Be Massive x Castle Session

Wrap up the outdoor season with Be Massive Horizon’s last Castle Session of the year on 26 September from 4 PM at Várkert Bazár! Enjoy electronic beats by Metha, Robert Makai, and Somazed in the historic Neo-Renaissance rose garden, with stunning views of the Danube and Gellért Hill. A perfect sunset party!

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Open-Air Choir Concert

Elevate your weekend with a sublime outdoor choir concert on 19 September at Fisherman’s Bastion Music Pavilion! Marvel at rich, soaring harmonies by South Tyrol’s Männerchor Völs am Schlern, framed by Budapest’s breathtaking panorama and the iconic Matthias Church. Entry is free, start time is 11 AM.

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World Press Photo

Step into Budapest Zoo’s Biodome and see the world through the eyes of the world’s top photojournalists. The 2026 World Press Photo exhibition brings you face-to-face with raw human resilience, crisis, and hope. Featuring 1956 historical photos and election coverage by 24.hu, it’s an unmissable, powerful experience!

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Aura Bay

Lose yourself in the magic of Aura Bay, Hungary’s first immersive light park on Óbuda Island! Wander through 10 breathtaking zones where nature and water come alive across 6,700 m² of cutting-edge indoor and outdoor light art. Interactive, monumental, and pure wonder – prepare to be spellbound!

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KRAFT Beer Festival

Craving great craft beer and music? Head to Dürer Kert from 10–13 September for the KRAFT Beer Festival! Chat with regional brewers, sip fruity sours or rich imperial stouts, and feast at food trucks, all while enjoying free live shows and DJ sets throughout the weekend. Entry is free, just grab a tasting glass!

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Mozart Expedition

Embark on an expedition of Mozart’s world between 9 and 13 September at the Palace of Arts! This captivating mini festival explores The Magic Flute through staged operas by Iván Fischer, the iconic Salzburg Marionette Theatre, film screenings, and interactive talks. Prepare for a magical journey of discovery!

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See the city from a different point of view:

The Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Budapest from the Danube at Golden Hour

Join us on a Mahart Cruises sightseeing boat tour as we explore Budapest’s most breathtaking landmarks from the Danube.

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Budapest Music Center

The Budapest Music Center is a must-visit destination for every music lover coming to Budapest. This unique venue is dedicated to preserving Hungarian music culture while hosting a wide variety of colorful musical programs. In the 4,000-square-meter center, visitors can enjoy live concerts, discover works by renowned artists like Kodály as well as contemporary trios and quartets, and experience stunning performances by both Hungarian and international talents. The BMC is also home to the Opus Jazz Club, where musical dinner evenings are regularly held. Check out the current program schedule!

1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8. | Website

SOUNDDOME – 360 CINEMA

Nestled in City Park, the House of Music is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about music, offering a space where sound and experience intertwine in captivating ways. One of its standout experiences is the SoundDome, an immersive cinema featuring a 360-degree panoramic projection on a hemispherical dome screen and an advanced Ambisonic sound system that distributes audio across 40 independent channels, allowing you to fully sink into the world of sound. Screenings range from music-focused works and art history pieces to animation, nature films and abstract contemporary experiments, including a spectacular visual interpretation of The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, an animated journey through the history of City Park using original archival photographs, a wide selection of fine arts-related content, and many other immersive experiences.

1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 3. | Website

Budai Fonó

In the heart of Buda lies Budai Fonó, a vibrant cultural hub where Hungarian folk traditions are brought vividly to life through folk music, dance and community gatherings. This lively arts centre offers a rich programme focused on “joy music,” concerts and folk dance house evenings, where you can learn not only Hungarian dances but also steps from traditions such as Bulgarian dance. Here, heritage meets the present in an engaging, contemporary way, while beyond the music and dance, Fonó also welcomes visitors with culinary experiences that round out the evening – all in an open atmosphere.

