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.
Thursday, 31 October
Halloween
Boo! It's Halloween, and the city is getting decked out in spooky decorations. Whether you're after a costume party, craft beers with eerie names, family-friendly fun, a Día de Muertos celebration, or a haunted Madam Tussauds tour, we've got you covered. Check out our fresh list of the best Halloween activities in Budapest here.
Friday, 1 November
Budapest International Film Festival 2024
Budapest International Film Festival 2024 (BIFF) is coming to Corvin Cinema from October 29th to November 3rd, presenting a rich and diverse programme. They will be screening twenty international films over six days, featuring award-winning new films by renowned directors, works from the most exciting emerging creators, experimental films, and a retrospective selection. Among the highlights will be the latest cult film from Ireland and an Iranian social drama that won the Cannes Grand Prix. While we are waiting on more details, make sure to mark your calendar if you are a film enthusiast.
Halloween at the Gozsdu Courtyard
'Gozsdu' is the gateway to Budapest's party district, and they are extending their Halloween opening hours. From October 30th to November 2nd, entering the courtyard won't be for the faint-hearted. Spooky characters will come to life amidst Halloween decorations, leaving you with a fright or two.
Details here.
Panel Post-Punk Festival
On November 1st, cultural centre and party spot Turbina hosts the first-ever Panel Post-Punk Festival, complete with a lingering Halloween vibe. Legend has it that the former residents of the towering, grey concrete blocks of Újpest, Óbuda, and Csepel – souls from a time before our modern history – will rise again for one night. Joined by chorus pedals, 80s Russian synths, and distorted bass guitars, they'll bring the post-punk anthems of their bygone era back to life.
Details here and tickets here.
Saturday, 2 November
Panni Marosi: Hypnos – exhibition
From October 30th to November 30th, the contemporary Resident Art Gallery on the vibrant Bartók Béla út showcases Panni Marosi's latest large-scale oil paintings. Her new 'Hypnos' series reimagines familiar interiors and objects in surreal, vibrant landscapes where colours and shapes defy conventional perspectives, evoking dreams and visions. Inspired by childhood memories, everyday visuals, and surrealist masters like Magritte and de Chirico, Marosi's works blend reality with imagination in an engaging play of form and colour.
Details here.
Dresch Vonós Quartet, Canarro – concert
A few years ago, Mihály Dresch founded his Vonós (Strings) Quartet to explore an exciting fusion of genres, this time with a focus on folk music, all wrapped in his signature Dresch sound. On November 2nd, they’ll perform with Canarro, one of Hungary’s finest in the French manouche swing (or gypsy jazz) style, at Fonó Budai Zeneház.
Details here and tickets here.
Spot Rave x techlab.bp – Esteban Desigual (FR)
If you're rather up for some techno vibes this Saturday, Turbina's main hall welcomes a DJ like no other – his high-energy sets and striking appearance are anything but ordinary. Rumour has it that blue-faced Esteban Desigual was born in the middle of a rave on planet Krypton and has come to Earth to shake things up with unforgettable parties.
Details here and tickets here.
TODO Grand Opening Weekend
On November 2nd and 3rd, Budapest's newest Mexican restaurant, TODO Mexican Kitchen, officially opens its doors near Deák tér. In celebration of Día de Muertos, one of Mexico's biggest festivals, they're rolling out unique weekend-only specials: alongside their regular menu, guests can sample traditional dishes tied to the Mexican holiday. On Saturday, a DJ will set the vibe for a lively Latin-inspired dinner, while Sunday from 11:30 am to 3 pm is all about family fun with face painting and crafts for the kids.
Details here and bookings here.
Sunday, 3 November
Godot Art Expo 2024
On November 3rd, you'll still have the chance to catch Hungary's largest art fair spotlighting young talent. The expo takes place at the Godot Institute of Contemporary Art, where over 100 emerging artists will showcase their latest works. The pieces are also available at investment-friendly prices – a unique chance to purchase art at accessible rates while supporting the careers of young artists. A special highlight is the Godot Gallery's private room, featuring works by renowned Hungarian artists such as Imre Bak, drMáriás, El Kazovszkij, Attila Szűcs, Péter Ujházi, and Alexander Tinei.
Details here (Hungarian only).
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
