Budapest’s Carnival Extravaganza: Party Like There’s No Tomorrow!

Hey there, party animals! If you’re in Budapest this weekend and looking to paint the town red (or any other carnival color), boy oh boy, do I have some news for you! Grab your dancing shoes, your most outrageous costume, and maybe a liver of steel, because Budapest is about to explode with carnival fever!

Tilos Radio’s Alternative Carnival Bash: Where Punk Meets Polka Dots

First up, we’ve got the Tilos Radio Carnival Party at Dürer Kert on February 22, 2025. This isn’t your grandma’s knitting circle, folks – unless your grandma is secretly a punk rocker (in which case, can I meet her?).

What’s on the Menu?

• Nagyterem (Big Room): Kick things off with Tigris Szofi at 8 PM, then bop along to ZUBOLY and TUDÓSOK. Stick around for a tombola (because who doesn’t love the possibility of winning a probably useless prize while drunk?), then let Dj Titusz and Infragandhi melt your face off until the wee hours.
• Kisterem (Small Room): If you’re feeling punky, this is your jam. From A Gecó és a Fa to the delightfully named Aberrált és a Feloszlottak, it’s a non-stop mosh pit of madness.
• Cökxpôn Zone: For the electronic music aficionados, this upstairs haven will have you floating on a cloud of sick beats, courtesy of DJs like Retroid and Oliver Trigger.

Remember, by partying here, you’re not just having the time of your life – you’re supporting Tilos Radio. So dance like nobody’s watching, but they totally are, and they’re judging your moves.

Púder’s Fairytale Frenzy: Where Cinderella Meets Cocktails

Not into the punk scene? Fear not, my fancy friends! Púder Bar-Theatre is hosting a carnival that’s more “enchanted forest” than “mosh pit madness” on the same night.

The Lowdown:

• Time: 6 PM to midnight (or until Cinderella’s carriage turns back into a pumpkin)
• Dress Code: Fairytale fabulous! Think less “Disney princess” and more “that character from the Grimm story that gave you nightmares as a kid”
• Perks: Rock up in costume and score a free Bailey’s cocktail. Because nothing says “once upon a time” like an Irish cream liqueur, right?

Mark Knight at Club Play: For the Techno Cinderellas

If you’re more into glass slippers that light up and vibrate to the beat, head over to Club Play on February 22 for the “Play Memories” event featuring Mark Knight. This British DJ will have you dancing until your feet turn into pumpkins (or until 5 AM, whichever comes first).

Pasión de Buena Vista: Salsa Your Way to Cuba

And for those who prefer their carnival with a side of sultry salsa, don’t miss “Pasión de Buena Vista” at Erkel Színház on February 22 at 8 PM. It’s like taking a trip to Cuba without the jet lag – just don’t blame us if you wake up with a sudden urge to grow tobacco and drive a ’57 Chevy.

So there you have it, folks! Whether you’re into punk, fairytales, techno, or Cuban rhythms, Budapest’s got you covered this carnival season. Remember to pace yourselves, tip your bartenders, and maybe learn how to say “Where’s the nearest kebab shop?” in Hungarian. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Image source: Dürer Kert