Friday, 7 February
Celebrate Self-Love at Rákóczi tér
Rákóczi tér is an up-and-coming area with cosy cafés, top-notch bakeries, quirky bars, and Hungarian lifestyle and fashion brands. From 5-7 February, nine of the latter come together to celebrate self-love and to encourage you to take these three days to treat yourself with endless kindness. And maybe a little something special, thanks to exclusive discounts. You can set off on a mini treasure hunt: grab a buttery croissant at Vaj, try on a necklace at IKIIKI or K.É.S., and pick up a new houseplant at Pilea. If you're looking for stylish clothes, stop by Verkstaden and Pleasure Pretty, and for a quirky final touch, visit Hullám Stúdió to snag your very own waving lucky cat from OHO Ceramics.
Details here
Czech Film Carnival
If you love films, don't miss out on the 11th Czech Film Carnival from 5-9 February. Organised by the Czech Centre, it will bring the best and latest contemporary Czech cinema to Budapest. Head to downtown Toldi, and dive into fresh, thought-provoking films – all screened with Hungarian and English subtitles – with a touch of that signature Czech humour and a cinematic escape.
Details here
Leopard Pizza x Fish
The newly opened Leopard, a Scandinavian-style pizzeria near the Hungarian National Museum, isn't slowing down anytime soon. To keep things exciting, they're launching themed nights, and the first one – on 7 February –is all about seafood pizzas. For one night only, the menu will feature salmon, tuna, and anchovy-topped creations, all staying true to Leopard's signature Italian-Scandinavian fusion. If you're into bold flavours and unique twists, this is your cue to grab a slice!
Details here
Saturday, 8 February
Performance Now! Festival
If two days of contemporary performance art and community-driven artistic practices sound like your kind of weekend, dive into the 3rd edition of Performance Now! from 8-9 February! It's the annual festival by the School of Disobedience, showcasing 68 artists from 14 countries, featuring 35 performances and 13 community events. Expect a vibrant mix of experimental art, immersive experiences, and boundary-pushing creativity, spanning multiple venues, including 1111 Galéria, STEREO Művház, and AGORA Community.
Vietnamese Brunch at Babutzi
If you're a brunch lover, Babutzi, a lovely spot on the Buda side should be on your list! If you're all in for Asian flavours, even more so, since they are going Vietnamese every weekend this February! You can savour Vietnamese delicacies through a special themed menu: packed with a delicious lineup of Japanese omelettes, Pad Thai, and Pho soup. If you ever need the perfect excuse to spice up your brunch game, this one’s a must-try!
Details here, and bookings here
Technokunst pres. Polygonia (DE)
If you're into techno, you should check out Technokunst's upcoming event this Saturday! Kicking off at 11 pm at the city's most intimate techno club, AETHER, this party is Budapest's biggest international techno club event series. It's hosted by local legends while introducing the hottest techno artists from all around the world – and all that is presented on the best sound system in the city.
Details here, and tickets here
Sunday, 9 February
Budapest Independent Film Festival 2025
The vibrant Manyi sets the stage for the upcoming Budapest Independent Film Festival on 9 February, bringing fresh indie films from Hungary and beyond. This year's lineup features 8 carefully curated feature and short films, offering a glimpse into a wide range of genres, styles, and themes – celebrating the diversity and creativity of independent cinema. The festival opens with In Ruins, a documentary by Hungarian filmmaker Bence Sipos. The film follows a group of young entrepreneurs who, in the early 2000s, transformed Budapest's crumbling post-war buildings into bustling cultural hotspots. Through the rise and fall of the city's legendary ruin pub scene, Sipos crafts a compelling narrative of Budapest's past, present, and future.
Details here, and tickets here
Artbridge: Raw and Real – Exhibition by Aliz Buzás, Enikő Eged, and Sandra Poliakov
From 6 February to 8 March, downtown Telep Gallery hosts an exhibition featuring three distinctive illustrators: Aliz Buzás, Enikő Eged and Sandra Poliakov. While their styles vary in colour and form, they share a common thread; their unique approach to artistic freedom. Their visual worlds are bold, recognisable, and unforgettable. All three artists are part of the Artbridge Online Gallery, which connects contemporary talent with art and interior design enthusiasts. If you fall in love with a piece, you’re in luck – giclée prints of the exhibited works are available through Artbridge, ready to bring a touch of creativity to your walls at home.
Details here
BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale
If you are all in for sustainable – and fairly priced – shopping, mark your calendar! BeThrifty's Vintage Kilo Sale is returning to Budapest between 8-9 February (10:30 am to 6 pm). At Kazinczy utca's Tesla Loft, you can dive headfirst into an array of vintage items from all over Europe while vibing to awesome music. You'll need to buy a HUF 1,000 ticket at the entrance or snag a free one online!
Details here, and check out the vibes here
(Cover photo: Bálint Hirling - We Love Budapest)
