The 35th Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp returns to Tusnádfürdő (Băile Tușnad), Tusványos, from July 21 to July 26, 2026, building its trademark open forum where ethnic Hungarians, participants from Hungary, and young people from neighboring majority nations meet, debate, and network across borders. Over five days, the camp blends heavyweight public discussions with relaxed cultural nights and quality concerts, drawing crowds keen on current affairs and smart entertainment.
Who’s Coming and What’s on the Table
In line with its mission, the speaker lineup spans three constituencies: Hungary, the Hungarian community in Romania, and Romanian public life, featuring recognized politicians and respected experts. Planned talks tackle the economy, energy policy, environmental protection, Hungarian higher education across the Carpathian Basin, culture, and sports. Timely nation-strategy conversations dig into the social and political questions facing Hungarians across the region, with sessions designed to spark substantive debate and constructive dialogue.
Multi-Tent, Multi-Track
Talks run in several tents at different times, giving participants options throughout each day. Afternoons are tailored for university students and social scientists: renowned specialists, professors, and young researchers lead debates, open conversations, and lectures on thought-provoking topics. Alongside the intellectual program, an array of sports events and competitions unfolds in parallel, offering an active alternative track without missing the discourse.
Cross-Border Voices
Key figures from Transylvanian and Carpathian Basin Hungarian public life—politicians, civic leaders, clergy, academics, writers, economic and health professionals, and artists—are all in the camp mix. Youth from Transcarpathia, the Uplands, and Vojvodina, plus representatives of European youth organizations, join in, keeping regional networking alive and expanding.
Saturday Headliner
A marquee moment lands on Saturday, July 25, when former prime minister Viktor Orbán delivers a speech at 10:30 a.m. local time in Tusnádfürdő (Băile Tușnad). His annual address has long anchored Tusványos’s political calendar, drawing large crowds and setting off busy corridors of reaction and analysis across the tents.
Nights That Play Every Style
Evenings shift gears into culture and music, hosting bands from Hungary and other regions of the Carpathian Basin. Each night makes room for different genres and directions, while new bands—winners of Transylvanian talent contests—step into the lights. It’s the festival’s signature blend: serious daytime forums followed by laid-back nights that still carry the region’s creative pulse.
Dates: July 21–26, 2026. Location: Tusnádfürdő (Băile Tușnad), Tusványos.
