At the 8th Óbuda World Music Week Six-Day Cultural Journey

Between June, 22-27. more than 50 artists at this year’s Óbuda World Music Festival in Kobuci Garden Budapest.

This year, the festival will feature one of the strongest programs in its history: former Transglobal Underground singer, the world-famous Natacha Atlas, the Budapest Klezmer Band and the Budapest Bar will give a joint concert with the chief cantor of the Dohány Street Synagogue – László Fekete, and performances by György Ferenczi, the Csángálló and the Tokos band. These are just a few of the world-class offerings featuring more than fifty artists, presenting a representative cross-section of the cavalcade of Hungarian folk music, Balkan, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern musical traditions.

The 8th Óbuda World Music Week is not simply a series of concerts, dance hall, a world music garden cinema and roundtable discussions. It is a six-day journey between cultures, stories and sounds, where world music is not intended to be preserved, but to be experienced again and again .. So get it on!

The KOBUCI Garden’s thematic festival celebrates the liveliness and cultural-creating power of world music.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Kati Kovács opens summer program series @ CastleGarden Bazaar Festival

Kati Kovács concert at the VárkertFest photo

Venue: District, I., 4. Ybl Miklós Square – Budapest

Event Hall

Ticket: 8900 HUF, 10900 HUF, 12900 HUF
Duration: 2H’s
Date: 6. June, 2026.  –  7 p.m.

Kati Kovács, one of the defining voices of Hungarian popular music, has been on stage for over six decades. With her unmistakable mezzo-soprano voice, remarkable four-and-a-half-octave range, and a catalogue of songs known across generations, she remains a powerful and compelling live performer. This June, her iconic hits return at VárkertFeszt (Castle Garden Bazaar).

Since winning the national television talent show Ki mit tud? (“Who knows what?)  was a Hungarian TV talent show in 1965, she has built a career spanning thousands of concerts and performances across five continents. Her voice moves effortlessly between rock, jazz and classical influences, while her presence on stage continues to command attention. With more than 500 songs and numerous film appearances, her legacy is not only defined by numbers, but by the lasting connection she creates with her audience.

Known for her discipline, stamina and artistic independence, she has always approached performance with intensity and focus. For her, the stage is a space of freedom — every song shaped by experience, instinct and a direct dialogue with the audience.

For  not only the generation “Born the day before Yesterday” a special summer evening awaing  the audience at  the Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar)  to experience one of Hungary’s most influential performers live.

Under the Moonlight view above the River Danube the outstanding buildings illuminated surroundings of the Capital.

Worthwhile to mentioned at the  Press Menting Kati talked  about her chapters of the previous days on stage:

Ttraveled the world … had a performance that stands as a special memory for her.
“I have many adventures. I once performed in front of Led Zeppelin at a festival in Hamburg. At the end, the band came out of hiding and “felt” that I was there live from behind the Iron Curtain and singing like that. I sang in Japanese in Japan, the band there liked it, and they asked me to sing it on their album. We were also in Australia for a month. Before one of our performances, they said, “the attendance at Hungarian shows is low.” It ended up being a sold-out show, and an Australian couple fell in love with us so much that they followed us everywhere by plane and learned the songs in Hungarian.”

Mind you … coming by car … 3 hours of free parking
The ticket provides free parking on the day of the performance in the Várkert Bazár underground garage for 3 hours (entrance from Szarvas Square) depending on the availability. Validate your parking ticket for the discount at the counter in the auditorium of the Event Hall!

On the opening day of the festival, Kati Kovács’ concert will crown your day.

Want anything more to comfy your evenings!?!

Recommandation by Aggie Reiter

UIPM Pentathlon World Cup 2026 Budapest

Only 2 weeks left until the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup 2026 starts in Budapest!

Venue: BOK Hall – District XIV., 1-3 Istvánmezei Rd. Budapest

Budapest is preparing for a special event: in June 2026, the world’s pentathlon elite will arrive at the BOK Hall for the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup.

