With the lighthearted Halloween pumpkin season now behind us, November (the harbinger of Winter) has arrived, ushering in a period of quiet remembrance and promising loud St. Martin’s goose festivals, fragrant new wines and traditional pig-slaughtering feasts. Winter is coming. The first snow can be expected shortly, so make the most of these relatively warmer days and stay active with music, design, gastronomy, cinema, fairs and a lot more exciting events waiting to be explored in the Hungarian capital. THE NIGHT OF MUSIC – CLASSICS ONLY / 17 NOVEMBER, VARIOUS LOCATIONS For the second time, the Municipality of Budapest, the Budapest Festival Orchestra and the Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre are joining forces to organise The Night of Music, which this year will take place on 17 November. It was on this day in 1873 that Buda, Pest and Óbuda were unified, becoming the Budapest that we know. Eight unusual locations in the city centre, including clubs, cafés, pubs and ruin pubs, will host this series of classical musical events that aims to bring classical music and Budapest closer to as many people as possible. For the detailed programme, visit the event’s Facebook page. BUDAPEST ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS FAIR / 9 NOVEMBER TO 1 JANUARY, VÖRÖSMARTY SQUARE Widely considered to be among the ten most beautiful European fairs, the Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square, one of the capital’s most stunning squares, is once again brought to you by the Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre from 9 November 2018 to 1 January 2019. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the fair continues to offer an abundance of culinary treats, award-winning handmade arts and crafts goods, and excellent cultural and family programmes and events to foreign visitors as well as Budapest residents. More info about fair JEWISH AND ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL/ 29 NOVEMBER TO 2 DECEMBER, MŰVÉSZ MOZI & PUSKIN MOZI Close to 20 films, various cultural side events and discussions await those interested in the latest and best Jewish and Israeli films from all over the world during the 7th edition of the Budapest Jewish and Israeli Film Festival. The screenings will take place at the Puskin and Művész cinemas. BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION / 9-11 NOVEMBER, LISZT FERENC UNIVERSITY OF MUSIC You will be in for a treat listening to renowned guitarists from across the world if you visit the Liszt Ferenc University of Music between 9 to 11 November. In addition to performances by Cuban-Austrian, Spanish, German, Chinese and Argentinian artists, publicly held master courses will complement the rich programme. SLOW GASTRO MARKET / 18 NOVEMBER, ANKER’T Slow down. That is the key message of the Slow Gastro Market, which is delivered by an offering of products for sustainable living. The Slow Gastro Market is a market for urban gardeners, conscious consumers and those who love natural design. You will find everything your heart desires: fruit syrups, sausages, cheeses, pastries, yoghurts, honey, natural cosmetics, ceramics and everything green, organic or healthy. Have a bite to eat, shop, get inspired – slow down! Photo: Pixabay