Guest Speakers and Events

Enjoy your time learning and practicing public speaking with Budapest Toastmasters! There is no need to speak or any previous experience in Public Speaking. --- 👉Keycode: 12, 3rd Floor. Please arrive by 6:20 PM, the meeting starts at 6:30 PM👉No registration or dress code is needed, the event is FREE.👉NOTE: We will have signs in the place so you can locate easily the Toastmasters Meeting room. --- Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our membership is 313,000 strong. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 14,650 clubs in 126 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations. The world needs leaders. Leaders head families, coach teams, run businesses, and mentor others. These leaders must not only accomplish but must also communicate. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams, and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge from the Toastmasters program. Every Toastmaster's journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.

Got a new book for Christmas or self-surprised yourself with one? Or just feel like sharing the book you are currently reading with others? Join edition #101 of the Budapest Silent Book Club! **🗓️ Schedule** * **18:00 – 18:30 \| Quick Intro round** Who you are and what you'll be reading. * **18:30 – 19:30 \| Silent Reading Hour** Strictly quiet time. Just you and your book. * **19:30 – 20:00 \| Book Discussion** We discuss what we read. Simple and relaxed. * **20:00 – \| Wind Down & Open Chat** **Venue: [Három Holló Kávéház / Café](https://www.haromhollo.hu/en/about-harom-hollo/)** **Address:** 1052 Budapest, Piarista köz 1. Entry from Szabad Sajtó street. **Please support our venue** by ordering a cofee, tea, or cake! Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you're very welcome. No pressure, no expectations, just books. See you Monday evening! 📚🌿

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* **Discover the Heart of Budapest — History, Culture & Hidden Stories** Step into the soul of Hungary’s capital with The Original Budapest Walking Tour, a perfect introduction to the city’s fascinating history, vibrant architecture, and rich culture. Whether it’s your first time in Budapest or you’re returning to see it from a local’s perspective, this tour offers the ultimate way to truly understand what makes the city so special. Led by passionate local guides, this walking tour takes you on a journey through both sides of the Danube — Buda and Pest — exploring their contrasts and connections. From royal palaces and heroic squares to ruin bars and romantic river views, every stop reveals a story that shaped Budapest’s identity. Get insider tips, local anecdotes, and a deeper appreciation for the people and events that made this one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore Buda and Pest, the twin cities that form Budapest * Visit famous landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle * Learn about Hungary’s communist and royal past from expert local guides * Discover hidden gems and local hangouts off the beaten path * Enjoy a fun, engaging, and budget-friendly way to explore the city **✅ What’s Included** * Professional local tour guide * Comprehensive walking tour covering key historical and cultural sites * Insider recommendations for food, nightlife, and attractions * Small group experience for a more personal touch

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* **The Original Budapest Alternative Street Art & Jewish Tour 🎨✡️** Step off the beaten path and uncover Budapest’s vibrant street art culture and rich Jewish heritage on this immersive walking tour. Led by passionate local guides, this experience dives deep into the creative soul of Budapest’s 7th District—the historic Jewish Quarter—where history, art, and urban culture collide. Stroll through colorful streets filled with murals, hidden galleries, and cultural hubs, while learning how the city’s Jewish roots and post-communist era inspired a wave of artistic freedom. From synagogues and memorials to alternative bars, design studios, and community spaces, every stop tells a unique story about resilience, identity, and creativity. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this tour offers a new perspective on Budapest’s most dynamic neighborhood. **🌟 Highlights** * Discover Budapest’s underground art scene and creative community * Explore the Jewish Quarter, its landmarks, and living heritage * See murals, installations, and street art masterpieces * Visit local galleries, ruin bars, and design spaces * Learn how Budapest’s history shaped its modern identity **✅ What’s Included** * Professional local guide * Walking tour through the Jewish Quarter & alternative neighborhoods * Insights into art, history, and local culture * Small-group experience for an authentic connection

Do you like reading and self-reflection, but haven’t found the right place or time for it? Well, then I have good news for you! At this event, we’ll definitely tie you to a chair until you finish reading—after which you can reflect on your experience in writing and discuss it with others. (The rope for the chair is not included.) But seriously: if you want a space to read, reflect, be creative, and share with others, bring your favorite book and pen, and join us! No previous experience of writing is required and you can bring any book you like, this is a safe space—feel free to share your thoughts and approach others with kindness. **The event itself is free, but please get yourself a nice slice of cake, and sip of a tea and hot chocolate while reading.** The session begins with arrival and settling in, followed by a period of silent reading. Afterward, there is group discussion, personal writing and reflection, and a final group conversation with mingling to close the session. **⏱️ 15:00-18:00** **📍 V51 Café, Budapest, Mester u. 9, 1095** **🗣️ English**

