The 17th Szeged Comic Festival and Fair will take place on November 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the heart of Szeged, at 1-4 Dóm Square (Dóm tér 1-4). This all-day celebration of comics and geek culture is hosted inside the community spaces of the Somogyi Library (Somogyi-könyvtár), and best of all, admission is absolutely free. Whether you’re a seasoned comic book fanatic, a newcomer curious about Hungarian pop culture, or just looking for some free weekend fun, this festival belongs on your autumn must-see list.
Szeged: The Perfect Festival City
Szeged, often called the City of Sunshine, boasts a vibrant cultural and festival scene year-round. With its grand squares, bustling university atmosphere, and renowned riverside location, it provides the perfect backdrop for a large-scale comic event that still manages to feel cozy and friendly. The festival’s venue, Dóm Square (Dóm tér)—the city’s monumental main square flanked by its cathedral—puts you right in the center of the action, just steps from cafés, parks, and the 80-year-old Open-Air Festival site.
Places to Stay: From Luxury to Student Cool
Festivalgoers have multiple accommodation options. If you’re seeking comfort and a touch of luxury, ARÉNA DELUXE & SPA is hard to beat. Situated directly on the banks of the Tisza River and next to both the Tiszavirág Swimming Complex and the modern Pick Arena (Pick Aréna) sports venue, ARÉNA DELUXE offers stylish rooms, a generous breakfast with each booking, private jacuzzi suites, and full accessibility for guests with limited mobility. Wellness facilities—including a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, and hot tub—are free for guests, and the hotel also features a fully equipped conference room for up to 35 people, making it a prime choice for business-minded comic fans or groups.
If you prefer a more intimate, urban vibe, Vén Diófa De Lux Panzió**** might be just right. Located on Sándor Petőfi Avenue (Petőfi Sándor sugárút), only a few minutes’ walk from the bustling city center and Dugonics Square (Dugonics tér), this family-owned, designer B&B is just about 1,300 yards from Dóm Square.
For those seeking tranquility just outside the city bustle, Anna Guesthouse (Anna Vendégház) and Apartment, located in Szeged’s most elegant suburban neighborhood, has offered restful nights and a leafy, park-like courtyard since 1990. It’s close to the renowned Napfényfürdő Aquapolis water park, ideal for anyone wanting to take a dip before or after a day of comic browsing.
Just passing through on your way to Serbia, or need a quiet stopover? Numerous city apartments offer peaceful, well-kept accommodations just off the main roads, perfect for recharging after your travels.
Want It Cheap and Cheerful? Try a Dorm or Guesthouse
Student life thrives in Szeged, and the István Apáthy Dormitory (Apáthy István Kollégium), named after the famous Hungarian zoologist, is especially suited to university visitors. With 234 beds in triple rooms, all featuring private bathrooms and internet, it’s a budget-friendly solution right by the city’s historic core. The dormitory provides enough study rooms for visitors who might want to squeeze in some last-minute work between cosplay appointments.
Family-style hospitality is also popular. Take Aquarius Guesthouse, for example—seven smoke-free rooms with elegant interiors and private bathrooms, sleeping up to sixteen guests. The smallest room is a spacious 194 square feet. Free, secured on-site parking is available too, but book early, as spaces are limited.
Art Hotel Szeged offers a boutique hotel experience minutes from Dóm Square: four-star rooms, a modern restaurant, and event spaces make it a favorite among theater, culture, and water sports fans, and it’s won multiple awards as one of the city’s trendiest accommodations.
Something for Every Traveler
Still not convinced? There are family-run apartment houses right in the city center that offer a peaceful atmosphere and even seasonal swimming pools. The owners are happy to share tourist tips and event information, ensuring your Szeged adventure runs smoothly—whether you’re here for comics, local cuisine, or just some downtime in southern Hungary.
More Than Just Comics
The Szeged Comic Festival is the crown jewel of the city’s November calendar, drawing comic collectors, artists, writers, indie presses, and curious families alike. But Szeged keeps things lively with a packed lineup of other autumn festivals and local programs throughout the month.
With free admission, a prime city-center location, diverse accommodations—from luxury suites to cozy dorms—and a welcoming, fun-loving vibe, Szeged’s November comic festival is a no-brainer for anyone looking to kick back, geek out, and experience Hungarian pop culture at its best.