1116 Budapest, Sztregova utca 3. | Website

Danube Carnival

For three decades, a unique international cultural festival has enchanted visitors in the Hungarian capital year after year: the Danube Carnival will take place in the heart of Budapest from June 12 to 19. The event showcases not only Hungary’s rich traditions of folk music and dance, but also folk dance heritage preserved in cultures across the world. Audiences can enjoy performances by professional and amateur dancers, as well as international guest artists, at six venues including Margaret Island. Get ready for a vibrant carnival atmosphere in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities!

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Authentic Roma music

Roma music is passionate, virtuosic and deeply emotional, known for its expressive violin melodies – and in Hungary, it is closely tied to café culture and folk traditions, performed by live ensembles featuring cimbalom. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, Budapest still has several historic cafés where these captivating melodies fill the air. Among them is Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar, one of Pest’s oldest coffee houses, where live Roma music accompanies breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live performances can also be enjoyed at New York Café and Gundel Restaurant – don’t miss out on them!

Amazing concerts in the city:

Concert Buzz: 6 Shows You Can’t Miss in Budapest This Summer

Summer in Budapest means long nights, buzzing crowds, and unforgettable live music featuring our favorite global stars.

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To the delight of Queen fans, the new exhibition by the House of Music and World of Freddie has finally opened, exploring Freddie Mercury’s life in unprecedented depth. The timing is no coincidence: the icon would have turned 80 this year, while Queen performed in Budapest 40 years ago.

Backstage Stories

Luckily, the exhibition lives up to the hype surrounding it: the thematic rooms beautifully trace Freddie’s life journey while visitors can see hundreds of the singer’s belongings.

The exhibition’s greatest technical achievement, however, is the narration. The audio guide is narrated by Peter Freestone, Mercury’s personal assistant, who also occasionally gives live guided tours at the House of Music.

The first rooms focus on the band, amazing visitors with costumes, props from the videos of Bohemian Rhapsody and I Want to Break Free. Among the legendary stage outfits, you can see the famous jacket he wore during the Hungarian stop of the Magic Tour.

Live Like a Legend

From there, you can dive deeper into Mercury’s private life, learning everything from his fascination with Japanese culture to the unconditional love he felt for his cats. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from Freddie’s legendary parties, while Garden Lodge is brought to life through original furniture.

The exhibition’s handles Freddie’s AIDS diagnosis with dignity. The Barcelona and Innuendo albums paint the portrait of an endlessly determined and resilient man, perfectly fitting Freddie’s philosophy of life, while the final room is dedicated singer’s legacy.

One thing is for sure: the Freddie exhibition is an unmissable experience, where even the biggest fans can learn something new about the artist.

House of Music Hungary
1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány. 3. 
Website

Must-see exhibitions in Budapest:

Art Highlights: 5 Exhibitions to Discover this Summer

Budapest’s summer exhibition scene offers a rich mix of major international shows and hidden gems.

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Katy Perry

Katy Perry is coming back to Budapest after 15 years! On October 27, she will light up the MVM Dome with her spectacular The Lifetimes Tour. Fans can look forward to a dazzling show featuring her biggest hits, including Roar, Firework and many more. One night with one of the world’s greatest pop stars!

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The Offspring

After 7 years, The Offspring return to Budapest! On October 31, the California punk-rock icons will take over the MVM Dome with a setlist that blends timeless anthems with fresh tracks from their latest album Supercharged. Get ready for an explosive night of raw energy and unforgettable riffs!

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Roxette

Roxette is back — and this November they’re bringing the party to Budapest! On November 4, the iconic band kicks off their Roxette In Concert European tour at the Budapest Arena. With Per Gessle joined by Swedish superstar Lena Philipsson, fans can once again dance to timeless hits live on stage!

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Tommy Cash

Estonian hip-hop sensation TOMM¥ €A$H is finally coming to Budapest!  After making waves with his controversial Untz Untz video and scoring 3rd place for Estonia in Eurovision with Espresso Macchiato, he’s dropping by for a high-energy show on November 20 at buzzing Dürer Kert.

