Shows, concerts and cultural attractions – Budapest is always buzzing. Each week, we gather all of the important happenings taking place in our favourite city so you can plan ahead.

Friday, 14 March

Grill & Mackerel at Isola

There's a laidback spot on Népsziget (Mosquito Island), which not many know of yet: Isola. And if you're after something off the beaten track, you should definitely head here on 14 March! The team decided to stop waiting and present summer vibes a little early: they're firing up the grill for dinner. It'll all be about that smoky goodness – whole mackerel cooked over charcoal. But that's not all: music will set the mood, and to warm your body and soul, you can hop into the sauna or cosy up by the campfire and start manifesting those hot summer days.

Details here.

Concert: Labek & Chrobak, Guest: DEVA, Geopard Tourist, Kornwall

If you'd like to explore up-and-coming Hungarian bands in a local-favourite concert venue, get ready for a genre-blurring ride on 14 March! Labek & Chrobak step on the stage at Dürer Kert to effortlessly blend downtempo, folktronica, and deep house, layering in live guitar, bold synths, and the unmistakable vocals of Deva. Joining the night's lineup is Geopard Tourist, gearing up to drop a fresh new album. And to set the mood just right, Kornwall will be warming things up.

Get tickets here.

Saturday, 15 March

March 15th Commemorations

15 March is a bank holiday, commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony before Parliament (9 am), followed by a ceremonial hussar march towards the Hungarian National Museum. Anyone is welcome to join, the route includes Alkotmány utca, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, Károly körút, Astoria, and Múzeum körút. Family-friendly events will take place at the Hungarian National Museum, with its façade getting illuminated with a special light projection after 5:30 pm. Also, there'll be free events in the Buda Castle, like workshops and games at the Royal Riding Hall and dance performances at the Csikós Courtyard (details on the Hungarian site here).

Details here.

Car-free Embankment Opening Weekend

Starting 15 March, a key stretch of the lower embankment in downtown Pest goes car-free, giving you space to move, relax, and soak in the city – without the traffic. Now in its fifth year, this riverside escape is open on weekends, making room for yoga sessions, exhibitions, concerts, and grill parties. So grab your friends, take a stroll between Margaret Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge, and just enjoy the vibes. The car-free zone is expanding to weekdays during the summer (starting 21 June), so if you're visiting Budapest, this is your chance to experience the embankment in full swing.

Details here.

MARI sportwear pop-up + brunch & lunch

Yoga pants, thermo long sleeves, loungewear MARI has it all that's sustainable, ethical, and sexy! And you can browse the pieces by this cool Hungarian brand on 15-16 March at Greenhabit. The brunch spot in Újbuda showers you with plenty of healthy treats, coffee, and mimosas – so come as you are, and don't leave empty-handed!

Details here.

All About Budapest: English Comedy Showcase

Hot Paprika Comedy is gearing up for another epic night of laughter. As the masters of English stand-up shows, they are hosting their next event on 15 March. The theme: the quirky, beautiful weirdness of Budapest – a city loved by so many. Doors open at 7 pm at Mixát, and while entry is free, donations are expected.

Details here.

Anfisa Letyago (IT)

Anfisa Letyago is one of the fastest-rising stars in the techno world. She is now making waves internationally with her versatile and emotionally charged sound. Born in Italy, her music transcends borders, blending the genre's core elements while constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting. She's collaborated with top labels like Drumcode and Kompakt, cementing her status as a key figure in the techno scene. On 15 March, she's bringing her unique energy to Akvárium Klub – don't miss the chance to get lost in her sound!

Get tickets here.

Sunday, 16 March

Pancs Farmers' Market

If you like locally produced treats, start your Sunday at this gem of a farmers' market! Nestled in the craft beer bar Élesztőház, the market pops up every Sunday (from 9 am). Fill your tote bag with seasonal fruits, veggies, cheese, ham, salami, bread, syrups, jams, juices and wine while chatting with the producers. Then stay for a hearty lunch!

Details here.

Makers' Market Budapest

Another market – but this time a designers' one. With over seventy talented designers, the Makers' Market is the place to be on 16 March if you're looking to stock up on unique gifts. From jewellery and ceramics to clothing, bags, accessories, prints, home décor, and artisanal treats, you'll find a curated selection of contemporary designs. As a bonus, you can meet the makers behind these beautiful creations in person – plus, amazing DJ sets will keep the vibe just right.

Details here.

St. Patrick's Festival & Parade

On 16 March, Szabadság tér comes alive with festival-goers celebrating Irish culture and Irish-Hungarian heritage – most of them surely rocking green hats and accessories. The St. Patrick's Festival & Parade kicks off at noon, bringing six hours of lively vibes, music, and festivities until 6 pm. Get ready for live performances, blending traditional and contemporary music and dance, watch Budapest Gaels GAA in action, and meet a pack of pedigree Red Setters and Irish Wolfhounds. Alongside classic Irish food and drinks, both young and old can enjoy balloon bending and face painting.

Details here.

Cade & MacAskill (GB) – The Making of Pinocchio

A true tale of love and transition told through the story of Pinocchio with amazing imagery. The audience so far has called it ‘the queer love story of the year'! In this hybrid of theatre and film, shot and edited all in one take, you are invited to go behind the scenes of Cade & MacAskill's creative process and their relationship, and question what it takes to tell your truth.

Details and tickets here.

(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)

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