Danube Carnival

Immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of Danube Carnival, lighting up the city between 7-14 June. Picture this: vibrant folk melodies echoing through the streets, traditional dance performances captivating audiences in every corner… And a kaleidoscope of colours painting the cityscape. As you explore the festivities, you’ll not only witness Hungary’s rich folk music and dance heritage but also discover a melting pot of global folk dance traditions.

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Rosalia Wine Festival

The city’s biggest green space, the City Park’s annual summer kick-off garden party has become a tradition, famous for its stunning selection of wines and incredible atmosphere. Happening from 31 May to 2 June, this event is a dream come true for rosé and bubble lovers, from kids to grown-ups, and even for your furry friends. As always, there’s also the opportunity for a picnic, which adds an extra flair to the culinary delights.

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Divas & Icons

This awesome exhibition put together by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is hitting the road as a traveling exhibition for the first time ever, starting at the House of Music Hungary on 18 May and will be available until 15 September. Titled “Divas & Icons,” this display dives into the amazing stories and original outfits of legendary performers like Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Cher, Marilyn Monroe and many more. It’s all about celebrating the incredible power and creativity of women!

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VÁRKERTFESZT

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the renovation of the Castle Garden Bazaar at VárkertFeszt arts festival from 31 May to 2 June! It will feature fun family events, electrifying concerts, literary programmes, guided tours and special gastronomic surprises in the Castle Garden Bazaar. Explore the complex on the Buda side of the Danube, a bustling cultural hub, adorned with a unique Neo-Renaissance Garden, making it a true gem of the city.

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Crystal by Recirquel

Müpa Budapest’s most popular winter performance is undeniably Recirquel’s Kristály (Crystal), a contemporary circus fairy tale which attracts people of all age groups. The story is about the evolution of Snowlandia’s frosty-hearted ruler, Kristály, who at one point bans citizens from laughing. From 6 December to 15 January, the enchanting show will be performed at Millenáris Glass Hall (building D), a new location with a much bigger performance space that allows creators to feature a number of new set and visual elements.

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 16-20.

IceWorld

Budapest’s popular outdoor concert venue, Budapest Park doesn’t go into a hibernation-like state as the weather turns cold. Instead, from 1 December to 31 January it transforms into the ice world of our dreams, with a huge ice-rink. Considering the venue’s close relationship to music, the loudspeakers won’t be silenced, and the bars that serve cold beer and juicy cocktails in the summer will turn up the heat and provide hot drinks to warm skaters up. Tickets are available online and at Budapest Park’s ticket office.

1095 Budapest, Soroksári út 60.

Hello Winterland

Located in District II, Hello Buda welcomes everyone in December with an ambiance resembling that of a mountain hut. The atmosphere is very cozy outside: there is wooden flooring at the terrace, which is characterized by a winter-like exterior complete with standing patio heaters and wine barrel tables. The transformation into winterland is only complete when the ice rink opens, and DJ Fagyi (aka DJ Ice Cream) takes over the DJ booth. In case you would get hungry, Hello Buda’s four great restaurants will help sate your appetite.

1025 Budapest, Törökvész út 93/A

Normafa Ski House

You can leave the hustle and bustle of Budapest behind without having to cross the city’s borders. To prove our point, we highly recommend you visiting Normafa, a beloved hiking destination and lookout spot. Even though hiking is not very popular in winter, Normafa is worth visiting because of the unparalleled panorama it offers over the capital city. Once you are there, look for Normafa Ski House, they sell all kinds of classic winter delicacies: warm drinks, strudel, chimney cake and more. If anything, it will get you into the holiday spirit.

1121 Budapest, Eötvös utca 59.

OperaTour

Explore the Budapest home of opera and ballet! The recently renovated, breath-taking building of the Hungarian State Opera offers 60-minute guided tours in English, Spanish, Italian, and Hungarian every day. The program unveils the most beautiful spaces of the house built in 1884, while visitors will learn about how the rooms were renovated to re-gain their original pomp. Newly added 21th century technologies and innovations that make theatrical experience more comfortable will also be introduced. At the end of the tour, a mini concert makes your visit unforgettable.

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22.

Minor Mysteries by Hans van der Meer

This autumn the legendary documentary photographer Hans van der Meer’s characteristic, absurd works are exhibited at Capa Centre. Open until late December, the display recalls the Dutch artist’s 1985-86 visit in Budapest, when he was aimlessly wandering the streets of the Hungarian capital to capture the beauty of everyday life, including playful and grotesque scenes. Meer’s photos reveal a very special era in Hungarian history when – despite all the difficulties the nation had faced in previous decades – Budapest and its people were still clinging to a shred of hope that better days were coming.