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Nena

German pop icon Nena is coming back! On October 21, she’ll perform at Barba Negra as part of her Wir Gehören Zusammen tour, celebrating more than four decades of music. Fans can look forward to an electrifying show filled with her greatest hits and unforgettable stage presence.

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Lil Tracy

Lil Tracy, a defining figure of SoundCloud rap and known for his hit Awful Things, is bringing his first world tour to Budapest. With over 4 million albums sold, he blends rap, trap, emo, punk, and alternative sounds. Catch him live on November 5, at Dürer Kert, performing tracks from his latest release.

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For more information, visit the website of Live Nation.

Don’t forget to check out the newest gastrospot of Budapest as well:

Budapest Bites Back: Time Out Market Unites the City's Top Chefs

On September 20, Budapest welcomes its very own Time Out Market at Blaha Lujza Square, inside the historic Corvin Department Store.

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All this awaits you at the grand finale of the Budapest International Cello Competition organized by Philharmonia Hungary, from September 8 to 14 at the Liszt Academy.

This prestigious competition attracted 135 applicants from across the globe, but only the very best have made it here. The talented contestants face three rounds: in the preliminaries they perform solo and with piano, the semifinals feature renowned cello concertos, while the finalists must master some of the most challenging pieces in the cello repertoire.

Bright-eyed talents, musical excitement, and the latest trends in classical performance – this is a competition you truly won’t want to miss!

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Looking for more?

September in the City: A Funzine Guide

As summer fades, Budapest comes alive with crisp air, golden light, and a calendar full of unmissable events.

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Chimney Cake Festival 

Originating from Transylvania, chimney cake is a favourite pastry dessert for many. This sweet delicacy deserves to be celebrated, so between 16-18 May, fans can show their appreciation at a chimney cake-themed festival held at Budapest Zoo. Add a little sweetness to your days by attending the event featuring an impressive variety of flavours, 30 to be exact, including gluten-, milk-, lactose-, and egg-free options, among others. Attendees are in for a treat, as the festival will be accompanied by several family-friendly activities. 

1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12. | Facebook

VárKert Feszt (free entry) 

If you’ve been to the city centre, you’ve likely spotted a beautiful Neo-Renaissance building complex on the Buda side. It is the Castle Garden Bazaar, Budapest’s unique jewellery box. It is complete with a charming garden which is ideal for summertime events thanks to its captivating ambiance. From 30 May to 1 June, various music genres and great feature films will take center stage, alongside evenings filled with literature, as well as dance shows. The event will host activities dedicated to children, with a food truck serving up delicious treats.  

1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós tér 2-6. | Website

Gourmet Festival 

A prestigious gastronomic gathering, Gourmet Festival is renowned as an event where the bests of the best showcase their culinary expertise. Between 22-25 May at Millenáris Park, visitors get the chance to dive into a world of exceptional flavours and innovative meals, with plenty of surprises along the way. Are you a foodie? Here is your chance to get a taste of Hungarian gastronomy at its finest, with a variety of specialties served to you by some of the most talented chefs in the country. For tickets and further information, visit Gourmet Festival’s website. 

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 16-20. | Website

FLORALIA – ROMAN SPRING FESTIVAL AT AQUINCUM 

Step back in time this May 10–11 at one of the city’s oldest cultural traditions: the Floralia – Roman Spring Festival. Inspired by ancient Roman customs, the event promises unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. To celebrate the occasion, florists will transform the museum and archaeological park with stunning Roman-style floral displays. Throughout the weekend, you can explore the world of antiquity through immersive lifestyle and craft demonstrations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers, gladiators, and Germanic and Celtic warriors. The festivities will also feature open-air theater performances, bringing the spirit of ancient Rome vividly to life. 

 1031 Budapest, Szentendrei út 135. | Website

Night of Museums 

Once a year, a single wristband grants you entry to as many museums as you can explore in one night. The annual event is called the Night of Museums, and this year it will be held on 21 June in Budapest and a number of other Hungarian cities. Unlike on any average day, museums will operate with extended opening hours, and special programs will be organized, such as behind-the-scenes tours and engaging lectures on exciting topics connected to each exhibition halls’ individual collection. For further information, visit the event’s official website. 

