1. Tamara Łempicka: The Art Deco Queen
If you're into Art Deco, make a beeline for the Polish Institute's latest exhibition! This free showcase dives into the world of Tamara Łempicka, one of the most iconic portrait artists of the 1920s and '30s. Though the works on display are reproductions, they capture the essence of her unmistakable style – elegant, bold, and dripping with old-money glamour. Łempicka wasn't just painting for fun; she immortalised the rich and famous, from industrial tycoons and magnates' wives to actual queens and everyday women. Her work still graces the halls of top-tier museums like the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and if you've got a spare $20 million lying around, you might just snag one at auction. In the meantime, to the Polish Institute, it is!
Catch the exhibition from 21 January to 21 February!
Details here.
2. World Stars and Hungarian Artists in Front of Renowned Photographers' Cameras
If photography is more your speed, mark your calendar for 6 February! The Virág Judit Gallery is hosting a special exhibition featuring the works of Wilhelm “Willy” Maywald (1907–1985), the legendary photographer who once captured the magic of Dior. As the unofficial chronicler of Paris' art scene, Maywald snapped candid moments of the biggest stars, actors, painters, and sculptors of his time. And you can admire these stunning shots for free until 26 February – or even take one home if you're in a buying mood!
Catch the exhibition from 6-26 February!
Details here.
3. Trotting Carnival
On 8th February, you can celebrate the approaching carnival season in a unique way: at a race course. Kincsem Park, one of Eastern Europe's most beautiful ones, is about to host a free Trotting Carnival, where you can root for horses at nine exciting races. And don't forget to dress up since there'll be a costume competition, and the first 500 guests arriving in costume will receive a cup of free tea or mulled wine. Live music will add to the festive atmosphere, and if you're feeling lucky, you might even go home with valuable prizes from the raffle at the end of the day!
Details here.
4. Folk Dance House at Pótkulcs
Pótkulcs, already a hidden downtown gem, is turning up the energy on 12 February with a free dance event! And if you're keen to learn some folk dance, you should be there too! You can kick off the carnival season the traditional way with a Moldavian Csángó dance house, featuring live music from Csenderítők to keep your feet moving. The vibe here is always top-notch, but if you need an extra boost, a glass (or two) of fröccs – sparkling wine–, some smoky cigánypecsenye, or a stack of pancakes will do the trick.
Details here.
5. Budapest Central European Fashion Week – Fashion Hub
This February, the high-energy runway shows of Fashion Week come with a stylish bonus: Fashion Hub at Millenáris (15-16 February). Think trendy workshops, inspiring talks, and a chance to rub elbows with fashion legend Massimo Morello. If you'd get hands-on, mix up natural lip care products at the Lipstick Lab, discover Japanese Sashiko, aka the Art of Stitching, or even craft your own aluminium jewellery. Best of all? It's free! Just make sure to register in advance.
Check out the full program here!
(Cover photo: Norbert Juhász - We Love Budapest)
