Debrecen never runs out of things to do. Hungary’s second city mixes grand history with an easygoing pulse: monumental churches like the iconic Great Church, leafy parks, flower-filled promenades, and museums that punch above their weight. The calendar bursts with concerts, exhibitions, theater, outdoor shows in summer, sports galore, and family-friendly picks from the zoo and amusement park to the aquapark. As a buzzing university town, it serves students and young crowds with equal flair—then keeps locals hooked with festivals that return year after year.
Winter Headliners
Kick off 2026 with Zoltán Mága’s Debrecen New Year’s Concert at Főnix Aréna on January 3 (about $41). Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker glides into the same arena January 4 ($24–$43). Pianist Gergely Bogányi gives a solo evening January 6 at the Kölcsey Center’s Grand Hall. Through January 6, the twinkling Fényvillamos light tram rolls through town. The Menopause Tour lands January 10 at Főnix Aréna ($28–$57), while the Ruyter Street producers’ market pops up the same day and returns monthly. Comedy hits hard January 16: the farce Not Now, Darling! (Ne most, Drágám!) by Veres 1 Színház, plus Ádám Kiss’s stand-up I Won’t Say That! (Mit nem mondok!) at the Kölcsey Center ($25). January 17 brings the 8th Főnix Fitt fitness event. Mozart’s The Magic Flute sings at the University Church January 27. On January 30, Nude with Violin (Akt hegedűvel) takes the VOKE Egyetértés Cultural Center’s Theater Hall ($19–$22).
Film Scores, Farce, and Candlelight
Hans Zimmer’s film music concert lights up the Kölcsey Center February 2 ($45–$57). On February 8, Michael Cooney’s Whose Wife Is It Anyway? (Nicsak, ki lakik itt?!) plays at VOKE ($23–$25). Candlelit vibes intensify February 13 with Rock Ballads by Candlelight at VOKE ($36–$41), plus Farsang ohne falsch hang at the University Aula that same day ($8). Peter Srámek’s Valentine’s concert follows at Kölcsey ($36–$40). The Ruyter Street market returns February 14. Remembrance and Ecstasy (Emlékezés és extázis) arrives February 17 at Kölcsey ($9–$12). Dániel Mogács’s solo show EGO hits Lovarda February 19 ($17–$25). February 22 serves the raucous musical cabaret Thrice the Hungarian Merriment! (Három a magyar vigasság!) at VOKE ($11–$14), and Steel Magnolias (Acélmagnóliák) by Veres 1 Színház lands February 27.
Spring Crescendo
The National Philharmonic performs March 3 at the Kölcsey Center ($9–$12). The Kodály Choir hosts guests at the University Aula March 6 ($8). The Ruyter market returns March 14, paired with Bridgerton Music by Candlelight at VOKE ($36–$41). Russian masters shine March 17 with Kabalevsky/Rimsky-Korsakov—Russian Music Festival: Portraits at Kölcsey ($9–$12). Folk energy fuels Play On Till Dawn (Húzzad csak, kivilágos virradatig) at VOKE March 18 ($13–$15). The 5th Made in Debrecen Festival takes over March 21. Florentine Memory (Firenzei emlék) plays at the University Church March 27 ($8). Lord of the Dance marks its 30th anniversary at Főnix Aréna March 29–30 ($33–$66). Close March with The Elegance of Night (Az Éj Eleganciája) at VOKE March 30 ($19–$22).
From Jazz to Flowers
I Feel Jazzy sways April 10 at the Kölcsey Center ($8). The Ruyter market sets up April 11. Hungarian Flame – Czech Soul (Magyar láng – Cseh lélek), a Hungarian–Czech program, plays April 14 at Kölcsey ($9–$12). Debreceni Sokadalom fills April 18–19, while the MÁV Symphony performs April 19 at Kölcsey ($9–$12), and Ennio Morricone by Candlelight glows at VOKE that evening ($36–$41). The market returns May 9, then Radiance and Depth (Ragyogás és mélység) at Kölcsey May 12 ($9–$12). On May 15, Tvrtko presents Chernobyl 40 (Csernobil 40) at Lovarda ($23). ABBA SHOW hits VOKE May 16 ($36–$41). Stabat Mater resounds May 19 at Kölcsey ($9–$12), and Emperor Quartet and the Great Symphony (Császár kvartett és Nagy szimfónia) closes May 29 at the University Church ($8). Season finale Primal Force (ŐSERŐ) shakes Kölcsey June 5–6 ($9–$12), followed by Debrecziner Gourmet Fest June 12–14, the National Theatre Meeting June 15–21, and monthly markets. Summer’s big hitters: Campus Festival July 22–26, Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days (Debreceni Bor- és Jazznapok) August 6–8, the unmissable Debrecen Flower Carnival (Debreceni Virágkarnevál) August 18–23, and Farmer Expo August 27–29. The Ruyter market continues into fall and winter, and on January 17, 2027, Zerkovitz–Topolcsányi’s The Orpheum Princess (Orfeum hercegnő) plays at VOKE ($14–$16).