Hot Paprika Comedy Presents: 2025 Wrapped Let’s close out the year with laughter and perspective. 2025 Wrapped is Hot Paprika Comedy’s year-end show where our sharpest comedians break down, roast, and reflect on everything that made 2025 unforgettable—the good, the bad, and the absurd. Hosted by: Tauseef Parvez Where: Jo&Joe Budapest When: 30th December, 8:00 PM Entry: FREE (donations welcome to support the comedy community) From global chaos to personal wins, cultural moments to shared frustrations, nothing from 2025 is off-limits. Expect honest takes, big laughs, and some very relatable comedy. Seats are first come, first served—arrive early to secure a good spot. Come laugh, reflect, and wrap up 2025 with us.

ENGLISH STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT❗❗ Join us for another amazing Hot Paprika Comedy🌶️ Night at A&o! We have an amazing lineup of international🌍 comedians waiting to make you laugh! **Please comment under the post in the events discussion tab if you want a spot to perform!**\* FREE Show‼️But donations are appreciated💸 Hosted by : Tauseef Seats are on a first come first serve basis. So, come a bit earlier to make sure you have a seat.🪑 Follow Hot Paprika Comedy' to stay updated on future events: https://www.facebook.com/hotpaprikacomedy

Please sign up in advance! Hot Paprika Presents: Budapest’s Best Pub Quiz! Register here: https://forms.gle/JKjGn4aGBr1r1dF48 Join us for the Hot Paprika Pub Quiz at A&O Hostel Budapest, kicking off at 8 PM! This isn’t your average trivia night—it's hosted by comedians, so expect uncomfortable laughs, unexpected twists, and an unforgettable time! What to Expect: Diverse Topics – From pop culture to history, no subject is off-limits! Comedian Hosts – The hilarious Tauseef Parvez & Fanni Pinter will keep you entertained. Big Prizes – Weekly winners score free comedy show tickets & bar discounts . Grand Prize – The season’s top team wins a 20,000 HUF bar tab! First Event: Donation-Based – Come, play, and support the show however you can! Gather your team, sharpen your wits, and let’s make trivia night legendary! Register now and don’t miss out!

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, we gather in the city to share languages, cultures, and conversations. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KMvmlN6LUjI9BuYtBHkatG) Our group is made up of friendly 20s–30s people — locals, expats, and travelers alike — who come together to meet new people and explore different ways of thinking. Whether you’re new to Budapest or call it home, this meetup is your chance to connect in a relaxed, open-minded space. Join us to swap stories, practice new languages, and build genuine friendships across cultures.

Join us for a fun evening of beer tasting and networking with fellow Budapest ex-pats at our next meetup event! Whether you're new in town or a long-time resident, this is the perfect opportunity to connect. Our event will feature a variety of local and international brews for you to sample and discuss, while enjoying great conversations. Don't miss out on the chance to make new friends and discover new favorite beers at Beer People at Lázár utca 7. Come raise a glass with us at the Ex-Pat & English Language Meetup!

ENGLISH STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT DARK HUMOR NIGHT! Join us for a night of twisted laughter at our Dark Humor Comedy Night, where comedians fearlessly navigate the shadows of taboo topics with sharp wit and unexpected punchlines. Brace yourself for an evening that challenges boundaries and leaves you chuckling at the darker side of life. Show starts: 8:00 PM Doors open: 7:00 PM Location: A&O Hostel Budapest, Csengery u. 11, 1074 Free Show but donations are expected!! We have an amazing lineup of international comedians waiting to make you laugh! Seats are on a first come first serve basis. So, come a bit earlier to make sure you have a seat. Follow Hot Paprika Comedy' to stay updated on future events: [https://www.facebook.com/hotpaprikacomedy](https://www.facebook.com/hotpaprikacomedy?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWMYOQkhAipIPQFzIIY58CxoBJbtZj5XDYnswH5WcELe-H57eqcIRNfWzlH1fHPUeym5IMRDPtmfM20JoIwj6yvPBDo3OQqv_bzNwrIQd9HWHOXlpH_n5-O5RL1zrn0GaZGGzsWWmK-9duUCcBZazfU&__tn__=q)

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).