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, 11 April

Budapest Ritmo 2025

Budapest Ritmo, one of the city's most diverse festivals, is back from 10-12 April for its tenth edition. Expect a musical journey spanning from Indonesia to Canada, and from chanson to trance dance. The full line-up includes Indonesian psych-pop (Nusantara Beat), gospel-disco (Arp Frique and The Perpetual Singers), and animal-mask-wearing jazz parades (FÜLÜ). The wide selection features two prominent Hungarian acts: Balázs Szabó and MORDÁI, plus a special collaboration created specifically for the event: the exuberant pizzica band Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino will play alongside the fiery Roma-style percussion and Latin-inspired rhythms of Máté A. Kovács and friends

Details here.

Art Aqua exhibition at the Biodome

Brace yourself for a powerful and immersive artistic experience at the Zoo's stunning glass structure, the Biodome. From10 April to 25 May, the Art Aqua exhibition takes over with a mix ofphotography, painting, sculpture, strikingaqua-inspired installations, and light and sound effects. The exhibition explores the theme of water from a fresh, thought-provoking perspective. Expect artworks that speak to the senses and the mind, combining emotional depth with bold visual impact. You can also go beyond just looking – children and adults can tap into their own creativity through hands-on art activities, alongside a lineup of engaging  educational programmes .

Details here, and tickets here.

Saturday, 12 April

Japanese Garden Day

Tucked away in Zugló, Hungary’s first Japanese garden offers a tranquil escape among cloud-like pruned greenery and symbolic architectural elements. Located on the grounds of the Varga Márton Horticultural and Surveying Technical School, this serene space has become a hidden gem in the city. Each year, a special thematic day celebrates the garden – and this year, it's happening on 12 April. Expect dance and martial art performances, tea ceremony, and even cherry blossom, if they're still blooming.

Entry: HUF 2,000

Details here.

Vinyl Fair and Flea Market

Are you a fan of preloved goodies? Head over to  Marczibányi Cultural Centre  on 12 April and kick off a real-life treasure hunt! Dig through vintage vinyl, cassettes, CDs, players , and evenmusic-themed books at the vinyl fair. Then swing by the flea market next door and explore all kinds of quirky  knick-knacks waiting for a new home.

Details here.

Ecstatic Yoga & Dance – oasis in the loft

Ecstatic dance offers the chance to experience the joy of movement in a free and safe environment. On 12 April, a gentle yoga session will help you get into the right mindset for the dance, before fully surrendering to the rhythms. The atmosphere will be set by La Fuente (SavaBorsa), with fresh Thai beats straight from Thailand, in a unique industrial space in the 3rd district, which will transform into an inner oasis for the evening.

The exact location will be provided after registration. To sign up, email yogabrunchbudapest@gmail.com

Details here.

Kovács Zoltán Trio at Jedermann

If you're after an authentic and non-touristy experience in Budapest on a Saturday night, make your way to the dimly lit bar,  Jedermann on Ráday utca! You'll be in for a lively concert by Kovács Zoltán Trio – playing on the piano, bass, and drums. The event is donation-based, and the recommended sum is a mere HUF 2,000. Book a table at jedermannkavezo@gmail.com!

Details here.

Sunday, 13 April

WAMP Design Market

As a treat for the lovers of local designer goods, WAMP Design Market is popping up at the beautiful  Eiffel Art Studios on Sunday (10 am - 6 pm). The building belongs to the Hungarian Opera House and is filled with intriguing spaces. You'll have the chance to browse unique, small-batch creations, ranging from clothing, jewellery, and accessories to home decor, photography, and even gourmet treats. Entry is free.

Details here.

Exhibition: Peter Lindbergh

See the brilliant and freeing photos of the man who created supermodels! Since the 1980s, Peter Lindbergh has been one of the most influential figures in fashion photography. A true pioneer, he used minimalist techniques to capture timeless characters,  redefining beauty with his distinctive vision. His raw, authentic portraits and unconventional approach to fashion and advertising stood in stark contrast to the polished, rigid aesthetics of the time. Lindbergh gained international recognition with his  1988 American Vogue  shot, featuring six models in simple white shirts, casually gathered on a beach (see the cover photo). This now-iconic image – a symbol of candid moments and effortless beauty –challenged the conventions of the era and cemented his legacy. Catch the exhibition at Kunsthalle!

Details here.

Play in English: Up & Down

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey with Up & Down, an original English-language theatre production which premiered with a full-house in March at Három Holló. It's a contemporary dark comedy theatre play in English that explores themes of identity, power, and belonging. Set in the surreal and confined space of a hot air balloon, the play blends humour with existential questions, challenging societal norms while offering a unique theatrical experience. Through a mix of wit and reflection, Up & Down tackles contemporary issues: sexual identity, mental health, and the feeling of being an outsider in today's world. 

Get tickets here.

(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)

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