The Budapest Fringe Festival is described as “a side-runner to the Budapest Spring Festival” and “like a huge Talent Show … that gather and in some way support the less known (underground) artists through securing a place for their performance”.
The performing artist are mainly from Hungary but also from neighbouring countries like Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and more distant countries like France and Japan.
350 performers will appear during the two and a half days of the festival.
When: 28-30 Mars
Where: Buda, the Millenáris Park complex & Marczibányi Cultural Centre
Web: www.budapestfringe.hu
In the center of Budapest at the Erszébet square you will find Gödör (the Pit), a very cool mix between underground music club, culture & exhibition-centre, and bar, where Hungarian and international bands and DJ:s (like Yonderboi) perform everything between etno-ambient-rap (you should have been there!) to jazz.
All the free concerts and activities draw crowds of very mixed style, young and old which creates a very friendly and open atmosphere. It is probably due to the different sections of the culture centre which makes it easy for almost everyone to feel comfortable. The different parts of Gödör Klub are:
the music scene with tables and chairs where you can sit and listen to the artists performing almost every night,
the bar and the dark cosy corner with games and other fun to “play” with your friends,
the exhibitions, mostly design, art, photography and architecture (often from university students). Just order a beer or drink in the bar and stroll around the exibition. Enjoy!
A38 is one of many dynamic cultural concepts in Budapest, an old Ukrainian cargo ship renovated and redesigned for € 3 million. Since 2003 when it opened in the 11th district it have become one of Budapest most interesting and dynamic scenes in Budapest nightlife attracting international artists and stars like:
Maceo Parker,
Courtney Pine,
Amon Tobin,
Vienna Art Orcestra,
DJ Krush,
Einstürzende Neubauten,
Laibach,
John Cale,
Tomasz Stanko,
Plastic People of The Universe,
A38 is often one of the main locations in many of Budapest festivalsand cultural programs and have had theatre plays, performances, exhibitions and many other cultural activities since it opening. A38 aims to:
“… become a modern, pleasant, dynamic cultural centre. Besides its international music programming it also provides home for various cultural activities such as professional meetings, film, literature, digital and even gastronomy events.”
The A38 ship is a party area with a capacity to take 600 persons and seating capacity for 250. There are two bars and one restaurant inside. During summer there is also an outdoor bar on the deck. A38 is acoustically designed and have high quality sound, light and video equipment. The music programs at A38 ranges from jazz, electronic, worldmusic to contemporary and rock bands.
The crowd is usually mixed in age and style and varies much depending on the programmes of course.
The stone carrier A38 is very easy to access by public transportation. Just take one of the trams 4 or 6 to the Petöfi bridge on the Budaside.
The 120 years old Hungarian State Opera House in the centre of Budapest, on the exclusive Andrassy ut, is one of the worlds most breathtaking opera buildings. Over the years it have been host for greats lik Ferenc Liszt and Gustav Mahler. The opera, built in neo-Renaissance style is the achievement of the great Hungarian architect Miklos Ybl and a contribution to Hungary’s unique national identity expressing the vibrant culture of Budapest, Hungary.
With its amazingly ornate interior, frescoes and statues of Beethoven, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner and other greats (both in and outside) Budapest internationally celebrated Opera House from 1884 is one of the city’s most interesting and beautiful buildings. Ornamentation’s like sculptures and paintings are the work of the prominent Hungarian artists: Bertalan Székely, Mór Than and Károly Lotz.
The opera season runs usually from september to june and holds 40-50 major productions.
The Budapest State Opera house is truly one of the most beautifyl sights of Budapest so if your only staying for a few days and have to chose between all sights then the Opera is one of the must-see sights of Budapest! If you cant get hold of any tickets to the opera be sure to take the guided tour inside the Opera House. There are guided tours in English every dag.
Daily tours: 2500 ft (10 Euro)
Just around the corner - more classic music in Budapest
If your into music and culture you have two other interesting attractions nearby in the center of Budapest:
Pesti Vigado at Vörös Marty tér just take the subway M1 (right outside the Opera) to “Vörös Marty tér” station.
Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music (Zeneakadémia) just walk down Nagymezö street on the opposite side of the opera to VI. Liszt Ferenc tér 8
