Unforgettable programmes in Budapest October 2025

 
October in Budapest is like a well-brewed mulled wine: warm, full of spice, and best enjoyed slowly. As the city’s tree-lined boulevards turn golden and the air grows crisp, Budapest comes alive with festivals, cultural treats, and cozy river cruises. From sipping fine wines at the Budapest Wine Festival to marvelling at bold creativity at the ARC Exhibition or warming up with a cup (or three!) on the Unlimited Mulled Wine Cruise, there’s something for everyone this season. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or simply here to soak in the views, October offers the perfect mix of flavours, sights, and experiences that make Budapest irresistible. This month we collected 8 hot programmes to keep you warm in Autumn, hope you will enjoy!

 

ARC Exhibition (September 12–October 12, 2025)

Photo: Donfetret

The ARC Exhibition is one of Hungary’s most unique and socially engaging art events, held outdoors and accessible free of charge. Known as a platform for large-scale posters and visual statements, it features thought-provoking works on current social, cultural, and political themes. Walking among the illuminated billboards in City Park after sunset is an experience that’s both artistic and atmospheric, sparking dialogue and reflection. Since the themes often tie into the present moment, no two years are ever the same, making it a highly anticipated autumn tradition in Budapest.

More info: 25. ARC közérzeti pályázat :: eContest :: Főoldal

 

 

 

Unlimited Mulled Wine Cruise on the Danube (From October 1, 2025)

Enjoy a 60-minute sightseeing cruise through Budapest with unlimited mulled wine and hot winter drinks onboard. Relax in the heated interior, sip as much as you like from classic or flavoured mulled wine and non-alcoholic options and take in the city’s stunning illuminated panorama. A cozy seasonal program perfect for couples, friends, or families.

More info: Here

 

 

 

DiningCity Restaurant Week (Autumn Edition, October 2–19, 2025)

Image: DiningCity

For food lovers, this is one of the best times to be in Budapest. More than 80 restaurants participate in Restaurant Week, offering curated three-course menus at fixed price tiers. Seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, wild game, and root vegetables are stars on many menus, often with modern twists on Hungarian classics. It’s a chance to explore fine dining without breaking the bank and to sample local culinary creativity in a structured, value-oriented way.

More info: DiningCity | The leading Restaurantguide in Hungary

 

 

 

Budapest Design Week (October 8–19, 2025)

Photo source: cseppek.hu

For nearly two weeks, Budapest becomes a playground for creativity during Budapest Design Week. Exhibitions pop up across the city—from the castle district to the Széchenyi Baths and the MÜPA—featuring everything from graphic and fashion design to architectural installations and community-centered workshops. This event is not just for design professionals; it’s for anyone who appreciates beauty, innovation, and the stories behind crafted works. With guided walks, pop-ups in galleries, and interactive sessions, Design Week lets visitors experience Budapest’s creative pulse firsthand.

More info: https://budapestdesignweek.hu/en/program/

 

 

 

Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival (October 9–22, 2025)

Image source: event facebook

If you love classical music, eclectic performances, and artistic fusion, the Liszt Fest is a must. This festival honors the legacy of Franz Liszt but is not limited to piano and orchestral works—it also includes dance, visual arts, and modern interpretations. MÜPA Budapest, the Liszt Academy, and other major venues host performances ranging from chamber ensembles to full orchestras. The atmosphere is often grand, immersive, and emotionally rich—ideal for music lovers wanting a deep cultural experience.

More info: Liszt Fest 2025 – Müpa

 

 

 

Art Market Budapest (October 16–19, 2025)

Photo source: portfolio.hu

Art Market Budapest is a major highlight of October for the visual arts scene. Galleries, both local and international, gather with paintings, photography, sculpture, and digital works in an expansive fair at Millenáris Park. Alongside impressive exhibitions, there are installations, special events, and public art spaces, making it a destination for collectors, art lovers, and visitors curious about contemporary Hungarian and global art trends. If you want to see what’s fresh, bold, and maybe even provocative, this is the place.

More info: Art Market Budapest – International Contemporary Art Fair

 

 

 

Budapest International Film Festival (BIFF) — October 25 to November 2, 2025

Image source: BIFF.hu

A great pick for cinephiles! This festival presents a mix of Hungarian and international films, including premieres and selections with subtitles. It’s a chance to catch new films in art house cinemas, explore discussions around cinema, and see how modern storytelling is evolving.

More info: Home

 

 

 

ONE OK ROCK Concert – October 30, 2025

Image source: livenation.hu

For those wanting something a bit livelier, don’t miss ONE OK ROCK performing at the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena on October 30. The Japanese rock band draws a large crowd for their energetic shows and blend of rock genres. It’s perfect if you want to combine the cultural calm
of design and art festivals with the excitement and energy of a large-scale rock concert.

More info: ONE OK ROCK DETOX EUROPEAN TOUR 2025, Budapest, 2025-10-30T00:00:00Z, , Tickets – www.livenation.hu

This is the month where history, flavours, art, and laughter blend together as smoothly as a steaming cup of spiced wine on a cool evening by the Danube. One thing’s for sure: in Budapest this October, you won’t just see the city—you’ll feel its heartbeat.
As October draws its colourful curtain over Budapest, the city feels like a stage set for unforgettable memories. We at Silverline Cruises we wish you a pleasant visit to Budapest, and we also hope we could provide you with some interesting programmes. At the end of the week we will prepare you a list of the spookiest Halloween events in Budapest!