Friday, 18 September
OPEN MARKETS DAY 2026
Open Markets Day 2026 takes place on 18 - 19 September, with several Budapest markets joining the programme, including those at Teleki tér, Fény utca, Fővám tér, Fehérvári út and Rákóczi tér. This year's event is all about breakfast, with tastings featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts, baked goods, pickles and homemade specialities. At Teleki tér, visitors can sample breakfast dishes from different cultures, while vendors at the participating market halls will serve up classic market-style breakfasts.
Details here
TRY ONE OF BUDAPEST’S IMMERSIVE ESCAPE ROOMS
If you’d rather start the weekend with a challenge, Friday evening is a good excuse to gather a few friends and try one of Budapest’s more immersive escape rooms. AROOM, MystIQueRoom and Time Heist all offer adventures that go beyond the usual padlocks and number combinations, with cinematic sets, story-driven missions and plenty of interactive elements. From high-tech challenges and horror-themed rooms to outdoor adventures around Budapest, there’s something for different levels of experience.
Details here
SANTSAT PARTY AT HOLDUDVAR ON MARGARET ISLAND
On 18 September, the SANTSAT crew takes over Holdudvar on Margaret Island for a night of music and dancing. The evening starts outdoors under the trees before moving inside after dark, with the party continuing until dawn. S.E.A. kicks things off with a live set built around improvised grooves, followed by house, broken beats and African grooves from Adis Is OK, Stark & Hanussen, Elza & AHAOK and Heineken5, among others.
Details here
Saturday, 19 September
TRIBAL MARKET - JUNGLE - MARKET AT DÜRER KERT
Spend Saturday browsing local finds at TRIBAL MARKET, which returns to Dürer Kert with clothes, accessories, jewellery, ceramics and prints, alongside honey, teas and herbal products. The day doesn't end when the stalls pack up either: Palo Canto takes over with a live concert before a Pure Lust party rounds off the evening. Entry is free.
Details here
PERSIA ON A PLATE - POP-UP DINNER AND PARTY AT TEXTILGYÁR
On 19 September, Persia on plate brings a pop-up dinner and party to Textilgyár. The intimate dinner offers a taste of Persian food culture while connecting Iranian heritage, creativity and storytelling with Boqche's approach to sustainable fashion. After dinner, Budapest-based Hungarian-Persian DJ and producer Nimra takes over with a techno set. Places for the dinner are limited, but the party afterwards is free and open to everyone.
Details here
CAR-FREE WEEKEND 2026
As part of European Mobility Week, Budapest's CAR-FREE WEEKEND takes over the city on 19-20 September, stretching from Kálvin tér to Fővám tér and across Liberty Bridge, as well as the Pest lower embankment and, for the first time, Műegyetem rakpart. Expect retro trams and vintage buses, bike and scooter testing - including the renewed MOL Bubi - a food street, plus family and community programmes. BKK will also run free guided walking and cycling tours, although advance online registration is required. Entry is free.
Details here
Sunday, 20 September
MATCHA CEREMONY AT OKŪMA TEA HOUSE & SOCIAL CLUB
Okūma is hosting a Matcha Ceremony Workshop on 20 September, led by tea expert József Bereczki, who has more than 20 years of experience and has trained in Japan. During the two-hour session, participants can discover the traditions behind Japanese tea ceremony and learn about the preparation of matcha through a traditional approach. The workshop runs from 10am to 12pm, and tickets cost HUF 9,800.
Details here
RED BULL SOAPBOX RACE 2026
On 20 September, the Red Bull Soapbox Race returns after a two-year break, with homemade, human-powered vehicles racing down the slopes of Tabán. Speed isn't the only thing that counts: the jury will also judge the creativity of each vehicle and the pre-race performances, which can include everything from costumes and dancing to other show elements. Expect entertaining performances, eye-catching creations and plenty of action on the track.
Details here
REMARKET MARKET AND VINTAGE FAIR AT HENGERMALOM
The courtyard of Hengermalom fills with vintage finds and pre-loved treasures again on 20 September, when the ReMarket flea market and vintage fair returns. Browse retro, mid-century, folk and antique pieces, from furniture, lamps and jewellery to vintage and old-school clothing. There'll also be food to enjoy while you shop, as well as the chance to join a tour of the building. Entry is free.
Details here
(Cover photo: Hirling Bálint - We Love Budapest)
