Music is a universal tool to bring people together, so if you’re looking for a new community to join in Budapest, it’s not a far stretch to visit Budapest Open Mics.
There’s lots of opportunity to experience the open mic scene as there’s one almost every day of the week in venues across Budapest. Each venue brings a different crowd and a different vibe, so whether you’re looking for an intimate bistro to premiere your new original song, or a ruin pub with a never ending after party, there’s a place for you! Here’s the list of Budapest open mics.
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Monday: Jelen Bisztro,
Tucked around a corner at the Blaha Lujza metro is Monday’s open mic venue, Jelen Bisztro. This place has soooo such going on for it, don’t even get me started. I have a soft spot for Jelen as it’s the first open mic I went to when I visited Budapest, and the first one I came to when I moved to Budapest a year later. The atmosphere is intimate and supportive–the kind of place where the audience truly listens to the music and doesn’t just talk over the performer. You can dine by candlelight in the main room and then head to the back for the open mic (although there are food and drink specials for the open mic, so don’t fill up completely!) The room is on the smaller side and often fills up to standing room only, so get there sooner rather than later!
Tuesday: EllatoKert
Ingrid Andrasi Photography
This is a louder, more chaotic venue with lots of energy to it. It’s no wonder that this open mic has a party atmosphere since it’s in the garden of the Hive Hostel. Lots of rowdy friendships have been made here, as travelers from all over get to know each other over a glass of Soproni and the live music. Lots of pub crawls come in and out of here, so if you’re looking to meet people and perform to a lively crowd, this is a great place! Although, don’t take it personally if they’re more interested in the bar than the music.
Every other Tuesday: Open Jam at Edison Brew Bar
The proud owners!
For a party in the basement, head this way. You can tell this bar/tattoo parlor is a labor of love. Every piece of it is bursting with crafted detail, from the sketch of the owners to the books of original tattoo art. When you walk in on a Tuesday night, you’re faced with two choices: Choose one of the many craft beers and head upstairs for a tattoo (jk, no alcohol allowed in the parlor), or grab a craft beer and head downstairs and settle in on one of the comfy couches as you get ready for the jam. The jam is, well, just that! Instead of signing up to play a 15 minute slot as you would at an open mic, different musicians just play together and go with the flow. People get on and offstage as they feel, and a lot of times the line between audience and performer is blurred. For a laid back music session, head to Edison’s!
Wednesday: Mika Tivadar Mulato
Maybe it’s its slightly Art Deco decor, or maybe it’s that it always has a chill vibe even though it’s in the midst of loads of other clubs, but either way, I find Mika Tivadar Mulato charming. Although Mika has a large space and a dance floor in the basement (there’s different themed parties every weekend!), the open mic is cozied up to the front window–so that the atmosphere is still pretty intimate. But the huge window is the fun part–the performer has their back to it, but the audience can see all of the curious passerby’s lingering on the sidewalk, wondering what’s going on.
Normally, the open mic at Mika shuts down for the summer, so be sure to come as often as you can during the rest of the year.
Thursday: 1066 Bar and Breakfast
If you’re not so much of a night owl, this might be the open mic for you. Strict noise regulations on the street ensure that the open mic must stop by 10, and so it starts pretty promptly at 7:30. You might even see a few open mic regulars at other gigs at 1066 throughout the week! 1066 has been making a name for itself for its delicious brunch (I’m in love with their pancakes) and Mexican/Southern BBQ dinner menu, so come hungry and enjoy the food and music!
Friday: Szimpla Kert:
If you’re visiting Budapest, chances are you’ve already been to the famous ruin bar, Szimpla Kert. Szimpla hosts dj’s and bands from all over the world on its stage, and on Friday night, open mic takes over. I love the mix of performers you’ll see–there’s lots of regulars as well as travelers just passing through for the weekend who got the courage to get up on stage. You never know what languages you’ll hear, or what connections you’ll make. When the open mic ends at midnight, you can explore the rest of Szimpla’s eclectic rooms or dance to the dj. I’ve made so many good memories here and I hope you can too!
Sunday: Lámpás
Become a cave dweller for a night and descend the often overlooked staircase into Lampás’ basement bar. Lampas is just down the street from Tuesday’s Hive venue, but you’ll find the atmosphere to be completely different. Worn, comfy furniture, cheap drinks, and a welcoming stage set you up for a pleasant night of music. It’s a favorite of Hungarian students, so you’ll likely brush elbows with locals as you soak it all in.
Lámpás Open Mic shuts down for the summer, so check it out while you can!
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Budapest Open Mics is something that brings you in whether you’re just passing through for one night or living here long term. And it’s open to anyone who wants to showcase their music, stories, or stand up comedy. There’s often new open mic partnerships around the city, so of course, for photos* and updates, check out the Budapest Open Mic Facebook page!
*Thank you Budapest Open Mic for the use of pictures from your Facebook page for this article!
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