1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 8.

Organ Concerts in the St. Stephen’s Basilica

The one and only concert series Cathedral Organ Concerts during which the audience can hear the world-renowned Angster organ in the St. Stephen’s Basilica is the held every Monday in the St. Stephen’s Square’s cathedral. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind music experience that features the Basilica’s best organists, as well as collaborating singers and musicians, who perform the well-known works and church cantatas of Bach, Mozart, and Schubert. The concerts start at 5 PM and last only 45 minutes. Note that children under 6 are not allowed in the concert hall.

1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 1.

Hungarian House of Music

In January 2022, the fascinating, award-winning building of the House of Hungarian Music opened its gates in City Park. Unique in every detail, the institution leads visitors through the world of music. Its permanent exhibition titled Dimensions of Sound – Musical Journey Through Space and Time quickly became immensely popular among locals due to its interactive solutions and creative storytelling. Apart from the must-see display, live music concerts and guided tours that let you in on the secrets of Japan architect Sou Fujimoto’s masterpiece are more than recommended to attend.

1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 3.

Top Budapest Tours

Do you feel like exploring the most famous sights of Budapest with a local guide? Top Budapest Tours offers free walking tours in four different areas of the city. The 2,5-hour long Welcome to Budapest tour is the perfect program if it’s your first time in the Hungarian capital, whereas the Jewish Quarter tour guides you through the hidden historical gems of District VII. The Buda Castle and the Budapest by Sunset walking tours are also very informative and rich in beautiful landmarks. Should you choose any of them, make sure you book your tour online! At the end of the tour, you can decide how much the tour is worth for you, and tip your wonderful guide based on your experience.

Springtime Picnic in Etyek

6-7 April

Often called Budapest’s vineyard, Etyek can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, however, you’ll find yourself in a whole new rural world. Explore the unique wine region step by step, visiting every little wine cellars, terraces, and courtyards, tasting all the fine wine potions and other traditional delicacies, such as artisanal chocolate bonbons, juicy pork dishes, homemade soft drinks, and many more. Kids will also enjoy the picnic as children’s concerts and animal petting programs will be organized too.

Springtime Greenness with kiskertpiac

7 April

Hosted inside the industrial-chic walls of popular urban hangout Anker’t, kiskertpiac is a monthly event focusing on community building through the shared love of urban and sustainable lifestyles. Visit 33 Paulay Ede utca for the perfect eco-friendly Sunday filled with artisan delicacies, natural cosmetics, seasonal flowers and plants, as well as sustainable design products. Among others, you can purchase unique sets of handmade ceramics, spring-themed front door wreaths, flowered bracelets, and cute, animal printed plant pots.

Rákóczi Brunch

Every Saturday morning

The Rákóczi Brunch event series of Rákóczi tér Market Hall returns every Saturday to its usual spot by the Vásár utca entrance. Tables, chairs, cutting boards, thermo pots, and glasses are provided by the organizers, so all you have to bring is the ingredients that can be purchased on a friendly price from the nearby sellers. Join the community that is accompanied by good music, good vibes, and good people everytime!

On 22 January several cultural and art events are organized throughout the country that emphasise Hungarian roots, traditions, and patriotism, plus work as a means of passing on our material and spiritual values. Luckily, Budapest boasts a diverse set of programs all year round, which makes it possible to devote some time to culture this January. Here are 5 amazing cultural programs we highly recommend you to attend in the next month.

Recirquel Company Budapest: Paris De Nuit – Müpa Budapest – 4 dates in January

Paris De Nuit takes its audience into the fizzy life of the 1930s filled with its voluptuous desires and beauty, revealing illusionary moments – captured by Hungarian photographer Brassaï – from the lives of prostitutes and peddlers, down and outs, and illicit lovers who lived on the edges of society. Stunning circus artists, dancers, and musicians are bringing the decadent Paris nights of old times to life on 3, 4, and 5 January.

Moderato Cantabile – Müpa Budapest – 18 January

The coproduction of the Szeged Contemporary Ballet and the National Dance Theatre of Hungary is all about passion and unfulfilled love. Based on Kriszta Tereskova Nagy’s feminist work titled Femenizma, the performance evokes the four seasons that embody the four phases of human life with a focus on women.

