Ajka, renowned for its legendary Ajka Crystal (Ajkai Kristály), offers a rich cultural calendar year-round. Visitors and locals can enjoy exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, film screenings, museum workshops, the vibrant Ajka Crystal Bath (Ajkai Kristályfürdő), sports events, and a wide variety of recreational activities—some free, some ticketed. The city and its surroundings also offer plenty of hiking and tour options, well worth exploring.
Concerts, Theater, and Performances
Music lovers won’t want to miss Szilvia Agárdi and Attila László’s concert on October 21 (from $19), or the women’s choir Jubilate performing on October 28. The humorous Dániel Mogács brings “Ego” to the Dumaszínház stage on October 30 (from $14 to $16). On November 7, Eric Chappell’s “Bush Fever” (Spanyolháttha) comes to Ajka (from $22 to $25), followed on November 13 by Imre Kálmán & Zsolt Meskó’s operetta comedy “You Ragged Life…” (“Te rongyos élet…”), with tickets between $13 and $16. The year closes with the grand New Year’s Operetta & Musical Gala on January 16, featuring Szilvi Szendy, Mónika Fischl, and Péter Laki performing iconic hits live with orchestra. For comedy, catch stand-up from the Szomszédnéni Production Office on November 19 ($15–$17), and Tamás Lengyel’s one-man comedy “Help, I’m Building” on January 21.
Talks, Clubs, and Special Events
Expand your mind at the “Free University for Retirees” (Nyugdíjas Szabadegyetem), focusing on cultural urban development, local history, and the evolution of Ajka’s cultural center and library. Multiple dates from October through November delve into the secrets of Blue Zones, gut health, plant-based nutrition, intergenerational trauma, and stress management. A scientific stand-up on artificial intelligence by László Mérő is scheduled for January 12 (from $21).
Family and Cultural Activities
Families can get creative with autumn decoration workshops (October 29), join the lively Board Game Club (October 31), and attend “Carnival of the Animals—Reimagined” (February 25), which blends music with animal-inspired literature. There’s even a playful Women’s Day comedy special on March 6 ($13–$15).
Don’t Miss Out
Ajka is a hotspot for unforgettable experiences—come for the music, stay for the history, and don’t forget a relaxing dip at the Crystal Bath (Kristályfürdő). Whether you want laughter, learning, or just a great evening out, there’s something here for everyone.
