Budapest’s best events and festivals in May

Just before the beginning of the usually quite hot Budapest summers, May is simply the best time to visit Hungary’s capital: warm and cozy weather, beautiful blooming flowers and lots of things to do. Check out our selection of the most exciting cultural events and festivals indoors and outdoors.

1. May Day celebrations

As in most countries in Europe, Labor Day (or as the Hungarians call it „majális”) is celebrated on 1st May in Hungary as well. There will be many outdoor activities in multiple locations around the city. Picnics, craft fairs and concerts are the most popular programs, so grab your sunglasses and celebrate the nice spring weather on Margaret Island, in the City Park or at Tabán. Or if you are in love with speed and cars, we can highly recommend The Big Drift Race, a spectacular race car show in the center of Budapest, starting from Várkert Bazár. And the good news: all the programs above are free of admission!

May Day on Margaret Island
May Day Festival in City Park (Városliget)
Tabán Festival – 1st May 2016, 14.30-24.00
Race Car Show – The Big Drift Race, 1st May 2016, 14.00

(City Park, photo: Ildikó Kardos)

2. Jazz Spring

If you are into jazz music, this event is made for you! The Jazz Spring Festival at the Palace of Arts features two American and a Swedish, internationally acknowledged performers: José James, Victoria Tolstoy and The Manhattan Transfer. Admission starts from 2500 HUF.

5-7 May 2016, Palace of Arts
https://www.mupa.hu/programok/jazztavasz-2016

(Palace of Arts, photo: mupa.hu)

3. Rosalia Festival

When it comes to wines, you are in the right place, as Hungary can offer much more than its most famous dessert wine from Tokaj. The Rosalia Festival has the same organizers as the Budapest Wine Festival and puts a special focus on rosé and sparkling wines. But of course, from light whites to heavy reds, anyone can find his or her favourite at the festival. Admission is free.

6-8 May 2016, City Park (Városliget)
http://www.rosalia.hu/

(Rosalia Festival, photo: rosalia.hu)

4. Gourmet Festival

The best gastro festival in town brings together some of Hungary’s top confectioneries, wine makers and of course, restaurants, such as Bock Bistro, Costes, Déryné, Nobu or Zona. This year puts game and fish in the spotlight. A daily ticket costs 13 EUR, while the 4 Days Pass is 26 EUR.

12-15 May 2016, Millenáris Park
http://sziget.hu/gourmetfesztival

(photo: Gourmet Festival)

5. Art Cinema’s Night 2016

Good news for film geeks and film fanatics: on 13 May 5 art cinemas (Puskin, Művész, Toldi, Tabán and Kino Café Cinema) will be open all night! Apart from a selection of international art movies, you will also have the chance to watch Oscar nominated Hungarian movies from 35mm, including Son of Saul, the 2016 Oscar winner for Foreign Language Film.

13 May 2016, multiple locations
http://artmozi.hu/programok/artmozik-ejszakaja-2016

(Művész Art Cinema, photo: muveszmozi.hu)

6. 34th Hungarian Press Photo Exhibition

Open from 25 March, this year’s Hungarian Press Photo Contest and Exhibition is absolutely worth a visit if you happen to come to Budapest in the first two weeks of May. This year features a special category called ’Migrant Crisis’ which is dedicated to last year’s significant events in the European history.

25 March – 14 May 2016, Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center
http://capacenter.hu/en/kiallitasok/8640/

(34th Hungarian Press Photo Exhibition, photo: Norbert Juhász)

7. Design Without Borders

Interested in the Central European furniture, textile, industrial and interior design? The Design Without Borders exhibition presents objects and collections by independent Czech, Polish, Slovak and Hungarian designers. A special section of the exhibition also showcases compositions by young industrial designers who graduated from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design last year.

10 April – 15 May 2016, Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center
http://budapestgaleria.hu/uj/?lang=en

(Design Without Borders, photo: budapestgaleria.hu)

8. Passion. Fan Behaviour and Art.

Another cool program for contemporary art lovers: the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art ’s Passion exhibition focuses on the realm of rock music, and explores the behavior of music fans from the ‘60s and ‘80s. The event includes almost 40 related programs, such as movie screenings, lectures, special concerts, and guided tours.

16 April – 16 June 2016, Ludwig Museum
http://www.ludwigmuseum.hu/site.php?inc=kiallitas&kiallitasId=953&menuId=43

(Ludwig Passion, photo: Balázs Glódi)