From a festival on conscious tech to one on sustainable fashion, plus acoustic concerts, open galleries, and Budapest’s birthday – here are 7 awesome events you can enjoy in Budapest without spending a penny.

1. The Future Materials Conference

Hosted by Hungary’s Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), the annual Future Materials Conference is where art, craft, and cutting-edge technology collide. On November 7th and 8th, you’ll have the chance to explore how traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation, bridging the gap between old and new. If you're eager to discuss the importance of preserving values like precision, creativity, and authenticity, don't miss the free talks featuring experts like Tom Szaky, founder of the award-winning TerraCycle, and Chris Bangle, the legendary former Chief of Design at BMW Group. For workshops, though, make sure to grab a ticket!

Details here.

2. Labrisz 25: Lesbian herstory in Hungary - exhibition

The Labrisz Lesbian Association is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a historical and art exhibition at the 2B Gallery in Ferencváros. Curated from the Labrisz archives, the exhibit runs from November 9th to 24th and showcases an eclectic mix of media: letters, fanzines, analogue photography, video, audio recordings, literary texts, oral histories – or rather, herstories. Each piece is paired with artworks that creatively connect with these archival documents, offering a unique, associative experience.

Details here

3. Bubbly Margit

Budapest's Margit Quarter, a burgeoning cultural quarter around Margit körút, on the Buda side of Margaret Bridge, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting areas in the city. And to showcase its vibe, they’re hosting a 'night of open galleries' on November 14th. During this event, you can explore 18 fantastic spots and get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of participating galleries, community spaces, cultural venues, and eateries. Expect exhibition openings, guided tours, concerts, discussions – and even a complimentary glass of bubbly to top it all off.

Details here.

4. Budapest Birthday Bash

On November 17th, Budapest turns 151, and you’re cordially invited to celebrate together at City Hall Park (Városháza Park) near Deák Ferenc tér! Festivities kick off the weekend of November 15th with the opening of the City Hall Winter Park and Christmas Market. The next day, you can hop on a party tram where DJs will spin the disk, and play card games at Zsugapest. On Sunday, there'll be live music by Krisztián Szűcs of Heaven Street Seven, and a set by Szilárd Balanyi, Quimby’s keyboardist, showcasing his own project. Best of all, every event is free.

Details here.

5. Acoustic concert: Lili Anna Kálmán and Gellért Kis-Nagy Gellért

On November 19th, the sound of guitar strings will fill the air at MANYI cultural hub, featuring performances by two local artists, Kálmán Lili Anna and Kis-Nagy Gellért. Lili is a singer-songwriter whose guitar-accompanied songs each tell a unique story. Gellért, meanwhile, brings what he calls a 'playful melancholy of a half-burnt, rolled cigarette caught between guitar strings.' It’s a perfect chance to dive into the raw, heartfelt side of the local music scene.

Details here.

6. Amok – screening and talk

Big fan of animated shorts? Curious about a Hungarian one? Then head over to Lumen in the 8th district (Horányszky utca) on November 20th, where Balázs Turai’s 14-minute Amok will be screened at 7 pm. This film has racked up impressive awards, including the Cristal Award for Best Short Film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2022, the Hungarian Film Critics Award, and a 2023 Annie Award nomination. And the night doesn’t end with the screening! Afterwards, Balázs will give a talk on the making of Amok – though that will likely be in Hungarian.

Details here.

7. RaD Fashion Festival

The RaD Fashion Festival is all about bringing together Hungary’s leading voices in sustainable fashion. It's a day focused on conscious living and creating a sustainable wardrobe, with a variety of events celebrating local designers. On November 24th, you can dive into workshops, and even join a style consultation at the Larus Event Centre. Plus, you'll have the chance to browse clothing and accessories from homegrown brands like Celeni, Vengru, Printa, and Thinwood – the latter known for their bold eyewear frames.

Details here

(Cover photo: Kata Major – We Love Budapest)

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