Jethro Tull World Tour – Budapest Congress Centre – 19 January

The legendary Jethro Tull was formed more than 50 years ago in Blackpool, UK. Known for their extraordinary style mixing blues, rock, classical, and folk music, as well as their unique rhythms, the band has conquered the world. Ian Anderson, the founder, flautist, and lead singer of Jethro Tull, returns back to Budapest on 19 January to win our hearts once again.

Ennio Morricone 90^th Celebration Concert – Budapest Music Centre – 23 January

One of the most well-known composers in the world, Ennio Morricone turned 90 this November. To celebrate the ninety years he has spent in this world, Morricone goes on tour with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra visiting six European cities, including Budapest. During his sixty years in music, Morricone composed legendary soundtracks, such as Once Upon a Time in the West and The Professional.

Bánk bán (The Viceroy Bánk) – National Theatre of Hungary – 3 dates in January

First published in Kecskemét in 1820, József Katona’s Bánk bán is one of the greatest masterpieces of Hungarian drama literature. In his adaptation Attila Vidnyánszky, the director of the National Theatre, grasped the dramatic tension of the play and turned it into a captivating 2-and-a-half hour theatre performance starring László Mátray, Dorottya Udvaros, Andrea Söptei, and Dénes Farkas, among others. On 25, 26, 27 January Bánk bán is played in Hungarian with English subtitles.

Venues and Artists

Islandic musical genius, Ólafur Arnalds is to perform tracks from his latest album, re:member at Müpa Budapest, while the band of Belgian jazz musician Nathan Daems and his bassist-composer colleague, Filip Vanderbrill, Black Flower will take the stage at Instant, a venue that recently joined the list of locations. Among others, Mongooz And The Magnet and the multi-instrumentalist Ibaaku from Senegal will all perform there, as well as Swing á la Django, Juli Horányi and Máriusz Fodor.

A38 Ship welcomes Chad Lawson, the composer who is known for his work on the iconic series The Walking Dead and the movie that scored an Oscar for Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant. Girls in Pearls, the Estonian twins who are widely considered one of the most compelling pop formations of the Baltics, will deliver the best festival beats, and the German Lilly Among Clouds characterized by honest sensitivity will also hit the stage before Dóra Hegyi (Ohnody) and mïus join forces in a theatrical performance.

Akvárium Klub is a veteran when it comes to CAFe Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival. This time the venue gives home to the performance of American-Jamaican talent Masego, the artist of South-African origins who takes pride in his roots. He is often compared to and mentioned as the fusion of Pharrell Williams, Michael Jackson and Jamie Foxx that is quite an accomplishment. Akvárium will also give home to a 3-day festival, Budapest Ritmo, featuring unique world music performances, outstanding workshops and an event called “showcase” introducing young talents.

After its sweeping triumph at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival earlier this year, the very first Hungarian contemporary circus company, Recirquel will debut its brand new show, My Land at CAFe Festival. Hungarian National Ballet’s Triple Dance trilogy featuring 3 of modern ballet’s most prominent figures, Johan Inger, Sharon Eyal and William Forsythe is also scheduled to be performed.

For those of you who desire to witness an innovative production we highly recommend Joan Catalá’s multi-award winning Pelat which you can catch at Budapest’s public spaces. Another, rather surrealist performance invites you to Trafó, where the Belgian Peeping Tom company’s Moeder (Mother) takes the stage with a performance that will creep under your skin. It’s spectacular, stunt-like scenes burn into the retina, resulting in a truly impressive show.

Can you believe that this upcoming weekend is the last one in May, which means that summer is just around the corner. See our collection of weekend events with tons of outdoor fun.

Thursday – 25 May

Y-Production in the Park – Budapest Park – 10PM

The psy/goa musicians give the coolest concerts in Budapest Park once in a month. You don’t want to miss this one.

For more info, click HERE.

Lépcső Akusztik pres. Szivák Zsolt – Zsiráf – 8PM

Thursday evenings are best spent at ZSIRÁF. Cold drinks, fresh air and good talks are accompanied by Hungarian musicians’ concerts. Today Zsolt Szivák, the singer of Cloud9+, will hold a chill acoutic session at 8PM.

For more info, click HERE.

III. Corvin Beer Festival – Corvin sétány – 4PM

At the four-day long festival, Hungarian and imported craft beers will be in the spotlight.

For more info, click HERE.

Friday – 26 May

Retro music from the ’00s – The last dance – BRKLYN – 11PM

For more info, click HERE.

DESPaCITO By DR BRS – Fröccsterasz – 11PM

Mamacitas, loca chicas, gasolinas, bailar and everything that has something to do with latin music this Friday at Fröccsterasz.

For more info, click HERE.