The competition start on the 9th of June, and let  and watch on the spot the world’s best compete again in the BOK Hall!.

UIPM Pentathlon World Cup Budapest, Hungary Women’s Final – Gates open: 3 p.m. – Starting: 4 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026 -Budapest, BOK ‘A’ Hall

UIPM Pentathlon World Cup Budapest, Hungary Men’s Final – Gates open: 10 a.m. – Starting 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 Budapest, BOK Hall ‘A’

As the 3rd stop of the World Cup series, Budapest will host the best in the sport. An unprecedented international field of more than 200 people will gather in the era of the new format to compete in the BOK Hall.

Be a part of the biggest domestic pentathlon competition of the year!

Secure one of the seat today and experience the excitement of the World Cup live! Please note that tickets are for unassigned seats, and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children under the age of 14 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult family member with a valid ticket.

Recomendation by Aggie Reiter

The 46° Balaton Borbusz – Balaton WINEBUS …Hop-on-Hop Off

Mid-May to the end of September – Summertime treat for wine lovers.

This summertime brings a real winery tour around the Northern part of Lake Balaton.

Namely with the 46° Balaton BORBUSZ – Balaton WINEBUS.  The first Hungary’s hop-on hop-off service around Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region. This way, guests can discover the region’s most beautiful wineries at their own pace, without the need for a car, taxi or pre-booked wine tour.

The heart of the experience is the bus itself: a 1984 retro, convertible DAF vehicle, the first half of which is covered, the second half completely open – completely unique of its kind, the only bus of its kind in the world. A true spectacle on the roads, where not only the destination, but also the journey itself is part of the experience.

The name of the 46° Balaton Borbusz refers to the geographical features of the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region: the region is located near the 46th parallel north, in the same prominent European wine-growing belt as many iconic wine regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhône Valley.

You can get on and off freely at any stop. If you miss, you can continue in the next round.

Some locations can be reached by smaller vehicles and this will be announced in advance by the host.

The famous wineries on a single day: Balatonfüred, Aszófő, Pécsely, Balatonszőlős, Csopak and Paloznak, with a frequency of 90 minutes. drops off passengers at a total of 5 stops, from Tihany to Balatonfüred in the morning and back in the evening. For those arriving from the south coast and those staying in Tihany can also comfortably join the program.

Two routes, two different worlds … The program is available 4 days a week – from Wednesday to Saturday – from mid-May to the end of September.

On Pentecost Sunday, the Balaton Borbusz – Balaton WINEBUS awaits visitors with a special route. The services depart from the center of Balatonfüred, from Vitorlás tér, in the morning, and return to the same place at sunset. The ” Old Friends” route runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays and visits the region’s most famous wineries in a single day: Balatonfüred, Aszófő, Pécsely, Balatonszőlős, Csopak and Paloznak, with a frequency of 90 minutes. The ” Hidden Treasures ” route takes passengers on a nearly 60-kilometer journey of discovery through the hills of the Balaton Uplands on Fridays and Saturdays … they visit mainly smaller, family-run wineries in Balatonfüred, Pécsely, Mencshely, Óbudavár, Szentantalfa, Tagyon and Balatonakali, with the service initially running every 120 minutes.

22 wineries, stunning panorama! A total of 22 award-winning wineries await visitors on the two routes – the number is expected to increase further during the season. Most of the stops offer unparalleled views of Lake Balaton or the Pécsely Basin.

The soul of the experience is the bus itself … recalling the 1984 retro feeling. It is a convertible DAF vehicle. The first half of which is covered, the second half completely open … completely unique in its kind, the only such bus in the world. A special transfer is provided for holidaymakers in Tihany. With the returning shuttle, also visiting the Tihany ferry, picks up and drops off passengers at a total of 5 stops, from Tihany to Balatonfüred in the morning and back in the evening. For those arriving from the south coast and those staying in Tihany can also comfortably join the program.

“Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, and makes weariness forget his toil.”

Don’t be a square … I mean be there not to skip out from a rememberable journey.

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

 

Flash News: Football Champions League Final @ Budapest – Hungary

Due to the UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest on May 30, Városliget (City Park) will be transformed into the official fan zone of Arsenal FC. Due to the tens of thousands of foreign fans and the strict international security closure, no other programs – including pre-Children’s Day events – can be held in the park on Saturday. The restrictions apply only to Saturday, and on Sunday, May 31, Children’s Day will be held undisturbed, in a clean and safe environment.
Hosting the world’s most watched annual sporting event in Budapest is one of the biggest logistical and security challenges in the City Park’s more than two hundred-year history. The park will perform three tasks at once this weekend: it will host the official fan zone of one of the finalist teams, it is the immediate neighbor of the four-day international fan festival taking place in Heroes’ Square, and it will play a key role in welcoming, moving and transporting foreign fans.

On Saturday, May, 30, special flights arrival to the Liszt Ferenc International Airport will continuously transport Arsenal fans to Városliget (City Park) from the early morning hours.
The exact route and schedule of the fan movement: Main axes within the park: Fans move along the Konrád Adenauer Street – Zichy Mihály Street, and to the Kós Károly Promenade.

Around 3 p.m. The huge pedestrian procession begins along the Olof Palme Promenade to the venue match, the Puskás Arena.
After the match … Fans will flow back to the park area along the same routes, from where buses will transport them back to the airport.
Timeframes: Preparatory work will begin on Friday, and demolition will begin after the Saturday game, around dawn on Sunday, and will be completed by Sunday morning.

Városliget Zrt (City Park Ltd) highlighted that the weekend’s implementation is the result of one and a half years pre-planning work, and the organizers indicated the space usage requirements immediately after the Budapest location was selected at the end of 2024.

Full Saturday closure … Security and logistical plans have been prepared for months in close co-operation between UEFA, the Hungarian Police, BKK (Budapest’s Transportation), Volánbusz and the English authorities. The security zones and traffic management protocols agreed with the police apply uniformly to the entire park – regardless of the physical distance of the individual venues from the fan zones.

Due to the extent of the measures, no other parallel events can be held in the park area on Saturday, May 30th.

Constant vehicle traffic and safety lanes are incompatible with the calm and family-friendly atmosphere of a preschool program.

Due to the huge visitor load, the event organizers have officially committed to fully covering the costs of any restoration work that may become necessary. The professional restoration will be carried out with the assistance of the specialists of Main-Gardening Ltd.

Városliget Zrt. (City Park Ltd) are preparing for the entire weekend with maximum operating capacity and reinforced staff, from visitor infrastructure and restrooms to park maintenance and security tasks.

Children’s Day without any disturbances!

Since the last Sunday of May is Children’s Day, Városliget Zrt. asks civil organizations and institutions to submit their land use requests for the weekend of the Champions League final exclusively by Sunday, i.e. May 31. By Sunday, the demolition works will be completely completed by the time the park opens, the fan logistics will be closed, so all parts of the park will be accessible and safe. The park’s iconic attractions … including the Grand Playground, which has already welcomed more than four million visitors, the KRESZ Park (Traffic Park), and the sports fields – await families undisturbed.

The Városliget Zrt (City Park Ltd) asks all visitors, international fans and Budapest families alike, to strictly adhere to the laws and norms of community coexistence, and to use public spaces peacefully, respecting each other’s presence.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Summertime starts in the Várkert (CastleGarden) Bazaar within programs to the Festival

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The VárkertFeszt – CastleGarden-Festival meeting place for quality entertainment will arrive on June 6–7 with summer-kick-off music and colorful, mostly free family programs, where all ages will find their favorite! At the press conference titled “EXPERIENCE. WITH YOU”. On May 14, we were presented the summer offerings of the festival at Castle Bazaar. Was told by the presentations, there will be legendary performers, jazz concerts, sunset DJ sets, dance halls and fabulous children’s programs, as well as heart-warming romantic films which will surely guarantee the unforgettable moments!

