Thursday, 1 May
Spring Széll - Modern May Day
To celebrate the arrival of May and the International Workers' Day, Széll Kálmán tér neighbours Nemdebár, the 101BISTRO, Pingrumba, Easy Art Space, and join forces on May 1st (midday -10 pm) to spoil us with all kinds of events. The restaurants that form the core of the group will be offering street food, the bars provide music, and, if that wasn't enough, you can look forward to a children's corner, workshops, and even a lion dance.
Details here.
ReMarket – Vintage Market and May Day
If you're a fan of vintage, retro, mid-century, and folk goodies, set off on an adventure at ReMarket's upcoming flea market (10 am-5 pm). The location, Budafok, might not be central (hop on bus 133E at Astoria station), but the trip will be worth it. You'll be spoiled with treasures all around, like gorgeous antique homeware, books, vintage furniture, clothes, accessories, paintings, frames, industrial lamps, and other goodies awaiting their second life. While you browse away, kids can join workshops.
Details here.
Chinatown Terrace Opening – Street Food Night Market
Did you know that Budapest has its very own Chinatown? And they are opening their terrace for the season on 1 May, promising a vibrant gastro hub for all fans of Southeast cuisine. 12 vendors will be cooking up authentic dishes, which you can then savour al fresco (every day between 5 pm and 11 pm). So head to Kőbánya (Budapest's 10th district) and taste Chinese street food at its best: pancake, dim sum, wok, teppanyaki, oden, Cantonese curry, rice noodle roll, shaved ice, tong sui – you name it. And don't forget to wash it down with Chinese beer.
Details here.
Giulia Garden Opening
Giulia is a true gem in Buda, near Széll Kálmán tér: a chic restaurant offering Italian food and great vibes. And those vibes are even greater sitting at one of the outdoor tables. And the garden is ready to reopen on 1 May, and with it returns the lively buzz around long tables, the first sip of spritz, generous bowls of pasta, and long evenings. The menu is lighter, the cocktails are dangerously good. Over the opening weekend, expect a pasta-focused menu – plus a brand-new summer drink list. At sunset, DJs will take over to match the garden's unbeatable atmosphere, and on Sunday, 4 May, a special Mother's Day brunch is also on the horizon.
Book a table here.
Friday, 2 May
Cinco de Mayo Week
Cinco de Mayo might be a Mexican holiday (commemorating the Battle of Puebla, along with resilience, culture, and identity), but Budapest is ready to celebrate it too. Downtown Mexican restaurant Tereza is getting dressed up to party again and take you to Mexico. Expect music on the terrace, special dishes and drinks created just for this occasion, and a sip of mezcal. Don't forget to book ahead.
Book a table here.
PONTOON REOpening
Get ready for epic sunsets at the foot of the iconic Chain Bridge! Riverside hangout Pontoon is setting up its tables and unfolding its deck chairs to kick off the season. And they are gearing up for a 5-day opening celebration, with jam, fuzz, house, jazz, and electronic beats. This spot is a bucket list item for anyone who loves a laid-back drink or a knees-up. Mingle, chat, dance, toast, and enjoy the early summer vibes.
Details here.
JazzFest Budapest 2025
In recent years, it's become clear: Budapest loves jazz, and the artists love this city right back. That's why, from 27 April to 14 May, JazzFest Budapest returns for the fourth time, filling the city with exciting events – proving once again that jazz is freedom. On 2 May, you can catch the show of Gábor Horváth Trio at Premier KultCafé, Jojo Mayer's performance at Eiffel Art Studios, or a jam night at Jedermann.
See the full programme here.
Saturday, 3 May
Americana – Selection from György Pálfi’s Photography Collection
Since their nearly simultaneous inception in the late 19th century, America and the car have been inextricably linked. Born during an era of rapid innovation, the automobile revolutionised movement by delivering newfound freedom and speed, while photography emerged as a dynamic medium to capture progress and transformation. Drawing from the brilliant and discerning collection of György Pálfi, this remarkable selection of photographs illustrates how the car and photography have led parallel lives from the mid-20th century to the present, revealing the diverse cultural, artistic, social, engineering, and design facets that have come to define American life.
Details here.
25th Budapest Dance Festival
For 25 years, Budapest Dance Festival has been bringing the best of contemporary dance to town – and this year's no different. The first three international shows set the tone for an exciting lineup at the National Dance Theatre. On 3-4 May,Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT 2) returns with a bold, boundary-pushing triple bill.
Details here.
Hungarian Cinema: Szaffi
Catch a gem of Hungarian cinema: Szaffi is a 1985 Hungarian-Canadian animated classic that blends love, legend, and a dash of treasure hunting. The story follows Jónás, a poor young aristocrat, and Szaffi, a spirited Romani girl, who just happens to be the illegitimate daughter of a Turkish pasha. Set in the 18th century during the Ottoman occupation, it’s a heartwarming tale of love, identity, and reclaiming what’s rightfully hers. You can catch it at our favourite repertory cinema, Bem, with English subtitles, and in honour of Hungarian Film Day, tickets are just HUF 1,500.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 4 May
Mother's Day at Brody House
Hungarians celebrate Mother's Day on the first Sunday of May. So on 4 May, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere whether you celebrate it now or on a different date. You can, for example, escape the city buzz and step into a serene oasis — a secret garden tucked inside a historic palace to dine beneath vine leaves and enjoy some tunes. The selection is simply yummy: Scandi Brunch with salmon gravlax and caviar, indulgent goat cheese omelettes with hollandaise, fluffy Harvest Pancakes with seasonal fruit, decadent chocolate pancakes with pecans and sage, savoury French toast with balsamic vegetables, and quinoa porridge with pistachio and salted-caramel crisps — all best enjoyed with a crisp mimosa on Bordy House's sun-drenched terrace.
Book a table here.
MOME Fair at Turbina
The design fair of MOME (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design) students returns this spring, at a brand new venue, Turbina Cultural Centre! Check out the cool prints, jewellery, ceramics, accessories, clothes and unique design products that you won't find anywhere else. Also, if you're wondering what MOME students work on, come and check out the fair and chat with the designers!
Details here.
Makers' Market – May
Another brilliant fair is popping up this Sunday: Makers' Market Budapest. They’re kicking off the season at a brand-new location – Zsiráf at Nyugati tér. This open-air spot brings relaxed vibes, now paired with 85 local designers, so get ready to spend the afternoon browsing. There’ll be plenty to see – and just as much to sip, snack on, and groove to.
Details here.
(Cover photo: Tamás Kőrösi - We Love Budapest)
