1/10
Budapest Urban Games
People swimming across the Danube, racing each other up to the Citadel, competing at streetball and enjoying five-a-side football games. This is Budapest Urban Games, a popular one-day event taking place on September 1st, filling Budapest with exciting sports events. The biggest attraction is always the cross-Danube swim, for which participants jump into the river on the Pest side of Liberty Bridge and emerge a few minutes later on the Buda embankment. Registration is still open for some games, so check out the website for more details (Hungarian-only).
2/10
A38 concerts
In September, scores of cool concerts will be rocking the A38 Ship, a repurposed Ukrainian cargo vessel that is today one of the hottest hangouts in Budapest. Parties aboard are plenty, but here is our pick of the bunch: on September 24th ‘the occult Nick Cave’, King Dude, brings his new album to Budapest, performing with the Icelandic dark-wave trio, Kælan Mikla. On September 28th, another album launch will be presented, by Berlin-based downtempo-nu-jazz collective, Jazzanova, and on 30th, one of the most unique characters in contemporary European r’n’b-pop, Dena, brings a gentle mix of modern glitter and DIY-Balkan aesthetics aboard.
3/10
Ricky Martin
After two years of successful shows in Las Vegas, Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin is Livin' la Vida Loca, setting on a tour that brings him back to Budapest. On September 4th, he treats Budapest's Papp László Sportaréna to his biggest hits such as Nobody Wants to be Lonely, María or She Bangs.
4/10
Budapest Wine Festival
Visitors to Budapest’s biggest and most scenic wine festival – held on the grounds of Buda Castle – can discover Hungary’s different wine regions and finest glasses of reds, whites and rosés between September 6th and 9th. But what kind of a wine festival would this be without culinary indulgence? No need to worry, as you will be able to feast on traditional festival dishes, and match gourmet specialities with your mood and wine here, too. The event is also complete with performances by local artists as well as exciting events entertaining crowds and a breathtaking panorama over Pest stretching out below. More details
5/10
Food Truck Show Budapest
This amazing alfresco food fair runs from September 7th to 9th at Kincsem Park racetrack, gathering the most street-food trucks in one place. Juicy burgers, hearty and heavenly sausages, vegan bites, cold beer and many other street-food treats await everyone over the three days. Street artists, musicians, greyhound and horse races, colourful markets and children’s attractions entertain crowds at this gastro festival, where open-air film screenings end the night. During the event, a bus provides free rides between Deák tér and Kincsem Park. More details (Hungarian-only)
6/10
33rd Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
On September 9th, you can complete a half marathon alongside thousands of other eager athletes while enjoying Budapest’s splendid scenery along the way. The route begins at City Park (aka Városliget) and takes runners into the centre of the city along Andrássy út and across the Chain Bridge, providing an opportunity for athletes to admire Buda Castle, Parliament and the panorama of Pest and Buda while getting some invigorating exercise. You can count on several refreshment stops and musical points along the way, while pace runners help you hit your PB. More details
7/10
National Gallop
Budapest’s scenic Heroes’ Square turns into a racecourse during September 14-16, evoking the atmosphere of bygone times. Young jockeys dressed up as Hungarian hussars get on horseback, while archers, cavalrymen and other historic Hungarian figures entertain crowds. Discover Hungarian equestrian traditions during this two-day extravaganza, and cheer as horses and riders compete for the grand prize and national glory. More details
8/10
Sweet Days Chocolate and Sweets
This will most certainly be the sweetest weekend of the autumn in Budapest, as a selection of international and local hand-crafted confections, chocolates, cakes, ice creams and other sweet seductions, tempt your taste buds during September 14-16. The country’s best pastry chefs and confectioners give demonstrations to entertain everyone with a sweet tooth and when night falls, delightful jazz and classical performances and fine glasses of wine elevate the atmosphere. The icing on the cake is the special setting, as the venue is Szent István tér, spread out before beautiful St. Stephen’s Basilica. And to increase anticipation, entry to this festival is free… Sweet! More details (Hungarian-only)
9/10
Oktoberfest
The Hungarian edition of the world’s biggest brew festival, Oktoberfest, taking place during September 27-30 at the city’s biggest horserace track. Exciting horse and greyhound races entertain bibulous crowds around the grounds of Kincsem Park, while guests can enjoy a gluttonous Bavarian-style blowouts in covered tents. Barrels of beer, savoury sausages, grilled chicken, roasted pork trotters, Bavarian mini sausages and pretzels, and other meaty morsels await, while barmaids in traditional garb serve Steins. Alongside countless kinds of spectacular suds from Hungarian and international breweries, a little yodelayheehoo is provided by live music late into the night. Tickets are available on the event website and occasionally on the day, but they quickly run out. More details (Hungarian-only)
