The venue’s concert hall, known for its exceptional acoustics, the unique-in-Europe Sound Dome, and a state-of-the-art sound system will all contribute to showcasing the diverse musical landscape of this boutique-style festival.

Located next to City Park, the setting also provides a natural meeting point and inspiring environment between daytime professional programmes and evening concerts.

Budapest Ritmo functions both as a festival and a hub – a space where traditional and contemporary, industry and audience, and local and global music scenes connect organically.

Expect the unexpected

Building on the vibrant atmosphere of last year’s anniversary edition, this year’s programme once again brings together artists who make the unfamiliar feel accessible while giving new life to what we already know.

The 11th Budapest Ritmo opens on Thursday with a free day at the House of Music Hungary, featuring three emerging bands making their debut in front of invited international professionals and the Ritmo audience as part of the showcase programme.

As in previous years, the focus is on fresh talent in world music, highlighting the meeting point of musical roots and contemporary influences.

On Friday, Serbian band Naked takes the stage, joined by the new formation FolkTrió led by Kossuth and WOMEX Award-winning Mónika Lakatos, bringing Balkan and Roma musical traditions closer to the audience.

They are followed by one of Hungary’s most exciting young bands of recent years, Hakumba, promising an energetic and uplifting live experience. The international line-up continues with Paris-based Ko Shin Moon, whose distinctive psychedelic sound blends traditional Mediterranean instruments with analogue synthesizers.

Saturday’s concert programme offers more rare musical encounters, with performers arriving from three continents to captivate audiences with rich, multi-layered soundscapes. The evening opens with Slovenia’s Bakalina Velika, known for their sensitive reinterpretation of Balkan motifs.

This is followed by a particularly intriguing performance from dal:um, who translate the refined beauty of Korean folk music into a minimalist, experimental language.

The highlight of the night is Cuba’s Grupo Compay Segundo, who keep a legendary musical legacy alive while evoking the timeless, vibrant atmosphere of Havana’s nights. Each evening concludes with DJ sets, with additional performers to be announced soon.

Two days focusing on the music industry

A key element of the festival is its two-day professional conference, which brings together international and Hungarian experts to explore current issues in world music and related scenes.

In 2026, the programme places special emphasis on the Hungarian music industry – its position, opportunities, and international connections – creating space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and new collaborations.

Tickets now available

The first tickets for Budapest Ritmo are already on sale. In addition to day tickets and festival passes for concerts, PRO passes for industry participants are also available. Early purchase is recommended before the next ticket price increase on 2 March.

More: 
https://budapestritmo.hu / Facebook event
 

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