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Danube Carnival 

From 6 to 14 June, Danube Carnival will honour Hungary’s rich folk dance and music heritage by presenting talented local artists while also showcasing international performers at multiple venues across Budapest. National ensembles (both professional and amateur), as well as exciting foreign acts will take the stage at seven locations, creating a carnival-like atmosphere with dazzling costumes, lively music and vibrant dance routines. The event is set to be a summer highlight for everyone, regardless of age. Purchase your tickets in advance! 

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Budapest Music Center 

As the chilly months roll in, there’s no better way to beat the cold than by cozying up at the Budapest Music Center on Mátyás Street. This vibrant venue is the ultimate spot to warm your soul with an exciting mix of performances. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming classical concert or something jazzy at the Opus Jazz Club, you’ll find plenty to keep you toasty and entertained. With a lineup that’s always fresh and fun, it’s the perfect place to escape the cold and enjoy a magical night of music. Grab a seat, relax, and let the music heat things up! 

1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8. | Website

Naruhiko Kawaguchi // Liszt Academy of Music (November 29, 2024)

If you are in the city at the end of November, head to the Liszt Academy of Music on November 29, where Naruhiko Kawaguchi will take the stage to perform on the fortepiano! At just 35, the Japanese pianist has made a name for himself internationally as a virtuoso in the realm of Romantic music over the past decade. In the Solti Hall of the Liszt Academy of Music, he will breathe new life into 19th-century compositions with his fortepiano playing, featuring works by the Schumann couple, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and the lesser-known Spanish composer Santiago de Masarnau. 

1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 8. | Website

Budapest Jazz Club 

Set inside a former movie theater, Budapest Jazz Club is known for its relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and an outstanding lineup of both Hungarian and international jazz artists, along with musicians from various other genres. As the beating heart of Hungary’s jazz scene, this cozy jazz café is a go-to spot when you’re in the mood for light yet top-tier entertainment paired with great eats. The menu features a tempting selection of Hungarian and international specialties, making it the perfect place to enjoy both live music and a memorable meal. 

1136 Budapest, Hollán Ernő utca 7. | Website

MÜPA 

Müpa, short for the Palace of Arts in Hungarian, isn’t just one of Budapest’s top cultural hotspots—it’s also one of the most famous venues in Hungary. As it gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, Müpa continues to offer something for everyone, no matter your taste in music or art. Whether you’re into classical, jazz, contemporary, or something in between, there’s always a show or event to enjoy. From kids to adults, everyone can find something to love at Müpa, where both local talent and world-class artists take the stage for unforgettable performances. 

1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1. | Website

Opera House of Budapest 

The Opera House in Budapest offers an incredible array of live performances for music lovers, from captivating ballets to world-class operas. Recently renovated, the building stands as a stunning blend of historical grandeur and modern elegance. This iconic venue offers an incredible variety of live performances, including ballets, operas, and symphonic concerts, each one brought to life by world-class artists. Music lovers can immerse themselves in this unique cultural experience while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Opera House itself. And during the holiday season, the magic of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” enchants audiences, making it the perfect place to celebrate the festive spirit in one of Budapest’s most beautiful landmarks. 

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22. | Website

Don’t Miss Budapest’s Secret Museum:

A Secret Museum Has Opened in the Depths of a Downtown Budapest Hotel

Walking along Kazinczy Street, you wouldn’t think that a secret museum takes you time travelling.

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Divas & Icons

You could easily spend an entire day at the House of Music Hungary, with so many fascinating exhibits and concerts to explore. If you only have 1-2 hours, don’t miss the exciting new temporary exhibition! This May, the House of Music welcomed the traveling exhibit from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, “Divas & Icons.”