The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and they The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and taste gastropubs drink specialties, refreshments and delicious snacks from the nearby food trucks. The audience can also enjoy the smashing concerts from the terrace of the VarjúVár restaurant with a special panoramic ticket. Among the summer programs, Krisztina Sikota highlighted the musical and dance performance “Our Father Has Messaged” on the second day of the festival, the all-arts evening of the Grecsó brothers, the jazz concert of the Balázs Elemér Group and the Summer Dance Houses available from June to August. She added that our next summer open-air exhibition will be realized in cooperation with the Museum of Fine Arts / Hungarian National Gallery. It shows that Italy is not only an extremely popular travel destination, but also a recurring inspiration and constant motif in Hungarian art. The free exhibition will be on display on the ramp leading to the Gloriette of the Várkert Bazaar from the 2nd. of July until the 27th of September, 2026.

At the press conference, Kati Kovács, Kossuth and Liszt Ferenc Award-winning singer, said that love songs are the most popular among the audience, so they will definitely resonate. Felícián Kovács, the lead musician of Kati Kovács’ band, revealed that with a long concert and are coming to the VárkertFestival with an expanded orchestra – percussionists, wind instruments, strings.

During the summertime Viktor Király will perform at the Várkert Bazaar with the Budapest Jazz Orchestra in the production titled “Queen Real Jazz”. According to the singer, the rich musical world of the Queen band’s oeuvre is particularly suitable for being expressed in the language of jazz. In addition to the best-known hits, the concert will also feature rarely heard songs in unique arrangements, the production being a tribute to the musical genius of Freddie Mercury. Viktor Király will close with his song titled Solo.

Extra flash news was told … “Among a/m Keep Floyding, which evokes the oeuvre of Pink Floyd, will perform, as well as the Metha sunset DJ set for electronic music lovers as part of the Be Massive series. Castle Garden Movie … On the closing evening of the week, Sunday, the iconic film Made in Hungária will be screened outdoors.”

Further infomation in English drop over: https://varkertbazar.hu/en

Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter

Press Release … Rosalia Wine Picnic @ City Park Budapest

Fejléc EN

The Rosalia Wine Picnic Opens Today at 3 p.m.

The moment we’ve been waiting for for months has finally arrived! Today at 3 p.m., the Rosalia Wine Picnic opens its gates in Budapest’s City Park. And the best news? The weather is on our side. Expect sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect conditions for sipping rosé and sparkling wine outdoors. In short, nothing stands between you and your next favorite glass of wine.

The opening day’s stage program at the Szerencsejáték Stage is already set to create an unforgettable atmosphere. At 4:30 PM, Bohème Acoustic will fill the park with soft acoustic guitar melodies and laid-back vibes. At 7:30 PM, Kontraszt takes the stage with their distinctive sound that explores the space between light and shadow. Their original songs blend personal stories, deep emotions, and social themes into a powerful yet sensitive musical experience, a style that has earned them several prestigious Hungarian talent show awards. The evening concludes at 9:00 PM with Bréda Bia, whose mix of R&B, hip-hop, Latin pop, and reggaeton will effortlessly transform your Thursday evening into a summer party.

At 6:30 PM, the first Kvaterka wine talk begins, featuring Mádi A Borbirtok and Harsányi Winery. The discussion will focus on the new face of Tokaj: dry Furmints and traditional sparkling wines, two categories that have gained increasing recognition across the region in recent years. As always, the conversation will be accompanied by a complimentary tasting, so make sure your glass is empty before you head over to the stage.

If you’d like to save time, you can purchase your Deluxe Glass Package in advance from home and simply redeem it at any festival cashier. When you collect your package, don’t forget to pick up the Exhibitor Guide as well. This handy pocket-sized booklet includes the full list of exhibitors, the QR code for the Wine of the Park voting, Sunday Brunch offerings, stage schedules, a festival map, and all the essential information you’ll need throughout the weekend.

