Fantastic festivals, cool concerts, cultural showcases and amazing parties – Budapest is always buzzing. Every month, we bring together all of the important happenings taking place in and around Hungary’s capital, so you can plan ahead. For January, an Ennio Morricone concert, a half marathon and Egon Schiele on film are all among the many exciting events you shouldn't miss. Get out there and enjoy everything that Budapest has to offer!
1/11
Weegee -- The Famous
As this excellent exhibition closes on 20 January, these are the last couple of weeks for you to go and see it. The sensational images of Arthur Felling, widely known as Weegee, made him synonymous with the Big Apple in the 1930s. This show at the Mai Manó House presents 104 of his best photos, delving deep into the dark secrets of the city that never sleeps. More details
On 3 January, the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra give their annual New Year concert at the ceremonial hall of the Pesti Vigadó. The ensemble often performs at illustrious venues, accompanied by first-class soloists. Their guest for this occasion is singer Edina Szirtes. More details
3/11
Valyo Mobile Sauna
From 5 January, a fully functional wood-fired sauna installed inside an old minibus will be parked at the riverfront Valyo Kikötő by red Rákóczi Bridge on the Pest side. Anyone can book a Scandinavian-style session by the river – all you need to bring is your swimsuit, a towel and flip-flops. A changing room, a cold shower and the panorama are all provided, while an adjacent hut offers hot drinks. Booking is already open here.
4/11
Annual Stagediving Festival
It’s that time of the year again, when tattooed folks gather to practise the noble art of stagediving, egged on by the primal noise of the likes of Hit By A Schoolbus, Watch My Dying and the Hortobágy Hardcore Crew. (Hortobágy has a hardcore crew?!?) Unforeseen (pictured) will also be presenting their new album. The action takes place around three concert halls of the Dürer Kert, from 6:30pm on Friday, 11 January. More details
5/11
Zúzmara Half Marathon
Hardcore joggers gather at the Hungexpo, Budapest’s extensive fair complex in District X, to tackle a half marathon — or other distances — in the depths of winter on 13 January. The event starts with a five-kilometre run-out at 9am, while the half marathon kicks off at 10:30am. More details and application (in Hungarian)
Klimt protégé Egon Schiele is one of the most important artists of the early 20th century. His life and oeuvre shaped by eroticism stirred much scandal and even landed him in court. On 14 January, the Uránia National Film Theatre screens a recently shot Schiele biopic. The film is screened in German, with English and Hungarian subtitles. More details
7/11
Winterfest beer festival
Ale aficionados will be gathering for a two-day celebration of beer on 18-19 January at the Duna Palota behind the Gresham Palace on focal Zrínyi utca. The event showcases local and international varieties and gives visitors a chance to learn about beer making, pairing suds with specific gastronomic delights. Concerts also feature. Open: Friday 18th 4pm-1am, Saturday 19th noon-1am. Buy your ticket in advance here. More details
Italian composer and conductor Ennio Morricone is a true living legend; he has composed more than 500 scores for cinema and television, as well as over 100 music works, and is one of only two film composers in history to have received an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievement. On 23 January, Morricone fills the Papp László Sportaréna with marvellous melodies, part of an exclusive concert series celebrating his 90th birthday that spans six European cities, including Budapest. More details
9/11
Wedding Fair and Exhibition
This exhibition and fair for weddings, balls and festivals is held every year in January, just before the ball season and panicky wedding preparations begin. The exhibit provides an overview of the market, as well as presenting a selection of breathtakingly beautiful wedding gowns by both Hungarian and international designers. Also showcased will be decorations, underwear, suits for men, cakes, photographers, restaurants, party services, music producers, jewellery and honeymoon planning. Those who would like to have a fairy-tale wedding in Budapest, a fabulous ball or an important family gathering can find everything they need under one roof at this two-day event, taking place on 26-27 January. More details
British pop-rock band You Me At Six return to Budapest with a new album on 29 January. In VI, the group move away from their go-to high-school rock style, and embrace synth pop instead. More details
