From rare birds and artisan markets to geek conventions, film festivals, and exotic animal expos, Budapest’s Lurdy House (Lurdy Ház) and Conference Center are ramping up their event calendar for the end of 2025 and early 2026. Whether you want to vote for the world’s prettiest parrot, geek out with fellow superhero fans, snag a limited-edition fountain pen, or learn why your subconscious keeps sabotaging your best efforts, there’s something temptingly bizarre or fascinating to pull you out of your nest.
A Bird Show That’s Also a Beauty Contest
Kicking things off, the National Bird Show (October 24-26) is no casual pet fair—it’s the avian world’s glittering pageant. Parrots, cockatoos, and other exotic species from every continent strut their stuff, and you don’t just admire them: you get to vote for the fairest fowl. An international jury does the heavy lifting, but public votes count too. Want to pose with a macaw perched on your arm? Here’s your chance. Expect a family-friendly festival atmosphere swirling with color and feathered chaos as bird-lovers unite.
YouTube Stars and Halloween Costumes
October 25 isn’t just any day—it’s the YouTube Meetup (Videós Találkozó), where Hungary’s most popular creators appear on stage, perform live, and hang out with fans. It’s Halloween-themed: dress up in costume and you score two extra raffle tickets. Expect a surge of fans, energetic performances, and plenty of selfie opportunities.
Handmade Heaven and Toy Fun
From 10 AM to 6 PM on October 25, the Artisan Craft Market (Kézműves Vásár) brings Hungarian designers to the fore at the Lurdy Center. Shop for original clothes, bags, jewelry, accessories, adorable baby items, hand-crocheted or sewn textiles, and gourmet treats—all in one stylish market.
On October 26, the National Toy Day (Ország Játéka Játszónap) shifts the focus to toys and games. Expect product demos, hands-on play, and tons of surprises and activities for kids of all ages.
Movies Galore—Every Single Week
The Lurdy Cinema (Lurdy Mozi) offers a constant flow of new films, refreshing its lineup weekly from late October until spring 2026. Cartoons for the youngest, blockbusters for adults, and family fun are featured in each cycle.
Bizarre and Brilliant Gatherings
On October 30, Kulcsár Academy (Kulcsár Akadémia) hosts its Business Club event for the entrepreneurial-minded.
On November 2, the Amethyst Puppet Theater (Ametist Bábszínház) brings Mazsola and Tádé (Mazsola és Tádé) to life—an adored Hungarian puppet show about a tiny pig and a warm-hearted gnome, ideal for children and nostalgic adults alike.
Beauty Trends and Generational Science
November 7-8 marks the 33rd Beauty Forum Budapest. Here, cosmetic professionals flock for lectures, treatment demos, and make-up trends from leading Hungarian schools and studios. The latest brow and eyelash trends, permanent make-up, and plenty of new ideas make appearances.
November 8 gets brainy with Generational Research & Psychology. Is “generation alpha” even a real concept? Are kids truly shaped by COVID? Youth researcher Dr. Ádám Nagy and analyst Annamária Tari tackle society’s most baffling questions about generations and technology—all for a $61 USD participation fee.
Spirituality, Creativity, and Standing Up Again
November 9 hosts the Festival of the Soul (Lélek Napja Fesztivál): meditation, talks on inner and outer peace, and live mantra chanting.
November 14 is for creators—Krea&Con is a conference and expo embracing both digital and hands-on creativity, bridging tech innovations and traditional crafts.
November 15 brings a unique talk: “Standing Up Again and Again”—with motivational stories from Ádám Szalai (who left his wheelchair behind). It’s free, and if you need a push to overcome your own obstacles, this could be it.
From Cat Shows to GeekCon to Exotic Critters
November 15-16 features the International Cat Show, while November 16 brings children’s puppet theatre once again.
November 22 is pure bliss for analog fans: Hungary Pen Show features the latest fountain pens, ballpoints, inks, and art paper, plus meetups for collectors and industry insiders.
On November 23, geek culture explodes at Budapest GeekCon (Budapesti GeekCon). Everything from superheroes and manga warriors to galactic adventures takes over the Lurdy Center—cosplay ready!
Winter Wonders and Mind Riddles
December brings the Enthusiast Mineral Fair (Lelkes Ásványbörze)—with science lectures, 3D screenings, and gold panning games for kids. The TerraPlaza Exotic Animal Expo follows on December 7, where over 100 exhibitors from Hungary and abroad display reptiles, amphibians, and all things scaly and strange in a sprawling 28,000 sq. ft. hall.
Throughout, puppet theaters and film marathons continue. Finish January with “Subconscious Control: The Path to Satisfaction” on January 31—if you’re looking to rewire your brain for happiness, coach Lajos Antal might have the key.
No matter your taste—quirky, traditional, nerdy, or soulful—this winter season at Lurdy offers every flavor imaginable, and some you’d never expect.