Update by Aggie Reiter

PLACCC Weekend Festival @ Budapest 2026.

The PLACCC Festival awaits the audience with a special series of artistic and professional programs between May 26 and 31, 2026.

As part of the PLACCC Weekend, dance performances, monodramas, contemporary dance performances and performance workshops will take place in various locations in Budapest, while the festival will also host international professional programs with the support of the European IN SITU Platform.

The Creative Europe-supported program, which will take place between 2025 and 2028, will provide emerging artists with the opportunity to share knowledge, research and create within the framework of the IN SITU Platform, including in the framework of intensive creative laboratories organized by partner festivals.

Performers and Venues:

On May, 28. Luca Borsos and Máté Kőrösi’s participatory dance performance “Dance the District” invites city dwellers to move together. The special feature of the event is that there are no performers in the traditional sense: the participants dance to the same live-streamed music for an hour on the streets of Budapest, transforming the city space into a spontaneous community experience. Venue: Sandwich Bar Community Square, District VII., 27.István street – Budapest.

On May, 29. A monodrama “The Princess Weeping the Sand”, artist Maria Nasr of Egyptian origin who lives in Budapest, talks about the difficulties of escape and how personal traumas and immigration policy can steal years from people’s lives through her personal story. Venue: DANTE Közösségi Alkotótér, District II., 1. Török Street – Budapest.

On May, 30. The audience are invited to a premiere. The Kata Juhász Company’s production Wasteland examines the relationship between nature and urban civilization. The performance, created with the participation of the six dancers, reflects on the social meanings of pollution, consumption and “garbage” using the expressive tools of contemporary dance and music. Venue: Hungarian University of Fine Arts Department of Scenic Design.

The program series will conclude on the 31st of May with an event titled: Rite Workshop #5: Crowd by Dávid Somló.

International artists from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Poland, Greece, Cyprus, Kosovo and Ukraine will arrive for the professional programs related to the PLACCC Weekend, so that the artists selected in the open competition will present their upcoming public art projects.It will take place in the vicinity of Boráros Square – Budapest.

The professional programs are held in English language and are free to attend with prior registration @
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnL0Di74odewEPqoeDR3byT1iF81B9_o8dasCC3yiuPRP0zw/
viewform

Update by Aggie Reiter

Coming Up … Mujahid Zoltán & Group’N’Swing @ Várkert Bazaar Festival – Budapest

One of our country’s favorite swing & boogie show bands, Group’N’Swing, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year at the VárkertFeszt on the 7th of June @ Várkert Bazár Festival.
The nine-member formation is also preparing a surprise for the anniversary performance. The singer did not reveal all the details at the press conference but mentioned there will be from classic tunes, swing-pop, iconic world hits up to current hits.
Spoke about songs included in the program, forinstance
… Elton John’s I’m Still Standing for sure, but Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now and CeeLo Green’s Forget You are also included in the program. The greatest hits of the classic swing era are not left out either: for example, New York, and other audience favorites.

The band was formed in 2006, and in 2009, their first album, Swing, amagim élek, brought them national recognition. Since I started singing in Group’N’Swing, I have shaped the style of the band myself: the sound of our songs has become more modern and pop. They kept the swing basics, which they combined with different musical styles, creating a kind of modern musical fusion, including soul, twist and rockabilly elements.

Also told that jazz and swing come from the same root? The roots of jazz music go back to the culture of African-American communities. Jazz developed from the mixing of several different musical traditions; its early forms were greatly influenced by blues and ragtime, and then the Dixieland style developed from this, among other things. Swing became one of the later, large-band trends in jazz in the big band era of the 1930s. Danceable, virtuoso and extremely energetic music, because it can be easily combined with other genres. The meeting of swing and pop creates a very fresh sound, which the audience also really likes.

Don’t be a square … I mean be there not to skip out.

