Debrecen never lets you get bored. Hungary’s second city is a cultural heavyweight, rich with heritage and landmarks, from stately churches to the iconic Great Church. Museums abound, leafy parks and flower-filled promenades invite slow strolls, and the calendar is packed with concerts, exhibitions, theater, and open-air summer events. Families are spoiled for choice with kid-friendly programs, while students and young people find late-night energy in this buzzing university town. Sports events keep rolling, and the zoo, amusement park, and aquapark remain evergreen crowd-pleasers.
January Highlights
Classics kick off 2026 in style. On January 4, “Csajkovszkij: A Diótörő” (Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker) dances into Főnix Aréna (Főnix Arena), with tickets from about $23 to $41. Two days later, star pianist Gergely Bogányi gives a solo evening at the Kölcsey Center’s Grand Hall. Through January 6, the sparkling Fényvillamos (Light Tram) lights up the streets. On January 10, the Menopauza tour lands at Főnix Aréna (around $27–$55), while the Ruyter Street Producers’ Market returns the same day. Comedy arrives January 16 with Ne most, Drágám! (Not Now, Darling!) by Veres 1 Színház (Veres 1 Theatre) and Kiss Ádám’s stand-up “Mit nem mondok!” at the Kölcsey Grand Hall (about $24). Fitness fans converge on the 8th Főnix Fitt on January 17. Mozart’s Varázsfuvola (The Magic Flute) resonates in the University Church on January 27. On January 30, “Akt hegedűvel” (Nude with Violin) plays at VOKE Egyetértés Cultural Center (about $19–$22).
Big-Screen Sounds and Stage Laughs
February 2 brings a Hans Zimmer film music concert to the Kölcsey Grand Hall (about $43–$54). On February 8, Michael Cooney’s farce “Nicsak, ki lakik itt?!” (Funny Money/Who’s Living Here?, depending on staging) hits VOKE (about $22–$24). Candlelit vibes follow on February 13 with Rock Ballads by Candlelight at VOKE ($35–$40), plus Farsang ohne falsch hang at the University Aula (about $7.40) and Péter Srámek’s Valentine’s concert at the Kölcsey Grand Hall ($36–$40). The Ruyter Street market returns February 14. Orchestral glow arrives February 17 with “Emlékezés és extázis” (Remembrance and Ecstasy) at the Kölcsey Grand Hall (about $9–$11). On February 19, Mogács Dániel’s “EGO” comedy rocks Lovarda ($16–$24). February 22 features “Három a magyar vigasság!” (Hungarian Merriment in Threes) at VOKE ($11–$14). Veres 1 Színház (Veres 1 Theatre) stages “Acélmagnóliák” (Steel Magnolias) on February 27.
Spring Festivals and Premier Performances
March opens with the National Philharmonic Orchestra at the Kölcsey Grand Hall on March 3 (about $9–$11), and a choral guest night with the Kodály Choir at the University Aula on March 6 (about $7.40). The Ruyter Street market returns March 14, the same day as Bridgerton’s Music by Candlelight at VOKE ($35–$40). The Russian Music Festival’s “Portrék” (Portraits) spotlights Kabalevsky and Rimsky-Korsakov on March 17 (about $9–$11). Folkloric flair follows March 18 with “Húzzad csak, kivilágos virradatig” (Play On Till Daybreak) at VOKE ($12–$15). The 5th Made in Debrecen Festival energizes the city on March 21. “Firenzei emlék” (Florentine Remembrance) glows at the University Church on March 27 (about $7.40). Lord of the Dance celebrates 30 years at Főnix Aréna March 29–30 ($33–$66), then “Az Éj Eleganciája” (Elegance of the Night) steps onstage March 30 at VOKE (about $19–$22).
Summer Beats to Year’s End
Jazz swings in on April 10 with “I Feel Jazzy” (about $7.40). The Ruyter Street market runs April 11, with “Magyar láng – Cseh lélek” (Hungarian Flame – Czech Soul) on April 14 (about $9–$11). Debreceni Sokadalom (Debrecen Fair) fills the streets April 18–19. That same Sunday, the MÁV Symphony performs (about $9–$11), and Ennio Morricone’s film music glows by candlelight at VOKE ($35–$40). Markets repeat May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, and December 12. May brings “Ragyogás és mélység” (Radiance and Depth) on May 12 (about $9–$11), Tvrtko’s exclusive “Csernobil 40” (Chernobyl 40) on May 15 (about $22), ABBA Show on May 16 ($35–$40), “Stabat Mater” on May 19 (about $9–$11), and “Császár kvartett és Nagy szimfónia” (Emperor Quartet and Great Symphony) on May 29 (about $7.40). The season closes with “ŐSERŐ – ÉVADZÁRÓ KONCERT” (Primal Force – Season Finale Concert) June 5–6 (about $9–$11), Debrecziner Gourmet Fesztivál (Debrecziner Gourmet Festival) June 12–14, the National Theatre Meeting June 15–21, Campus Festival July 22–26, Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days August 6–8, Debrecen Flower Carnival August 18–23, and Farmer Expo August 27–29. Looking ahead to 2027: “Zerkovitz–Topolcsányi: Orfeum hercegnő” (The Princess of the Orpheum) plays January 17 at VOKE (about $13–$16).
