Eger isn’t just a picturesque Baroque town dotted with ancient monuments—it’s one of Hungary’s most vibrant cities when it comes to autumn festivities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city promises a continuous whirl of events throughout October 2025. Iconic landmarks like Eger Castle (Egri vár) and the city’s Minaret await exploration, along with must-visit museums, cozy wineries, and famous Turkish baths. Around Eger, scenic trails and vineyards invite hikers, but in town, you’ll never run out of concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, exhibitions, or culinary adventures. The local wine scene is especially lively this month, with events celebrating Eger’s legendary Bikavér and warm, inviting hospitality everywhere you go.
Friday the 17th: Fairytales, Belly Dancing, and Wine Mastery
October 17th kicks off with something unique for families: at the Sándor Bródy Library (Bródy Sándor Könyvtár), enjoy a “slide show, tea & cozy Friday” featuring the story The Elephant’s Breakfast (Az elefánt reggelije). Parents are encouraged to bring fruits and veggies—kids can snack while being enchanted by storytelling. Later, as night falls, immerse yourself in the exotic: Samirah performs her celebrated belly dance at the Ottoman Tent (Oszmán Sátor), surrounded by the aroma of rosewater, sand-brewed coffee, and authentic Ottoman vibes.
Wine lovers have two compelling events to choose from. The Egri Bikavér Grand Tasting lights up the cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszony-völgy), with each cozy winery teaming up with a guest cellar to showcase outstanding Bikavér blends. Meanwhile, a Bikavér Masterclass offers attendees the chance to sample and learn about the most acclaimed wines from recent competitions. All of this is accompanied by a blend of live music: the Cheerful Symphony Orchestra (Vidám Szimfonikusok) presents a charitable symphony concert at the Géza Gárdonyi Theatre (Gárdonyi Géza Színház) (tickets from $8 USD), and if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, No More Theory delivers a special semi-acoustic show—free entry, good moods required!
If you’re curious about how your heating works, the open doors at Upper Town Heating Plant (Felsővárosi Fűtőmű) for District Heating Day and the Night of the Power Plants include interactive tours, demonstrations, and programs for children—a fun, behind-the-scenes look at this eco-friendly system.
A major highlight is Eger Castle Day (Egri Vár Napja), celebrating the historic 1552 victory—472 years later—with all-day programs at the István Dobó Castle Museum (Dobó István Vármúzeum).
Weekend Highlights: Art, Theatre, and Vinous Adventures
From October 13th to 19th, the Four Seasons exhibition by the A&B Multilingual Art Collective opens for free at IFI Pont, open weekdays 10 am–6 pm. The Wood Wide Web exhibition by Mariann Berzsenyi beautifully reveals the hidden bonds between trees and fungi through ceramics.
October 18th is packed with action. For hikers and wine lovers, the Boots on the Vineyard Tour: Chasing Bikavér from the Cellar to Síkhegy invites participants for crisp autumn walks among multi-hued vineyards, Bikavér tastings, lively stories, and a feast of traditional beef goulash and homemade strudel under the old poplar tree. That same day, the annual Oldtimer Car Tour makes its stop in Eger, showing off North Hungary’s coolest classic cars.
Music fans can head to KOKA Gallery as Andrea Bozsik and Márton Komáromi-Nagy fill the night with live jazz at the Autumn Leaves concert. On the rock side, the Casino Blues & Freeworld gig brings classic rock and hard rock originals to the stage.
The Harlekin Puppet Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary with a circus full of events, and those looking for a party will find it at Broadway Monkey, where legend Éva Csepregi belts out hits, followed by a high-energy DJ Dominique dance party, with DJ Thomx spinning all-night anthems.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Hungarian Memories: Roman Temple exhibition at the Archiepiscopal Palace (Érseki Palota), along with the 17th Agria Aut Art show by local self-taught artists, and Heroes, Writers and Wine—Egri Bikavér Promenade, where you follow “Géza Gárdonyi” through the city, pausing for thematic stories and tastings.
Sundays, Antiques, and Unconventional Musicals
On the third Sunday, October 19th, Eger’s Antiques Market opens at Sándor Petőfi Square (Petőfi Sándor tér)—one of the largest in Hungary—drawing crowds for rare treasures. Later, a reimagined operetta and musical evening features stars Tibor Buch, Judit Lőrincz, Tamás Mészáros, plus violin virtuoso Elemér “Emi” Horváth and pianist Péter Horváth.
The week’s exhibitions continue: Between Light and Dark (Fény és sötétség között) merges sculpture by Dr. Bea Piros Rostás and graphics by Andreja Jovic at the Agria Park Gallery—free entry for all.
Next Week: Curiosity, Science, and Ancient Secrets
From October 20th, the city shifts toward the thoughtful: the Late Harvest – On the Road with Lajos Dargay symposium explores the story of a pioneering group of engineer-artists whose innovations began here fifty years ago. The Nagy-Eged Hill Chapel Research Exhibition launches at Eger Castle’s south visitor wing, featuring artifacts from the secluded hermitage above the town. Along with these, the Four Seasons and Between Light and Dark exhibitions continue their run.
On October 21st, explore powerful themes in public lectures: Zoltán Nagy’s presentation uncovers the background of Hungary’s national anthem, exploring its poetic and musical significance. Later, Péter Hajósi’s “The Greatest Deception in History” takes audiences deep into Sumerian clay tablets and hidden histories—perfect for fans of alternative theories and ancient astronauts.
Eger’s autumn is a non-stop celebration of tradition, innovation, and fun—every corner, stage, and cellar is alive with something to discover.
