With 1 May falling on a Friday this year, the long weekend is a perfect excuse to spend more time out in the city. From riverside openings and seasonal festivals to pop-ups and relaxed Sunday plans, here’s a selection of events to check out between 1 and 3 May.

Friday, 1 May

RAKPART SEASON OPENING 2026

From May, the Pest lower embankment once again opens up to pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone looking to spend time by the Danube. This year, alongside Jane Haining rakpart, the Antall József rakpart will also host an expanded programme of events. With the embankment closed to traffic, both Viadukt Bar and DUNYI kick off the season as well: on 1 May, Glencz, ZSÉ, Dan Pinto, and the Bladerunnaz crew bring music to the riverside. All events are free to attend.

Details here and here

SPRING SZÉLL 2026

On 1 May, Spring Széll returns for its fifth edition at Széll Kálmán Square, organised by Nemdebár, 101Bistro, Sárkány, Pingrumba, Heavy Budapest, and Zappi. The programme blends live music and DJ sets with a broader festival atmosphere, featuring performances by artists including Tücsök Eszti & Végh Marci, Mesterházy, DJ Szotyi, Toxic Friends (Levkō b2b Raasa), Manus duo, and Hari-Bo. Alongside the music, visitors can explore a design market, street food stands, and drinks, while family-friendly activities, a traditional lion dance, and community installations round out the day.

Details here

DOGZ FESTIVAL 2026

On 1 May, City Park once again fills with dogs and their owners as DOGZ Festival returns, one of Hungary’s largest community events dedicated to dog lovers. Organised by We Love Dogz magazine, the festival brings together  pet owners, future adopters, professionals, and families for a full day of programmes. 

Details here

Saturday, 2 May

NOS POP-UP AT VAJ BUDA

On 2 May, NOS takes over VAJ Buda for a one-day Mother's Day pop-up. For the occasion, the bakery transforms into a small gift shop, featuring a curated selection of items chosen by NOS. Visitors can browse jewellery, prints, accessories, ceramics, and textiles, while VAJ complements the event with its usual range of pastries. The bakery and café will remain open throughout with their full offering.

Details here

PONTOON KICKS OFF THE SEASON

Pontoon returns for the season with its usual four-day opening right by the Danube, bringing back one of the city's most loved riverside spots. The programme mixes live concerts and DJ sets across genres, from more laid-back daytime sessions to stronger electronic evenings. On 2 May, the line-up includes Henri Gonzo, alongside DJs like Mirmur, DJ Reload, Switch Nollie, Slym, and Szoliver.

Details here

PUB QUIZ AT JO&JOE: HARRY POTTER

If you're in the mood for something interactive, Jo&Joe Budapest hosts a Harry Potter-themed pub quiz on 2 May from 8 pm. Expect questions covering everything from Hogwarts history to the wider wizarding world, with prizes like drinks and bar discounts for the top teams. You can join with friends or turn up solo and be matched into a group on the spot. It's a relaxed, slightly competitive way to spend the evening - whether you know the books by heart or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Details here

Sunday, 3 May

MOTHER’S DAY 

Mother's Day is always celebrated on a Sunday in Hungary, making it the perfect excuse to plan something a bit more personal. Whether it's brunch, a workshop, or a relaxed day out, you can find plenty of ideas in our guide to best things to do on mother's day in budapest in 2026.

PÖTTÖMPARK CHILDREN’S GARDEN

On 3 May, Budapest Park once again hands over the space to its youngest visitors with PöttömPark, a full day of family-friendly programmes. Expect concerts by Kiskalász and Danny & Béla, along with storytelling sessions, creative workshops, face painting, and plenty of interactive activities – from LEGO sessions and a musical instrument exhibition to a fire truck and sports games.

Details here

KOPASZIKERT WEEKEND

Between 1 and 3 May, Kopaszikert hosts a laid-back long weekend programme by the Danube. Expect freshly made lángos, cold Pilsner on tap, and DJ sets throughout the day, creating an easy, all-day hangout atmosphere. Sunday also brings a range of children's activities, making it a good option for families as well. It's the kind of place where you can drop in with friends and stay longer than planned, especially if the weather's on your side.

Details here

(Cover photo:  Mudra László  -  We Love Budapest)

Legyetek ott első városi piknikünkön!

Gyertek, és töltsünk el egy vidám napsütéses tavaszi napot együtt a városligeti fák lombjai között május 1-jén, ahol day-time piknik, workshopok, sok szuper food truck és dizájnvásár is vár mindenkit.

Ünnepeljük együtt a tavaszt, a találkozásokat és azt a pezsgést, amiért annyira szeretjük Budapestet!

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