Friday, 9 May
PesText International Literary and Cultural Festival
From 7–10 May , the PesText International Literary and Cultural Festival brings some of the most exciting contemporary authors to Budapest! So if you're into literature, swing by Három Holló coffee house and Petőfi Literary Museum – the epicenter of this year's events. Expect free translation workshops, illustration workshops, play readings, inspiring panel discussions, and meet-and-greet sessions with book signings. All this featuring authors like Christoph Ransmayr, Joanna Concejo, Karin Smirnoff, David Almond, Elisa Shua Dusapin, or Clare Leslie Hall. On Friday, you can catch Olja Savičević Ivančević and Petr Zelenka at Három Holló.
White Rabbit Brewery TerracE Opening
On 9-10 May, the beloved local brewery Fehér Nyúl (White Rabbit) is opening its terrace with good music, great vibes, and – of course – cold craft beer. You can play table tennis and also rent a grill if you're up for some cooking with your pals. Bring the food, and the rest – charcoal, utensils, paper trays, cutlery – will be provided (it's HUF 7,500 and you need to email them at event@fehernyul.hu). You can even sign up for brewery tours and tastingshere. The brewery might be further away from the city centre (Soroksári út 110-112), but it's easy to reach: just hop on tram 2B at Jászai Mari tér.
Details here.
Saya Noé concert at PONTOON
PONTOON is a laidback outdoor bar at the foot of the Chain Bridge, which is a good-enough reason to pop in anytime. But this Friday, Hungarian singer-songwriter Saya Noé is joining the party too, providing a bonus reason to visit. Known for her atmospheric alternative pop-noir sound, blending distinctive, choir-like vocal harmonies with deep, dark bass lines, her music features stylistic elements from electronica, downtempo, UK garage, and house – a real treat for your wine spritzer.
Details here.
Saturday, 10 May
Lakásbutik Second-hand Fair
Lakásbutik team has selected the best pieces for their spring-summer pop-up event: they're spoiling us with designer outlet items, unique vintage treasures, high-quality pre-loved clothes, shoes, and accessories. And you'll even be treated to a welcome drink! Join if you're looking for a cool local event, great prices, a curated selection, and a thoughtful shopping experience to refresh your wardrobe in an eco-conscious way! The event is free of charge, but registration is required. The exact address, near Millenáris Park, will be provided after registration. Dates: 10 May from 4 pm to 8 pm, and 11 May from 11 am to 4 pm.
Details here and sign up here.
Budaro Designers' Market
Speaking of pop-up fairs: Budaro, a designers' market launched last autumn in Újbuda, also brings great vibes, though a different kind of selection. Here, local designers gather to showcase their beautiful creations, so expect a colourful selection of textile products, ceramics, jewellery, books, and photographs. The event is focusing on Budapest's 11th district, so you'll specifically meet makers of the neigbourood, whether they're emerging talent or well-known brands. The next pop-up is coming on 10 May – where once again, locally made, small-batch and uniquely designed products will take centre stage at Hadik Café + Szatyor Bar and Gallery, Adaptér, and BBBKultPont.
Details here.
Night of Galleries
Újbuda is gearing up for another special event for the weekend: the Night of Galleries. From 5-11 pm, Bartók Béla Boulevard, the district's main street and artsy hub, will come to life as galleries and exhibition spaces open up for visitors, showering us with cool activities. Join guided tours, gallery walks, film screenings, and musical performances, all offering opportunities to engage with contemporary art. While some events might be in Hungarian only, you can surely enjoy the visuals no matter your mother tongue.
Details and list of galleries here.
Sunday, 11 May
Pöttömkert – Little One's Garden at Budapest Park
Budapest Park is a local favourite, an open-air concert venue with festival vibes and amazing shows. But this Sunday, it's gonna be all about children in its massive garden. With stage performances like an interactive musical clown show and Veronaki concert, little ones will get some quality entertainment. Not to mention that plenty of games await them, too: LEGO, Playmobil play corner, musical instrument tryouts, wooden folk games, arts & crafts workshops, colouring stations, and even face painting.
Details and tickets here.
Europe Day
Hungary joined the European Union 21 years ago, which Budapest will celebrate with an extravaganza on Szabadság tér ( Liberty Square) this Sunday. Expect concerts, EU-related information, a variety of family and children's programs , creative workshops, quizzes, and games. Hungarian artists Márk Járai (Dead Money), András Lovasi , and Co Lee (Live Band) will step on the stage bringing upbeat tunes. Children can enjoy concerts by Krisztián Grecsó and the Pici Szív Dance Band, Rutkai Bori Banda, and the Apacuka Band, as well as puppet theater by Majorka Theatre. You can also cheer on runners at the '21 Years – 21 km – EU Run'. And the best bit? It's all free!
Details here .
Free-from Chimney Cake Weekend at Édes Mackó
Édes Mackó is an adorable pastry shop at City Park , serving up amazing chimney cake (spit roll dusted with cinnamon or sugar). And if you're up for giving this Hungarian sweet a try, but prefer free-from versions , this Sunday will be the time to visit them! From 9-11 May, you can get your hands on classic gluten- and dairy-free versions (vanilla, walnut, cinnamon, coconut, cocoa), special flavored gluten- and dairy-free chimney cakes (raspberry, pistachio), and May Day special: Chimney Cake Fondue Variations with various toppings.
Details here .
(Cover photo: Tamás Kőrösi - We Love Budapest)
