Eger is preparing for another action-packed year in 2025, brimming with history, Baroque architecture, delicious wine, and a variety of cultural and leisure events for both locals and visitors. The city’s thousand-year-old atmosphere fills every square, while its famed hospitality, cozy spas, and year-round festival lineup make it a serious contender for Hungary’s “never go home” hotspot. Eger’s must-sees include the historic castle (Eger Castle—Egri Vár) and the scenic minaret, but that’s just the beginning. Museums, galleries, renowned baths—including the legendary Turkish Bath (Török Fürdő)—and gourmet experiences abound throughout the region. With hiking trails winding through the Eger hills, there’s something for every traveler or culture enthusiast.
Márai Center (Márai Központ) 2025: Summer Nights in the Valley
From June 14 to September 5, Eger’s Márai Center (Márai Központ) enlivens the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszonyvölgy) for 20 evenings with a series of open-air events. Imagine high-profile theater, musical concerts, family programs, dazzling dance shows, and nights full of laughter, all under the summer sky. The mission? Deliver top-tier, diverse entertainment for everyone seeking a cultural recharge during the warmer months.
August Highlights: Art, Charity, and Local Legend
Between August 25 and 28, Agria Park Gallery (Agria Park Galéria) hosts “Daydreamers” (“Ébren álmodók”), a collaborative exhibition by visual artist Ildikó Balogh, painter-illustrator Viktor Lénárt, and sculptor Gábor Gódor. At the same time, a multi-day school supply drive takes place throughout the city to support children from families in need.
History buffs can visit Eger Castle (Egri Vár) from August 25–31 for a brand-new exhibition: “Saint Ladislaus – Stories, Sites, Legends.” This bilingual display, prepared together with the Polish Research Institute and Museum, showcases the shared heritage and legends surrounding Hungary and Poland’s revered royal saint.
Rounding out August, there’s a new archaeology exhibit displaying relics uncovered from the investigation of the Nagy-Eged Mountain (Nagy-Eged hegy) chapel. Meanwhile, on August 26, the smash-hit dance theater “Parade” (“Parádé”)—after sold-out success in Budapest and Székesfehérvár—comes to Eger, blending energetic dance with live music by the Boban Markovic Orkestar.
Music, Markets, and Guided Tours
August closes with the 27th Music Parade (Zenés Parádé) on the 29th at the Márai Visitor Center, along with a three-day organ concert series at the Basilica (Bazilika) from August 29–31 (entry: $4 per person). On the 31st, one of Hungary’s largest antique fairs takes place, alternating between the Basilica’s rear area and the ornamental garden of Agria Park.
September kicks off with guaranteed Saturday guided city walks—90-minute strolls packed with stories, history, and local inspiration—plus a bustling sports tryout day for adventurous kids and adults in the garden of Agria Park.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Eger Forestry Open Day (Egri Erdészeti Nyílt Nap) in centrally located Archbishop’s Garden (Érsekkert) on September 5, while aspiring explorers can take on the Eger Star Performance Hike (Eger Csillagtúra) in the Bükk Hills (Bükk hegység) on September 6, where participants are challenged to reach all checkpoints in sequence within the time limit.
Bars, Films, and Historic Night Walks
On September 5, experience “LIAison”—a musical stand-up event with actress Lia Pokorny—featuring musical hits and classic movie soundtracks in the Baroque center. That evening also marks the start of Eger’s popular urban film picnic, taking place September 12–13, where movie lovers can enjoy everything from indie gems to blockbuster favorites outdoors.
For a taste of mystery, the “Valide Sultan: Mysterious Power Behind the Veil” historical torchlit walk on September 6 invites visitors to step into the intrigue and secrets of Ottoman palace life, following the footsteps of powerful women whose influence shaped empires.
Vintage Cars, Folk Tales, Rock Ballads, and More
September 11–14 rewinds time for the 25th Eger Classic Vehicle Meeting & Tour (Egri Classic Jármű Találkozó és Túra). Friday welcomes arrivals in Eger, Saturday is for scenic touring, and Sunday’s exhibition and award ceremony wraps up the event.
Music fans will enjoy a tribute concert to László Bódi “Cipő” by Fényes Utakon at Fázis Koszt & Kávé on September 12. September 15 brings “Rock Ballads by Candlelight” to Béla Bartakovics Community House (Bartakovics Béla Közösségi Ház) (tickets $35–$41), while “Senior Academy – Shapes of the Past” (Senior Akadémia – A múlt formái) gets attendees aged 55+ exploring Eger’s heritage with museum tours and lectures.
Harvest Picnics, Fairy Tales, Festivals, and Science Nights
Experience autumn’s golden touch at the Tóth Harvest Picnic (Tóthék Szüreti Piknikje) atop Síkhegy Hill on September 20, tasting the freshest new wines and soaking up the atmosphere. That same weekend, geology and self-discovery enthusiasts can join the first Eger Mineral Fair and Self-Knowledge Days (Eger Ásványbörze és Önismerti Napok) at Eszterházy Károly University.
The month closes with the 14th Eger Studio Theatre Dance Festival (Eger Stúdiószínházi Táncfesztivál), lively folk theater (“Betyárvilág”—World of Outlaws), modern retellings of Cinderella, and the highly anticipated Researcher’s Night (Kutatók Éjszakája) on September 26–27—two nights when all the sciences, from engineering to the arts, take over the city with hands-on, mind-expanding programs for the curious.
Whether you’re chasing legends, vintage rides, world-class performances, or just the next glass of Bull’s Blood of Eger (Egri Bikavér), Eger’s 2025 schedule is packed to the rafters, with hardly a dull moment in sight.
