Find out what’s happening in Budapest in May. We once again brought you the list of events, programs and best things to do in the city. Have fun!
1. May 1st Celebrations
2. Ludovika Festival
3. Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Live
4. Líra Book Fair
5. EU Run Budapest
6. Horse Race and Food Truck Show
7. Literary Festival & Book Fair
8. GinFest
9. Dachshund Community Meet
10. Jazzfest Budapest
Celebrate May 1st this year with three days of colourful activities in the City Hall Park! With music, theatre performances, gastronomic experiences and children’s activities, the organisers are preparing for a truly extraordinary “May Day”. To celebrate Budapest’s 150th birthday, a series of free events will be held from 29 April.
With the arrival of May, the Ludovika Festival is back with a varied selection of events. The festival will feature open-air performances, more than 60 national and international artists and a series of amazing concerts on the Lake Stage. What’s more on Saturday, plenty of family-friendly activities will await those interested.
Due to high demand, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, a Canadian professor, psychologist, and author, is returning to Budapest for a show at the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena. Dr. Peterson has gained international recognition for his work in areas of mythology, psychology, and religion, with millions of copies of his books sold. The show will be performed in English without translation.
Get ready for a book lover’s paradise at the Líra Book Fair, where you can score amazing book deals from 10-14 May. With an extensive selection of books for all ages and genres, you’re sure to find your next favourite read at unbeatable prices. After browsing through the daily updated stock, treat yourself to some homemade strudel and refreshments on-site for a truly delightful experience.
Celebrate Hungary’s 19 years of EU membership by joining the annual EU Run in Budapest. This event offers participants the opportunity to run a 19km route individually or as a team relay, with free registration available on the official website until May 1, 2023. After completing the run, stick around to enjoy a large-scale festival, featuring concerts, children’s programs, and games, which is being organised in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Don’t miss the ninth season of The Food Truck Show, which kicks off with the largest food truck gathering in Hungary at Kincsem Park. This event will showcase 50 food trucks from 15 countries, as well as horse and greyhound races, music programs, and children’s activities. Additionally, visitors can vote for their favourite food and the industry will select the best food truck for the new season.
The Margo festival, highly awaited by book lovers, will take place in May at the Kristály Culture House on Margaret Island. This festival offers a unique and exciting atmosphere, with book launches, talks, music, and book signings. Come connect with other book enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books at the Margo festival!
Attention all gin lovers! Don’t miss the upcoming GinFest, taking place on the second week of May on Kazinczy Street. Come and prepare for summer with your favourite drink, and try the most extraordinary gins paired with exceptional tonic variations for a unique and delightful flavour experience. Join us at GinFest and let your taste buds be amazed!
The Hungarian dachshund community is invited to the National Dachshund Community Meeting on 7 May at the Happy Dog Dog School. The event will feature a variety of activities, lots of games and the coolest exhibitors. A great opportunity for Dachshund owners to meet and have fun with other owners and their pups!
The much-awaited Jazzfest is back and set to run from 26 April to 17 May. The event will feature talented jazz musicians from all over the world, playing a range of music genres including fusion, modern jazz, blues, and world music. With the aim of putting the city back on the world map of music, Jazzfest 2023 promises to be a must-attend event for jazz enthusiasts, with concerts held in different locations throughout the city.
Photo: Elizabeth Bridge by Erik Hajbel
Here you can find more tips on THINGS TO DO IN BUDAPEST.