Friday, 21 February
Cinema: Gone Running
Gone Running is the most popular Hungarian film of recent decades – breaking audience records. Which is a good enough reason for you to watch it! Directed by Gábor Herendi, it tells the story of three sisters and their Mum getting ready for a marathon in honour of their belated father's bucket list. It's heartwarming, funny, and entertaining – and you can catch it with English subtitles at our favourite repertory cinema, Bem, on 21 February.
Check the trailer here. Get tickets online here or on the spot.
Saké Week at W Budapest
If you're a fan of Japan – whether it's the culture, cuisine, or both – mark your calendar! The stunning W Budapest, right opposite the Opera House, is gearing up for a special launch event featuring Japanese funk music and an exclusive sake-and-sushi tasting menu. From 21 February to 1 March, you can savour delicacies like Dewazakura Oka (paired with scallop sashimi and ponzu) or Sohomare Tokubetsu Kimoto Junmai (matched with salmon Philly roll) in the stylish lounge. It's the perfect way to indulge in Japan's national drink and immerse yourself in its rich flavours and traditions.
Book a table here.
Concert: El Khat (IL)
On 21 February, a true musical treat appears on the House of Music Hungary's stage. El Khat, a three-piece band is about to share their range of Arabic tunes of Yemen origin; expect hypnotic, high-energy tracks enriched with organ and distinctive string instruments, offering a fresh and captivating sound. Growing their sound from garages and warehouses with homemade instruments, their rhythm-driven style, built on metal and wooden percussion, evolves into a psychedelic journey by the end.
Before and after the concert, radiocafé's Conga Heaven, Bongo Hell! hosts, Cyborg Templar and Tibsã, will be spinning records in the venue's foyer. Expect an eclectic mix of global sounds, spanning from deep-rooted traditions to today's hybrid dance music.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 22 February
Tulip Fair & Pelmeni at Czakó Farmers' Market
Halfway up the Buda Hills, Czakó Piacz Farmers' Market is a real gem. Popping up every weekend, this lovely garden offers fresh goods from local producers, including sourdough bread, ham, flowers and honey. What's more, on 22 February (8 am - 2 pm), you can nibble on eight types of pelmeni (Russian meat dumpling), sip on coffee, and welcome spring in style by stocking up on beautiful tulips.
Details here.
Flea Market at Szimpla Kert
To all the antique and vintage lovers out there: if you enjoy the dusty potential and childish excitement of a flea market, head to Szimpla Kert on 22 February. First of all, this is Budapest's most famous ruin bar - which is worth a visit on any occasion. Second, it will turn into a proper flea market for a whole afternoon (12 pm - 5 pm), where you will most definitely find a souvenir much better than a magnet.
Details here.
Winter Night of Choirs 2025
On 22 February, you can get a taste of a heartwarming tradition: the Night of Choirs. Organised several times throughout the year, this winter event will fill the air with beautiful music at the House of Music Hungary. Choirs from all over the world will take the stage, and whether you want to join in or simply listen, is up to you. The event usually ends with the final song, sung together by all, creating an unforgettable moment.
Get tickets here.
Indie RehaB at 101klub
Get in the British Mood at the upcoming Indie Rehab party at the new 101klub. Just don those dancing shoes and sing the night away to the best hits of the Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Tame Impala, The Black Keys, Franz Ferdinand, The Beatles, The Kooks, Crystal Fighters, Oasis, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Killers, among the rest of the crème de la crème of the indie bands.
Get tickets on the spot (HUF 1,000).
Sunday, 23 February
European Kinship – Eastern European Perspective
A new exhibition at the Rober Capa Centre explores what it means to be Eastern European. What connects the people who share this region, its history, and its geography? How do global solutions meet local realities? What forces drive deeper European integration and international collaboration – and how do they shape artistic and photographic perspectives on the world around us? The six-part exhibition European Kinship – Eastern European Perspective reflects on European identity through the lens of Polish and Hungarian photographers, capturing contemporary experiences from a distinctly regional point of view. Catch it this weekend (or before it closes on 30 March).
Details here.
Cinema: Explanation for Everything
If you are into Hungarian cinema, don't miss the chance to catch Explanation for Everything by Hungarian writer-director Gábor Reisz. Released in 2023, it took home a major award at the Venice Film Festival. While it's no longer in regular cinemas, art cinema Cirkó-Gejzír is bringing it back for a special screening on 23 February – this time in a shorter 127-minute cut, with English subtitles.
The film follows Ábel, a high school student struggling to focus on his final exam. And who also happens to be in love. But what starts as a history test soon spirals into a full-blown national scandal.
Get tickets here.
Margarita Week at Giulia
Giulia Social Club is where Italian gastronomy meets city vibes. And from 22 February, they're kicking off Margarita Week – actually, two weeks of it. That means this classic cocktail takes centre stage in not one but four unique versions. Giulia's bartenders will be shaking up Mijenta tequila-based creations like Bergamotto (Mijenta Blanco, Cointreau, bergamot), Mirtillo (Mijenta Blanco, blueberry, rose), Arancia (Mijenta Blanco, orange, elderflower), and Boschetto Verde (Mijenta Blanco, rosemary, thyme). Whether you're a die-hard Margarita fan or just in the mood for an Italian flair, this is your sign to stop by for a drink – or two.
Details here.
(Cover photo: Sándor Csudai - We Love Budapest)
