The Gyula Castle Theatre Multidisciplinary Festival rolls out the red carpet for culture lovers from June 27 to August 17, 2025, promising an exhilarating mix of music, comedy, blockbuster performances, and international classics in the Castle Gardens (Várkert)—the lush grounds of Gyula Castle (Gyula). With four new in-house productions, including two world premieres, and a full spectrum of shows spanning genres and age groups, the 2025 festival is shaping up to be unmissable.
Premieres, International Drama, and Musical Legends
This year, Gyula hosts the 8th Transylvanian Week and the 3rd Festival of World Literature Classics. Experience the world-famous Muzsikás ensemble and iconic singer Mónika Lakatos at the Béla Halmos Folk and World Music Festival, while the Literary Humor Festival returns for another round of sharp wit and laughter. The outdoor stage will feature striking new performances every night, catering to drama fans, musical lovers, and those looking for something intellectually stimulating.
Festival Highlights: Dates and Main Events
Between July 28 and August 3, the spotlight shines on Transylvanian Week. The lineup features:
– July 30: “Alaska” (“Alaszka” by Elise Wilk), a time-travel drama.
– July 31: “Freefall” (“Mélyrepülés” by Tamás Cseh and Dénes Csengey), staged by the Hungarian State Theatre of Timișoara (Temesvár).
– August 1: “Janovics” by the Hungarian State Theatre of Cluj (Kolozsvár).
– August 2: The universally beloved “Fiddler on the Roof” (“Hegedűs a háztetőn”) musical by Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Bock, and Joseph Stein, performed by the György Harag Company (Harag György Társulat) from Satu Mare (Szatmárnémeti).
– August 3: “The Government Inspector” (“A miniszter félrelép”), Ray Cooney’s slam-dunk comedy, also by the György Harag Company.
Starting August 4, the World Literature Classics Festival takes center stage:
– August 4: “The Suicide” (“Az öngyilkos”) by Nikolai Erdman, an absurdist comedy.
– August 5: “Yerma” by Federico García Lorca, performed by the Móricz Zsigmond Theatre.
– August 6: Molière’s timeless “The Imaginary Invalid” (“Képzelt beteg”) courtesy of the Szeged Cellar Theatre (Szegedi Pinceszínház).
– August 7: “Look Back in Anger” (“Dühöngő ifjúság”) by John Osborne, brought by the National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház).
– August 8: “The Inspector” (“REVIZOR”), adapted from M. V. Gogol’s masterpiece The Government Inspector, co-produced by Gyula Castle Theatre, the Transcarpathia County Hungarian Drama Theatre (Kárpátalja Megyei Magyar Drámai Színház), and the National Theatre of Budapest.
– August 9: “Around the World in 80 Days” (“80 nap alatt a Föld körül”), a concert-theatre event in two acts, inspired by Jules Verne, Lóci játszik, and Réka Divinyi.
– August 10: “Red Riding Hood in the Enchanted Forest” (“Piroska és a Farkas Kerekerdőben”), a children’s musical by Katalin Thuróczy and Tamás Arany.
– August 11: “Magic World” (“Varázsvilág”), a dance theatre performance for children and parents, presented by the Feledi Project.
– August 12: “Good Evening Summer, Good Evening Love” (“Jó estét nyár, jó estét szerelem”), a musical play by Endre Fejes and Gábor Presser, performed by the Szolnok Szigligeti Theatre.
– August 13: “Tick, Tick… Boom!” (“Tikk-takk Bumm!”), the musical by Jonathan Larson, staged in collaboration between the Valley of Arts Festival (Művészetek Völgye) and Art-Színtér.
– August 14: The much-loved musical “The Jungle Book” (“A dzsungel könyve”), adapted by László Dés, Péter Geszti, Pál Békés, and Rudyard Kipling, presented by Pannon Castle Theatre (Pannon Várszínház).
– August 15: The ever-popular Literary Humor Festival returns to Gyula.
– August 16: A film music concert featuring unforgettable scores from Hollywood blockbusters.
– August 17: “I Smile at Life” (“Az életre mosolygok”) – a musical-literary evening marking the 100th birthday of poet László Nagy, organized by the House of Hungarian Music (Magyar Zene Háza).
Gyula: All You Need for a Perfect Festival Break
Gyula is more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a true destination. The town’s romantic, historical charm is perfect for couples, while families will find fun for children, wellness for parents, and relaxation for seniors. Wellness Hotel Gyula stands out for family-friendly stays, offering full board year-round at half-board prices, even during holidays. Visitors can also choose centrally located apartments, such as Abbázia and Central Apartman, just steps from the castle and thermal baths, or the peaceful Angelhaus and Bányai guesthouses near parkland and waterways.
Group getaways are easy at the stylish apartments along the Live Water Canal (Élővíz-csatorna) and at Corso Boutique Hotel, right in the heart of Gyula. Corvin Hotel & Wellness Apartments are perfect for both family and romantic stays with suites designed for comfort, even for extended trips. Those seeking a quiet start to the morning can unwind at Csigaház Guesthouse (Csigaház Panzió), where birdsong replaces city noise, nestled close to Gyula’s treasures like the Wenkheim Mansion Park.
Eat, Drink, and Step Back in Time
Take a break at the café next to the Almásy Castle Visitor Center (Almásy-kastély Látogatóközpont) or shop for souvenirs at the museum gift shop, open daily (except Mondays). The classic Rondella Terrace (Rondella terasz) has long been a social hub, evoking the relaxed vibe of the ’70s and welcoming summer guests with live music and entertainment.
And don’t miss the Hundred-Year-Old Confectionery (Százéves Cukrászda), Hungary’s second oldest sweet shop, operating since 1840. With its original Biedermeier furniture and hand-painted walls, every visit feels like stepping back into a vibrant café culture, enhanced by traditional pastries, candies, and ice creams. The adjoining confectionery museum is pure nostalgia, while careful restoration in 2004 has kept this South Great Plain gem as unique, dazzling, and delicious as ever.
Festival Essentials
Tickets are already on sale for all performances, but keep in mind: organizers reserve the right to change dates or programs—so plan ahead, but stay flexible for surprises!