Saturday – 27 May

III. Knauf Half Marathon – Tihany – 2PM

Run in Tihany’s inner lake (Belső-tó), one of the most picturesque landscapes in the country.

For more info, click HERE.

Lick The Click! Sunburst #109 – A38 – 2PM

Party in daylight? Yes! Saturday afternoon at A38.

For more info, click HERE.

Glamour Glammies – Beauty Day – Aréna Pláza – 10AM

Glamour Glammies Award goes to the best beauty products every year based on the number of votes they get from the audience. The organizers are having a beauty day this year so that you can try all the products in the competition.

For more info, click HERE.

Sunday – 28 May

WAMP – design market – WAMP – 11AM

In May WAMP, the most anticipated design fair in Hungary will take place twice and you can check out the latest products of Hungarian designers on the 14^thand the 28^th at Erzsébet square in bright spring sunshine. This time the fair will focus on accessories, but you will also find a bunch of stunning small-scaled pieces from the latest spring/summer garment collections.

For more info, click HERE.

Night of a Thousand Lanterns – Ötvenhatosok tere – 2PM

The Night of a Thousand Lanterns was launched in 2011 as a civil initiation to raise public awareness to the alarming problem of child disappearance. The programme is organized in harmony with the International Missing Children’s Day (25th May). Popular Hungiarian singers and bands have performed more than 100 concerts in the past 6 years all over Hungary to call the attention to the problem of lost children. This year more than 50 musicians are going to appear on stage in more than 10 cities and give concerts.

For more info, click HERE.

All You Can Eat Breakfast – Slow Foodiez – 10AM

Last time the AYCE Brunch was such a success story that we need to repeat. The guests were very happy to eat as much as they can but it was a mission impossible to consume everything. We will represent the NEW A’LA CARTE MENU Brunch selection which celebrates Spring and Summer seasons. There will be several brand new, refreshing options but let’s not reveal everything quite yet.

For more info, click HERE.

Thursday – 18 May

Acoustic concert w/ Zsolt “Ritmo” Németh – ZSIRÁF – 8PM

The second “Stairs Acoustic” of this season brings you Zsolt “Ritmo” Németh. If you want to experience this smooth jazzy guitar session while drinking fröccs, join the event HERE.

The Toasters /UK/, Van Dammes /FI/ – A38 Hajó – 8PM

Robert Hingley and his band returns to Budapest for the second time! The Toaters will give a concert at A38 this Thursday. Join the event HERE.

Friday – 19 May

33rd European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships – Papp László Sportaréna – all weekend

Budapest will host the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships for the second time. Go to Papp László stadium and check it out! More info HERE.

Season opening NECC PARTY 90’s + 00’s – Budapest Park – 10PM

The best retro party in Budapest will be hosted in the best outdoor concert place of the city. Do we need to say anything else? Join HERE.

Romkert Season Opening – Romkert – 10PM

Romkert is not only a club, but The Club Of Summer! Soon we will open up the gates of freedom for you, where you can taste the feeling of carefree enjoyments with the best musics, the most beautiful ladies, the hottest gents and the best cocktails. Experience how the Moon is shining on the Danube and the hills od Buda are echoing the best tracks. Join the event HERE.

Saturday – 20 May

4th birthday party of KIOSK Budapest – Millenáris Park – 2PM

Everyone is invited to KIOSK Budapest’s birthday party which will be held in Millenáris Park this Saturday. HERE is your invitation.

Runway w/ Soulja, Lauer, Pure Mr G – BRKLYN – 11PM

You say party on Saturday, we say Runway at BRKLYN. Join the event HERE.

LARM LavaLava Season Closing Party – LARM – 11PM

Let’s celebrate together that the summer is here. Join the event HERE.

Mazel Tov Brunch – Mazel Tov – 10AM

Mazel Tov does not only offer lunch and dinner meals from this Saturday, check out there fabulous repertoir of morning delicacies. Start Staruday morning with them, and join the event HERE.

Sunday – 21 May

Vintage Market – 10AM

We are in love with vintage treasure, if you feel the same way, check out this event HERE.

22^nd Danube Carnival International Multicultural Festival

This year, the prestigious festival will await you with a brand new program series: between 3 and 8 June on the Városmajor Stage you can see a number of unique productions presenting the colourful folklore heritage of the country’s various nationalities.

For more info, click HERE.

Jazz, Pop, Rock, Latin, Blues and Folk

During the sixties, the beat music that managed to slip through the Iron Curtain became extremely popular. Later on, the dance house movement also started, aiming to save the best of local folk music and dance. The Hungarian Vista Social Club awaits you with a real cultural experience on 20 May at Fonó!

