Gyula rolls into 2026 with a packed calendar blending history, culture, food, and fun. The medieval Gyula Castle, the open-air Castle Theatre, and the beloved thermal spa keep the old spa town buzzing almost every week, while museums, markets, and beer tastings fill in the rest. Expect guided walks, candlelit tours, living-history demos, and one-off shows from January through August, with guaranteed castle programs nearly every weekend.
January Highlights
Start January with deep dives into local history: the Ladics House presents Empress’s Cup on January 11, the Almásy Palace runs Corset and Revolution the same day, while the castle stages Armory Inspection and Siege Walks. The family-favorite Castle Tour with Dönci the Dachshund pops up January 11, 18, and February 1. From January 9–11, the Guaranteed Programs at Gyula Castle kick off a steady rhythm of weekend experiences.
Downtown Wanderer guided city walks are set for January 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, and 30. Beer lovers can jump into the Sörházi Beugró—tours and tastings at Elixbeer Brewery—on January 13–15, 16–17, 20–22, 23–24, and 27–31. On January 15, comedian Sándor Badár brings a solo stand-up night to Gyulakult, and on January 16, the themed walk Honvéd Officers in the Castle Garden explores military lore before dinner-with-music nights at Romantika Bistro return on January 16 and 23.
Candlelight, Crafts, and Night Spa
The castle glows on January 17, 24, and 31 with Candlelit Castle Tours, matched by Candlelit Palace evenings on January 17, 24, and 31. The spa stays open late for Nighttime Wellness on January 17, 24, and 31. On January 17, the castle gets hands-on: a working Blacksmith Workshop demo, a Falconry Show, and a Sabre Fencing demonstration and lesson, plus a rare Prison Visit. The same day, the Almásy Palace highlights Talking Flowers – Treasures of the Palace. The Portéka Market, a makers’ and farmers’ fair by the World Clock, runs January 17, 24, and 31. More Guaranteed Programs at the Castle run January 16–18, 23–25, and January 30–February 1.
Talks, Theatre, and Tasting Menus
January 22 brings the castle’s Sieges Through the Centuries and a László Krasznahorkai conference and reading at the Castle Theatre. La Sposa Caffè hosts The Chef’s Dinner, a six-course culinary ride, on January 23 and again on March 7. The city library presents Chestnut Street Tales, a book launch, on January 30. On January 26, Gyulakult stages GANGSTER POP, or Bonnie, Clyde and Ganxsta. The Museum Free Academy series covers Magic Tools and Techniques in the Roman World on January 28, with future talks on Herod, Jesus, and the Holy City (February 25), March 15, 1848 (March 25), and Generals or Martyrs? (April 29).
February on Stage
February 7 repeats Candlelit Castle Tours and Night Spa. On February 8, Gyulakult hosts Somewhere in America / Bon-Bon 30, a musical. Dumaszínház’s András Somogyi brings his solo Kölcsön Arcok on February 9. Psychologist Dr. Kitti Almási delivers Loose Ends on February 12. The Déryné Company performs Mór Jókai’s The Count of Fools on February 17. February 25 doubles up with the Museum Free Academy and Magda Szabó’s Abigail. Masters of Illusion hits Gyula on February 27.
Spring Festivals
On March 5, Claudia Liptai’s solo night Claus-things takes the stage, then March 21 gathers sausage dogs at the Almásy Palace Visitor Center for Dachshund Meet 2026. April 24–26 brings the Medivid Agility and ParAgility Festival. The Flower Festival of Gyula blossoms May 9–10, the Gyula Pálinka Festival pours May 22–24, and the Free Academy returns May 27 with From Corset to Bob Cut.
Summer Moves
Dance into late summer with the 4th Zumba Festival Gyula, August 21–23.
Number of listings: 45. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