Update & snap by Aggie Reiter

Catch up … Rosalia Wine Picnic – City Park Ice Rink – Budapest – 2026.

Date: Thursday, June, 4. – 3 p.m. – Sunday, June, 7. 8 p.m.

This weekend don’t have to rush anywhere may arrive as it comfy the visitors. Handy to bring your own blanket to spread it out and relax with your family and friends.

One of the biggest garden party of the summer should not be missed. Discover your favorite wine of the Year, and vote for who you think will be the winner of the Liget Bora election. Get your Deluxe glass package in advance at the City Park on the first weekend of June!

Rosalia promises true gourmet adventures for those seeking new flavors this year. Taste the debuting of the modern Hungarian burgers, including duck liver and truffle variations, while fans of international flavors can look forward to authentic Mexican tacos from Los Monos, Balkan grill dishes from Csevapivo, and crispy slices Pizza. Will be the charcoal-grilled chimney cakes and the colorful waffle wonders. The most peaceful moments of the weekend are promised by the Rosalia Brunch on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The visitors may enjoy leisurely, picnic-style snacks at stands marked with Sunday Brunch flags, spiced up with promotions lasting a few hours.

On Friday the rockabilly show of the Dynamite Dudes will enhance the atmosphere. During the day, we can get to know some winemakers better through interactive pop-up conversations, who will also treat us to a little extra tasting. On Saturday and Sunday, the free Creative Nook awaits the little ones with craft activities, face painting and making recycled jewelry, while they are entertained by children’s concerts on stage.

Rosalia welcomes its four-legged friends again this year, with dog massage seminars, obedience demonstrations and spectacular dog dancing demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Those looking for inner peace can join Soulty Yoga’s wine yoga on the morning of June 6th and 7th where can greet the morning sun in rosé-colored outfits and with glasses full of cool rosé.

Opening hours:
Thursday-Friday, June 4-5: 3 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, June 6: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, June 7: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Rosalia Brunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Entrance: The Rosalia Wine Picnic is free for everyone. Those who would like to taste can purchase a glass with the Rosalia logo or an indulgent Deluxe Glass Package in advance or on site, but there will again be an opportunity to rent glasses. The payment method for the event is the Festipay festival card, which can be topped up with cash and bank cards, but of course it is also possible to pay with the one-touch MasterCard PayPass and VISA PayWave bank cards.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Podcasts coming to HBO Max from the 19th of May, 2026

Companion podcasts to the Game of Thrones universe – including House of Dragons and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – and other fan favorites are coming to HBO Max across Europe.

From May 19, the Harry Potter: The Official Movie Podcast has become available in Hungary, opening a new, even more immersive era of the fan experience.

HBO Max launches its podcast offering on the platform across Europe

From June, HBO Max will introduce several franchise-focused podcasts in Europe, centered on Game of Thrones and its ever-expanding universe. Fans will also have access to the Game of Thrones Anniversary Podcast Special, The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Podcast, and the Game of Thrones Podcast: House of Dragons, the latter of which will also have a brand new season coming next month to accompany the third season of House of Dragons, which will also be available in video format.

In addition, there will be companion podcasts and in-depth discussions related to HBO Max’s most popular series and films, including The Last of Us, The Pitt, The Comeback, and The Sinners, as well as the complete multi-season rerun of Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Official History of Curb Your Enthusiasm.


The European podcast platform will officially launch on May 19th with the debut of the Harry Potter: The Official Movie Podcast, which will be available in the region at the same time as the global premiere. Hosted by renowned film critic and presenter Rhianna Dhillon, the show offers a joyful yet analytical overview of the eight Harry Potter films, with special guests, film discussions and deeper exploration of generation-defining moments.

The Harry Potter: The Official Movie Podcast will launch with a special two-part edition, followed by weekly episodes of two episodes per film. Fans can stream the video version exclusively on HBO Max, while the audio version will also be available on major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Update by Aggie Reiter