About Us
Our Story
It’s probably safe to say that what started on April 3, 2014 as a fun hobby is now quite a scene in Budapest that many artists and performing-art-loving people visit — not just the locals, but folks from all over the world. That wasn’t the very first open mic organized in Budapest, but the first in a regularly recurring series: initially every month, then every week, then at more and more different venues on different days of the week, to the point that now there’s one just about every day, in fact some days offer multiple events.
It’s a chance for performing artists to grow: practice, expose their talent, get stage experience, be inspired by other performers, experiment with new material and collaborate with others. Several bands and eclectic formations have taken off from these collaborations and we have some heartwarming success stories of those who have taken things a few steps further.
It’s also a community where people meet, make friends, socialize and find support. We’re truly open. At least so we think. 😉
By the way, this is what others and the media think about us.
Event header of the first of the regular open mic series in Budapest
Our Mission
- To give up-and-coming performers a chance to expose their talent, gain stage experience and overcome stage fright.
- To give hobbyist a chance to have fun practicing their hobby.
- To give professionals a chance to experiment and be inspired.
- To give the audience beautifully unpredictable entertainment and an opportunity to support their friends.
- And finally, to build a supportive and inclusive community of performing-art-loving individuals with wide-ranging backgrounds.
Partners and contributors
Web Design
Bence Karvaly helped put our page together. But he can do a lot more. Check him out.
Graphic Design
This creative fellow musician Csaba Mester is responsible for much of the graphic artwork.
Double Picks
We give away many guitar picks at events. Have you tried this dual-bladed one yet? Ask about Twin Picks.
Editor
BG is a journalist, tour guide, musician, promoter & founder of the Open Mic Budapest community site.
Press Coverage and Testimonials
Yeah, they talk about us in the local and international media, in blogs and online review surfaces like Tripadvisor or even Lonely Planet.
People also leave testimonials on our Facebook page.
- Coverage in the documentary series Romokból (From the Ruins) on the evolution of the Budapest party district, produced by Korda Studios, April, 2023
- Budapest’s vibrant open mic scene reopens (article on WeLoveBudapest.hu) – June 10, 2021
- M2 Petőfi TV: Szabad a mikrofon! (Hungarian National TV) – March 10, 2020
- Brad Spurgeon’s Blog: Thumbnail guide to open mics, jams and other live music in Budapest
- 5 Reasons To Love Budapest, According to People Who Live There (article on TheCultureTrip.com) – Nov 11, 2019
- Stand-Up Budapest Open Mic
- M2 Petőfi TV: Open Mic estek Budapesten (Hungarian National TV) – Oct 13, 2018
- Jelen Bistro – An inspiring pub like bistro with open mic events and free concerts!
- Open Mic Night Crawl
- English Language Comedy Open Mic Night in Budapest
- Budapest Open Mic Guide by Denae McGaha
- A koncert már unalmas, itt vannak a menő élőzenés programok (article on nuus.hu) – 2018. march 17.
- Open-Mic Nights Rocking Budapest in 2017 (article on WeLoveBudapest.hu) – Feb 20, 2017
- 5 Open-Mic Nights at Varied Budapest Venues (article on WeLoveBudapest.hu) – Feb 22, 2016