Friday, 15 November
Opening Day for Christmas markets
Ready to get festive? Well, Friday will be a busy day for you then, as it marks the start of the holiday season. The main Christmas markets are opening, so you can head to Vörösmarty tér, Deák tér and St Stephen's Basilica to admire towering Christmas trees and twinkling lights, and immerse yourself in handmade crafts while savouring the wafts of mulled wine and chimney cake.
Find all the details here.
Opening Day for ice rinks
No winter holiday should pass in Budapest without a round or two at Budapest's most stunning ice rink at the City Park. Backdropped by the magical Vajdahunyad Castle, you can draw figure eights, then warm up with hot drinks as soon as Friday. And City Park Ice Rink is not the only ice rink opening for the season: the rink at Városháza Park also welcomes all for some serious gliding (on the 15th of November it's open between 6 pm and 9 pm).
St Martin's Day at Spíler Biergarten
St Martin's Day might fall on 11th November, but the feasts coming with it definitely stretch longer. You can for example sample pulled duck burgers, roasted duck legs, and a Hungarian chocolaty dessert 'lúdláb' cake at Spíler Biergarten at the Buda Castle on November 15th. Wash it down in style with a glass of mulled wine, then get ready to groove as the Szomori Fiúk band will have everyone dancing from 6 pm. Book a table by calling +36 1 800 9215
Details here.
English Stand-Up Comedy: Mike Sheer & Hunter Collins
If you're up for a serious belly laugh, don't miss The Lost Boys Stand Up Comedy Tour – brought to Budapest by Hot Paprika Comedy. On November 15th, Toronto’s own expat comedians, Mike Sheer and Hunter Collins, will take the stage at the 8th district hangout Mixát, delivering a charmingly twisted stand-up experience. These pros are seasoned performers on the international comedy circuit, with credits spanning live shows and the screen. They've performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Roast Battle, the stoner classic Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, and Hulu, to name just a few. So leave your sensitivity at the door and come meet The Lost Boys of Comedy!
Details here and tickets here.
22nd Italian Film Festival
Lovers (and speakers) of Italian cinema, don't miss the 22nd Italian Film Festival, running until 16th November! Hosted at the charming art cinema Puskin, you'll have the chance to enjoy newly released films and even a few premieres! Catch thrillers and dramas like La vita accanto or Gloria! – screened in original Italian audio with Hungarian subtitles.
Details here.
Saturday, 16 November
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! On 16th November, 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.
Budaro Designers' Fair
Budaro – meaning 'market' in Esperanto – is Budapest's latest design fair, launched this autumn with the backing of the Bartók Quarter. Its locations are rooted in District XI, and each designer is either a local or finds their creative spark in the neighbourhood, making Budaro a true reflection of the area's spirit. The final Budaro stop of the season is at Művház on November 16th, where established designers will showcase alongside fresh faces and up-and-coming brands, all at the start of their creative journeys.
Details here.
Roni Size, Grooverider, E-Z Rollers, Klute, A Sides (UK)
On 16th November, drum and bass fans can revel in nostalgia all night long. Some of the genre's true legends are on the lineup, including Bristol’s own Roni Size and the 'godfather' of drum and bass, Grooverider. Joining them are the energy-packed E-Z Rollers, along with Klute, the founder of the Commercial Suicide label. A Sides, known for his influence on major names like Calibre and Break, will also be performing. Representing Hungary, Chris.SU rounds out the lineup, so it’s safe to say a memorable night awaits at Akvárium Klub's Main Hall.
Get tickets here.
Sunday 17 November
Makers' Market Budapest – November
Makers' Market Budapest, popping up at least once a month, brings you the best selection of contemporary artisans. On the Buda side, you can usually head to the Fény utca Market, while in Pest, the base is MOST Bistro. But here’s the twist – Makers' Market loves to keep things interesting with new locations. So if you're ready to meet the makers, mark November 17th on your calendar; this time, they’ll be setting up at the Villányi út Conference Centre.
Details here.
John Malkovich – Anastasya Terenkova: The Infamous Ramirez Hoffman
The world-renowned actor (also nominated for Oscar twice) John Malkovich, together with pianist Anastasya Terenkova, has created a unique interdisciplinary production based on Roberto Bolaño's 1996 work, Nazi Literature in the Americas. In The Infamous Ramirez Hoffman, which debuted in 2022, music, literature, and theatre come together on stage, blending piano, violin, bandoneon, and the powerful prose of one of contemporary literature's giants, Chilean author Roberto Bolaño. All will be brought to life through the magnetic presence of John Malkovich, showcased on 17th and 18th November at the House of Music Hungary.
Get tickets here.
Greek Song Workshop & Wardrobe Fair
Alkotás13, located near Déli Railway Station, feels like a spacious living room where you can enjoy the positive effects of art therapy or take part in workshops, markets, and exciting performances in a cosy setting. This time, you can join a Greek song workshop and wardrobe fair on 17th November. During the workshop, you'll learn a traditional Greek song – no musical experience needed! Afterwards, the market opens, offering a selection of brand-new, gently-used, and vintage clothing to browse through. The event is free, you can sign up by sending an email to vv.veronikavarga@gmail.com (and mention your preferred language).
Details here.
(Cover photo: Koncz Márton - We Love Budapest)
