The best things to do in Budapest on May Day weekend

This year, RAKPART, the traffic-free celebration of the Pest embankment, opens for its summer season on May 1 at the start of the bank-holiday weekend. Entertainment will be laid on for pedestrians, cyclists, badminton players, barbecuers, joggers, rollerbladers, dog walkers and anyone keen on relaxing and taking in the cityscape by the river.

Time Out tip: To sunbathe and stare at the Danube, head towards Antall József rakpart, or for more lively events, hang out at Jane Haining rakpart. Hungarian speakers should check what’s happening at Valyo, the urban activists keen on bringing the river back into the mainstream of city life.

When? From May 1 to early autumn

Where? Pest embankment, from Elizabeth Bridge to Margaret Bridge

Expect to pay: FREE!

The fun at City Park Ice Rink starts up on April 30 goes on for four days. During the day, there will be a huge amusement park, exciting games, Marvel cosplay superheroes, a Disney show and a puppet theatre, while in the evening, the grown-ups can enjoy concerts and DJ sets.

Time Out tip: This is not the only event taking place at City Park over the holiday weekend – check out the We Love Budapest Picnic and the DOGZ Festival, both scheduled for May 1. See below for more details.

When? April 30 from 6pm, May 1 & 3 from 11am, May 2 from 10am

Where? City Park Ice Rink, Olof Palme sétány 5, 1146 Budapest

Expect to pay: Entry to City Park May Day is free, but there’s paid admission for some games and rides

Kids can look forward to a real adventure on the MAHART May Day cruise. The fun starts at 10am, with creative crafts, a harbour treasure hunt, a fishing adventure, a quiz, a play corner, delicious snacks and a one-hour Danube cruise from 11am. In addition, every good sailor gets a free badge!

Time Out tip: Early booking and arrival are essential – this attraction is superpopular!

When? May 1, 10am-1pm

Where? International Jetty, Belgrád rakpart, 1056 Budapest

Expect to pay: Ft 6,990/€19 (under-2s free). Tickets here  

If a DJ booth is more your thing than a bouncy castle, TRIPNIK is for you. On Saturday, May 2, top live venue Dürer Kert will be transformed into a relaxed, outdoor electronic music playground from the afternoon onwards, house and techno beats pumping to keep everyone dancing until dawn. Admission free.

Time Out tip: If you can handle an all-day musical immersion, don’t just leave the fun until the evening – the afternoon chill-out and the dawn DJ session should be an experience in themselves.

When? May 2, 2pm

Where? Dürer Kert, Öböl utca 1, 1117 Budapest

Expect to pay: FREE!

For the fifth time of asking, six outlets at Buda hub Széll Kálmán tér – Nemdebár, 101 Bistro, Sárkány, Pingrumba, Heavy and Zappi – come together to organise the neighbourhood’s spring gathering, Spring Széll, and fill the square with life. There’s children’s entertainment, a design fair, an interactive installation, a raffle, street-food stands and music all afternoon.

Time Out tip: The best thing to do here is to nose around the participating outlets and let Széll Kálmán tér turn into a real community space for the afternoon.

When? May 1, noon-10pm

Where? Széll Kálmán tér, 1024 Budapest

Expect to pay: The event is free but some elements require registration

This May Day, instead of the traditional City Park celebrations, the DOGZ Festival will set up in the Nagyrét area, with plenty of space to run around. Dog shows, agility courses, workshops, refreshments and street food all feature.

Time Out tip: The festival is a good day out even if you don't have a dog. In fact, if you’re thinking about getting one, festival staff can help you choose a breed.

When? May 1, from 10am

Where? Nagyrét, Városliget, 1146 Budapest

Expect to pay: Ft 1,000/€2.75, with donation Ft 2,000/€5.50 (under-18s & over-65s free). Tickets/registration here

We Love Budapest will also be holding its first picnic in the City Park, where there will be day-time relaxation, techno yoga and guided meditation, roundtable discussions, culinary hubs and food trucks offering quality dishes, a design fair and craft workshops from 10am onwards. As the stars come out, end the day with an acoustic concert and a DJ session.

Time Out tip: It promises to be particularly strong from a gastronomic point of view, as quality partners selected by We Love Budapest will be setting out their stalls.

When? May 1, from 10am

Where? Napozórét, Városliget, 1146 Budapest

Expect to pay: Ft 1,000/€2.75 (under-18s & over-65s free). Tickets/registration here

If you love fish soup, head to Óhegy Park, where they have been hosting the city’s largest fish soup-making competition, Kőbányai Halmajális, for years. As the spicy, rich broth simmers in a thousand-litre cauldron, the family can have fun at the amusement park, a playhouse and craft workshops from 10am, while rock dinosaurs EDDA perform later on. Admission is free

Time Out tip: If you're looking for the classic Hungarian May Day experience, this is the event for you. As well as fish soup, you’ll find lángos, ice cream, traditional Magyar dishes, chimney cake and candy floss.

When? May 1, 10am-10pm

Where? Óhegy utca, 1103 Budapest

Expect to pay: FREE!

May Day at Tabán, the historic green area between Gellért and Castle Hill, has been a fixed favourite in the Budapest calendar for decades. All the venerable Hungarian rock bands have played here over the years. This May, György Ferenczi and Rackajam, Gyula Bill Deák and Karthago will be performing – this is a gathering for old friends from Tabán festivals past.

Time Out tip: Bring a blanket with you, spread out on the grass and enjoy the shows, the Tabán panorama and the relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere.

When? May 1, from 4pm

Where? Tabán, 1016 Budapest

Expect to pay: FREE!

A tea house, yoga, juggling lessons, face-painting, meat-free treats, football tricks and fire-juggling demonstrations  – this year’s Psychedelic May Day, an alternative community experience promoting spirituality, art and music, will once more be offering a cornucopia of alt-entertainment. Behind the DJ stand, mums and dads will be spinning records to get young and old dancing. Pets welcome!

Time Out tip: If you want to get the most out of the experience, Psychedelic May Day is at its friendliest and most sociable in the afternoon.

When? May 1, 2pm-10pm

Where? Kamaraerdei Youth Park, Kamaraerdei út 12, 1112 Budapest

Expect to pay: Ft 7,000-13,000/€19-35.50, available via this link. Under-16s FREE if accompanied by an adult