Budapest is still full of life in October! Discover the best things to do in Budapest this October, autumn festivals, open-air concerts, cultural events in Budapest, exhibitions, markets, food and drink experiences, and exciting activities for the whole family are waiting for you! From atmospheric autumn walks around the city to unique festivals, there are plenty of programmes to choose from.
1. Budapest International Book Festival
2. Octoberfest
3. MOL Campus Tower Run
4. Art Market Budapest
5. Budapest Park concerts
6. Secret market Budapest
7. Óbuda Autumn Picnic
8. Design fair
9. Go for a hike
10. Interactive family programmes
11. Things to do in Budapest with kids
12. For the best places follow us on Instagram
From October 1–4, books and literature will once again take center stage in Budapest! The 31st Budapest International Book Festival will feature book presentations, author meet-and-greets, book signings and engaging discussions. This year, German-language literature will be in the spotlight, with Germany, Austria and Switzerland as countries of honour, while Colm Tóibín will also be joining the festival as a special guest.
This autumn, beer lovers can once again experience the atmosphere of Munich’s Oktoberfest in the heart of Budapest. The 12th Oktoberfest Budapest will welcome visitors in early October with freshly tapped Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr festival beers, Bavarian sausages, pretzels, authentic brass-band music and a true beer-garden atmosphere. Admission is free at all venues, and while supplies last, visitors can also take home more than 8,000 original Paulaner Oktoberfest mugs and festival hats.
On Saturday, October 17, one of the MOL Campus’s most unique sporting events will take place once again: the Tower Run. Professional athletes and enthusiastic challengers will have the opportunity to test their strength on the stairs of Budapest’s tallest building. The task may seem simple: reach the top of the MOL Campus as quickly as possible. In practice, however, participants will have to climb 672 steps across 29 floors, making it a truly memorable challenge!
One of the most anticipated events for contemporary art enthusiasts, Art Market Budapest, opens its doors for the 16th time this year. As Central and Eastern Europe’s largest and one of Europe’s most significant international art fairs, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience works from across the globe up close.
Budapest Park is once again welcoming audiences with special concerts throughout October! During the final weeks of the season, Sisi and Dzsúdló will take the stage, bringing three consecutive evenings of diverse live music to close out the outdoor concert season. On the first day of the month, Sisi will present a show marking a new era in her career, followed by Dzsúdló’s DUPLA concerts on October 2 and 3 – featuring the songs in their original arrangements on the first night and accompanied by a symphony orchestra on the second. Both concert nights will be followed by special afterparties.
The October edition of Secret Market once again welcomes visitors with a unique and inspiring design market, putting contemporary creators, handmade brands, and one-of-a-kind products in the spotlight. If you love unique, creative products, small local brands, handmade creations, and the relaxed atmosphere of a weekend market, this is the perfect Sunday activity for you.
One of the most charming urban events of the autumn is coming to Budapest Garden on Saturday, October 3. The Óbuda Autumn Picnic once again offers a relaxed community experience in an open-air setting, where families, groups of friends and anyone looking for a fun autumn programme can enjoy the atmosphere of Budapest Garden together.
HELLO PIAC returns to Erzsébet tér, filling the square with unique pieces from local designers and makers. If you enjoy open-air markets with a creative vibe, this is the kind of place where you can easily find something special.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but don’t want to travel far from Budapest, the Kopaszi Embankment and Normafa are both great choices for a pleasant outdoor outing. The two places offer completely different atmospheres: while Kopaszi Dam is ideal for a peaceful, leisurely stroll along the Danube, Normafa’s forest trails are perfect for longer hikes and more active recreation.
If it’s Sunday, it must be the Müpa Junior Sunday! Throughout the morning, Müpa’s diverse family event series awaits younger and older children alike for creative and artistic programmes in an inspiring cultural setting.
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