 17-20th, the Millenáris will come alive with nearly 100 exhibitors from over 30 countries, featuring works from more than 500 artists and drawing in tens of thousands of art enthusiasts. Alongside the main event, the Millenáris will host Art Photo Budapest, the only international photography fair in the region, and the Inside Art conference, focusing on the art market.
Details here.
Hungarian Cinema: Lesson Learned
'Lesson Learned', directed by Hungarian Bálint Szimler, has recently hit cinemas. It's a must if you fancy a sneak peek into the surreal world and societal oppression of Hungarian schools. The story follows a young teacher who rebels against outdated school methods and a new foreign student, Palkó, who struggles to adapt to the demanding education system. Catch the film with English subtitles at the Toldi, Művész, or Tabán cinemas!
Get tickets here or on the spot.
(Cover photo: Tamás Kőrösi - We Love Budapest)