Featuring global superstars like Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Edith Piaf, and Billie Eilish, alongside famous Hungarian women like Lujza Blaha and Zsuzsa Cserháti, this exhibition is a must-see. You’ll get to check out original costumes and stage outfits and discover how women have made their mark in the male-dominated worlds of music and film. The exhibition runs until September, so make sure to catch it!

The World of Daytime Adventures

House of Music’s permanent exhibition “Dimensions of Sound – Musical Journey Through Space and Time” opened with the building two years ago and has been a hit ever since! Its interactive features and creative storytelling make it a favourite for all ages. This vibrant and engaging exhibit takes you through the key milestones in music history, from ancient rhythms to today’s hottest tracks. Don’t miss out!

Pay a visit to the house’s interactive exhibit: the Creative Sound Space is all about exploring sounds in a fun way. There are eight unique installations to try out, perfect for both kids and adults, and you don’t need any musical background to enjoy them. You’ll get to see how sounds are made and how they turn into music.

If you’re up for a bit of an adventure exploring every corner of this uniquely designed building, then hop on one of the House of Music’s building tours. You’ll get to uncover the genius concept behind the architecture, dreamed up by Sou Fujimoto, blending seamlessly with nature!

After soaking in all the sights, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Lucky for you, the House of Music’s café, buffet, and bistro is ready to satisfy your hunger with some delicious bites. And for some extra chill vibes, kick back on the Zenekert’s cozy terrace with a refreshing lemonade or iced coffee, right beside the building.

Nighttime Fun

When night falls, the House of Music comes alive with magical melodies. The concert halls, renowned for their incredible acoustics, feature a diverse lineup of domestic and international performers, ensuring there’s a concert to suit every taste. In the summer, don’t miss the outdoor concerts, offering an unforgettable experience of enjoying fantastic tunes surrounded by the trees of Városliget!

If you’re looking for a unique and fun evening in Budapest beyond the usual party scene, check out one of the extraordinary musical events in the semi-spherical underground dome of the House of Music! Known as the Sound Dome, this venue features a dome that doubles as a projection screen surrounded by a top-notch sound system. You’ll enjoy a truly special experience as you relax on bean bags, watching 3D projections set to a diverse musical backdrop.

For more info, visit zenehaza.hu/en.

Experience more of the Pest side fun:

Pest Bucket List: The Best Things to Do on the Left Bank of the Danube

Here, historical landmarks abound, and one could sing praises about the vibrant nightlife.

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Instant-Fogas

Situated in the heart of the Jewish District, Budapest’s one and only concert venue Instant-Fogas sweeps you off your feet with 18 bars, 6 dance floors, and 2 summer terraces. What’s even better is that Instant-Fogas is open until 6 AM every day of the week. Regarded as Europe’s largest ruin pub and party complex, this buzzing hub houses a colourful array of events, from live music concerts to resident DJ parties.

1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 49-51. | Website

Dürer Kert

Escape to a riverside retreat with an endless garden, bean bags, and live music acts at Dürer Kert! Enjoy a spacious grassy area for outdoor cooking, or fuel up with delicious burgers and beers while listening to the concert of American punk rock band Anti-Flag and Israeli psych trance producer Faders.

1117 Budapest, Öböl utca 1. | Facebook

Akvárium Klub

Akvárium Klub is not just a concert venue, it’s a sunlit and spacious downtown meeting point. With 3 indoor halls and the largest urban terrace in the city, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy heavenly bistro dishes and beverages while listening to tunes by up-and-coming Hungarian musicians.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 12. | Website

Budapest Park

Europe’s largest open-air music venue is a multifaceted entertainment and events centre with a tropical party section, a retro garden, and a festival-size main stage that will attract performers such as Billy Talent, Machine Gun Kelly and Simple Plan in the coming months. Be sure not to miss it this summer! 

1095 Budapest, Fábián Juli tér 1. | Website

Zsiráf Pest

Located next to Nyugati Railway Station, Zsiráf Pest is a popular outdoor venue with live music by day, which transforms into a buzzing open-air dance club as the sun goes down. Silky smooth grass, beer benches, juicy burgers, cocktail bonanza, and awesome vibes await you here every day of the week!

