Friday, 17 January
Matka ArtSpace Opening
On 17th January, a new art space is set to open its doors in Budapest, housed in a downtown apartment. The Matka ArtSpace launch event (running until 19th January) doubles as a unique apartment exhibition and fair, aimed at promoting contemporary artists and creators. You can explore works by painters, sculptors, jewellers, designers, and ceramicists while sipping wine and enjoying slam poetry. Check out the list of featured artists here!
Details here
Kamay Ko Birthday Party
Vibrant and playful Hungarian brand Kamay Ko is turning 4! And they are ready to celebrate it with a birthday bash (and special offers!), which will be nothing short of fabulous. You are cordially invited to join them at Sisko Studio on 17 January (between 3 pm and 9 pm). You'll be treated to wine, workshops, and good music, but most importantly, 10-60% discounts on new, classic, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Details here.
ODA Aperitivo Nights
The ultimate Italian evening, the Aperitivo Night, is coming to Buda's ODA. That means Mediterranean vibes and mouthwatering Italian dishes. Think mountains of cicchetti and tramezzini, cheeses from every corner of Italy, Roman pizzas, juicy lasagna that you'll want the recipe for, premium hams and salamis from Italy, refreshing salads, plus, four types of desserts, including the award-winning tiramisú. All this in unlimited buffet style, for HUF 9,990/person. A glass of drink is also included.
Making a reservation is highly advised, which you can do here.
Details here
Saturday, 18 January
Chinese New Year Celebrations 2025
On the weekend of 18–19th January, Chinatown Budapest (around the Monori Center in Budapest's 10th district) transforms into a vibrant celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year as we welcome the Year of the Snake. Two cultural delegations from China will join the festivities, showcasing their traditions through performances and workshops. Expect Beijing opera, folk dances, circus acts, Monkey King kung fu, and live music. You can also enjoy dragon dances, participate in tea ceremonies, make dumplings, or try on a hanfu outfit. Entry and parking are free, but tickets are required for tea tastings and workshops.
Details here
TEXHIBITION
Launched a decade ago by award-winning textile artist Szilvia Szigeti, the TEXHIBITION project aims to spotlight textile designers and showcase the creative and manufacturing potential of the genre. Now, celebrating its tenth anniversary, the exhibition presents works by Polish textile artists, a series of textiles inspired by contemporary music, and a curated selection of pieces created over the past decade of the project. Catch the exhibition at the downtown architectural centre FUGA until 19 January.
Details here
Night of Ice Rinks 2025
Lovers of skating, rejoice! On 18 January, several ice rinks await with extended opening hours, pop-up activities, games, and parties at the Night of Ice Rinks. In Budapest, you can head to City Park Ice Rink and Buda Ice Rink, or if you don't mind venturing a bit further from the city centre, Mátyásföld Ice Hall or the pop-up ice rink at Óhegy park are also great options.
Details here.
Sunday, 19 January
Farmers' Market at Szimpla Kert
Kick off your Sunday with a farmers' market in the city's most iconic ruin pub. Between 9 am and 3 pm, Szimpla Kert transforms into an open-air market to give space to 30-40 Hungarian producers and their goods. Fill your basket with cheese, honey, jam, syrup, fruit, vegetables, mangalitza and game meat, freshly picked and dried mushrooms, truffle specialities, spices, and sandwich spreads. Once you are finished with your shopping spree, settle down upstairs for a hearty brunch.
Details here
Guided museum tour: Get to know Franz Liszt
Get to know the great Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt and step into his era! The Hungarian National Gallery's new temporary exhibition, Biedermeier Lifestyles, presents the prominent style of the early decades of the 19th century. Among the paintings by Hungarian and Austrian artists, you'll find a portrait of Franz Liszt and insights into the musical life of his time. The exhibition also features graphic works, furniture, attire, and everyday objects that bring the Biedermeier period to life.
Get tickets here. (The ticket is valid together with the ticket for the temporary exhibition.)
Cinema: The Brutalist
This Sunday, you can catch The Brutalist before its official premiere (on 23 January) at the quirky downtown art cinema, Művész. The film's especially close to our hearts, as the main character is a visionary architect with Hungarian origins. The story follows him and his wife, as they flee post-war Europe in 1947. As IMDB concludes, they then rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of the modern United States, while their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client. Starting at 4:45 pm, the film will be screened in its original language.
Get tickets here or on the spot.
(Cover photo: Krisztián Bódis - Budapest Images)