For more info, click HERE.

FIRKIN Acoustic Show

On 10 June, Városmajor Open Air Stage awaits you with Guinness and whiskey tastings accompanied by some Irish goulash, traditional tunes and dance moves along with the acoustic show of FIRKIN starting at 6 PM. Experience the real Irish atmosphere on the season opening party of the popular venue!

For more info, click HERE.

Spring Festival of the Hungarian Museums

For the 22^nd time, the Hungarian National Museum invites you to this special cultural program series between 20 and 21 May. This year’s theme, Museums in the Garden highlights the importance of environmental protection and the reconstruction of Múzeumkert.

For more info, click HERE.

Downtown Concerts in the heart of Budapest

Organ solo concerts on Wednesdays at 4 PM in the 2000-year old Inner City Parish Church, and professional organ choir concerts in the baroque St. Michael’s Church on Saturdays at 7 PM.

For more info, click HERE.

Your Choice: Apocalypse or Global Sustainability

Within the confines of the 3rd International Carpet Exhibition at the Pesti Vigadó, carpet artists wish to reflect upon a very early stage of this art genre, going back to the times when themes, represented on carpets in the form of really monumental series of medieval tapestry images, were enlarged by anonymous textile artists.

For more info, click HERE.

Cirque Du Soleil: Varekai

If you want to see real magic with your own eyes, Cirque Du Soleil’s new show should certainly be on the top of your list! Varekai evokes a fantastic world filled with mythological creations in a spellbinding environment. The protagonist, a young man, finds himself in an enchanted forest, inviting the audience to a breath-taking journey.

For more info, click HERE.

Hitler and Hitler

If you are looking for a truly interesting play, don’t miss out on this astonishing show at Átrium Theatre! Hitler and Hitler is a collage of artistic reflections filled with vivid fantasy: performed by Berlin based actors, led by Christian Harting, known for his role in the Oscar winning Son of Saul, directed by Oliver Micevski, based on the play by the controversial Russian author Konstantin Kostenko, this piece creates a new, yet painfully recognizable portrait of the paranoid dictator – all on 17 and 24 May at Átrium!

For more info, click HERE.

Thursday – 14 May

Acoustic concert with Bence Vavra – ZSIRÁF – 8PM

The guest of the first „Stairs Acoustic” this year is the incredibly talented singer of ByTheWay band, Bence Vavra. He is giving a special acoustic concert tonight at ZSIRÁF with the biggest acoustic hits.

Join the event HERE.

III. Vegan Food Fest – Promenade next to Allee – between 11 and 14 May

Vegan Food Fest, this exciting gastrofest has been organized for the third time in Hungary. This year we can enjoy organic delicacies for four days.

For more info, click HERE.

Friday – 15 May

Rosalia Festival 2017 – City Park – between 12 and 14 May

The spring is here, the summer is coming, and to celebrate that, City Park turns pink this weekend. Rosé wine, champagne, street food, concerts and, of course, love at one of the biggest wine festivals in the country. You can even win tickets HERE if you take part in our game.

For more info, click HERE.

The first birthday of PONTOON w/ Parno Gaszt – PONTOON – 8PM

Gypsy music, pálinka, guitar, accordion, dancing, going crazy, friendly atmosphere and the best concert you could have asked for this Friday.

Click HERE if you want to dance.

Tour de l’art – contemporary cycling in the city – Ludwig Museum – 6PM

There are more contemporary sculptures on Budapest’s public plazas than you would think. Join the bicycle tour of Ludwig Musuem and explore the contemporary sculptures of the city together.

Join the event HERE.

Saturday – 16 May

CityMatiné w/ Bas Ibellini – Kincsem Park – 10AM

Lineup: Bas Ibellini, Dj Sobek, Captain Knuckles, Adx.

If you feel like partying in daylight, click HERE.

La Boum – Sounds of ‘80s and ‘90s by HELLO – Toldi Klub – 11PM

The sexiest queer party in town is here again entertaining us with the ‘80s and ‘90s music this Saturday.

Join the event HERE.

“Belvárosi pancs” gastromarket – Belvárosi piac – 9AM

We have big news for marketgoers: “Belvárosi pancs” gastromarket will be organized every Saturday from now on.

For more info, click HERE.

Sunday – 17 May

WAMP design market – Erzsébet tér – 11AM

You can purchase Hungarian designer’s unique products this Sunday at Elizabeth square. The emphasis will be on accessories this time, don’t miss out.

Join the event HERE.