1062 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 53. | Facebook

Zsiráf Buda

Situated on the other side of the Danube, Zsiráf Buda is a perfect spot for a date or some after-work drinks! Overlooking the well-manicured Széllkapu Park, it offers an Instagram-worthy view, ice cold beers, bubbly wine spritzers, freshly baked Naples-style pizzas, unplugged concerts and kicking DJ sets.

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 2-4. | Facebook

Mad Garden Buda

Nestled inside the courtyard of a late Baroque-style silk thread manufactory, Mad Garden Buda provides guests with a choice selection of craft brews concocted at the Mad Scientist Brewery, organic wines, and finger-licking good foods. Don’t miss their live music events and hard-hitting spirit section!

1033 Budapest, Miklós tér 1. | Facebook

Mad Garden Buda

The love child of Mad Scientist brewery’s two other venues, Mad Kert Beer Garden and Madhouse Budapest, Mad Garden Buda is the epitome of good vibes. As one of Buda’s coolest chill-out zones, the green oasis of beer (and taco) lovers quickly became popular among locals. From time to time, live jazz concerts, DJ shows and movie screenings are held. To serve the needs of thirsty beer aficionados, Mad Garden boasts 10 craft beer taps and takes pride in its impressive (bottled and refreshingly cold) beer lineup.

1033 Budapest, Miklós tér 1. | Website

Zsiráf

Located right next to Nyugati Railway Station, Zsiráf (Giraffe) is a Hungarian word worth memorizing. The venue that is named after the majestic animal is a calm, laid-back food and drink bar during the day, and an open-air club once it gets dark. Live music has always played an important part in Zsiráf’s life, since it provides an unusual performance space to musicians and producers of several genres. Make sure to check out one of the incredible acoustic concerts with a glass of refreshing lemonade (or whatever you feel like drinking) in hand.

1062 Budapest, Teréz körút 53. | Website

Akvárium Klub

One of Budapest’s top concert venues, Akvárium is situated right in the heart of the city. Without a doubt, it deserves a spot on your bucket list. The popular club (which has two indoor halls and owns Budapest’s largest terrace) regularly hosts world-famous stars as well as up-and-coming talents. The terrace is nicely decorated with colorful lights, tables and chairs are set up, and for the full comfort of visitors, there is an outdoor bar so that guests won’t miss out on any second of the live outdoor performances.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 12. | Website

Pontoon

Spring is probably the most fun season considering the fact that better weather conditions allow us to enjoy the outdoors much more than during the winter. Downtown Pontoon’s team manages to make the most out of the lovely temperature with concerts and parties organized on the Pest riverside every single day. The venue, which is located at the north pillar of Chain Bridge, invites you to clink glasses with your friends, chill out, or dance the night away. To find out more about Pontoon’s impressive lineup of entertainers, head to its Facebook page.

1051 Budapest, Vigadó 1/A port | Facebook

Fröccsterasz

There is a popular spot under the shadow of the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, Fröccsterasz, which is one of those must-visit venues in the capital city that you shouldn’t miss. It is in the middle of Budapest, close to some of the most known sights of the city, with inviting summer vibes that are hard to resist. Thanks to the arrival of spring, the terrace is no longer in winter mood: concerts and salsa parties, among other events, are held under the starry skies. Once you are there, try their seasonal offers and enjoy the unparalleled atmosphere.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 11-13. | Website

Fellini Római Kultúrbisztró

If you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor venue with live music, Fellini Római Kultúrbisztró is the place to go. What makes it stand out, first and foremost, is its beautiful location (you can find it on the riverside, at Római-part), which creates a special ambiance. You can believe us when we say, spending time here feels like a holiday. Just imagine this scene: after munching on fish & chips, you are relaxing in one of the panorama sun chairs while enjoying the sunset and the uplifting melodies. It’s definitely a scene to write home about.

1039 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos üdülőpart 5. | Facebook