Eger isn’t just a historic Hungarian city with Baroque architecture and thousand-year-old stories. In 2025, it bursts with events and festivals from wall to wall, inviting locals and visitors to soak up culture, wine, gastronomy, and good vibes all year round. Whether you’re a lover of history, the arts, fine wine, gourmet food, or spooky Halloween chills, Eger’s October calendar is packed to the brim.
Wine, Cellars, and Epic Tastings: Bikavér Shines
Eger’s crown jewel is its legendary wine, Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), and October celebrates it with everything from cellar tours to wine-tasting walks and gourmet pairings. On October 25, the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszony-völgy) hosts its eighth annual Egri Bikavér Cellar Tour, where you can sample unique varieties and learn what makes this red blend a national treasure. On the same day, join the “Heroes, Writers, and the City of Wine” guided walk—a must for wine buffs and history lovers. Want more? The Egri Bikavér Borgastronomy Days (October 16-26) and Egri Bikavér Festival Days offer masterclasses, special menus, and tastings throughout the city’s historic venues.
Music, Concerts, and Eclectic Vibes
Eger keeps the beat alive all month. Live music erupts on October 25: check out Monacustic & KST for blues, rock, pop, and soul, or catch Pogány Induló electrifying the Broadway Monkey stage from 8 PM. Later in the month, Mácsár Lili brings her beloved covers and fresh originals to Koká, and those seeking a real throwback can hit the Buttler Winery’s Halloween Retro Party for the biggest hits of the ’80s and ’90s, dancing through the night by candlelight.
Art, Exhibitions, and Mind Games
October transforms Eger into one big gallery. The Agria Aut Art Exhibition (October 21-25) spotlights local self-taught artists, while the multilingual arts collective A&B presents their Four Seasons exhibition (October 27-31, free admission). For something unique, don’t miss K. Csákfalvi Kata’s “KATABLANKA,” a graphic art show running in two periods at Agria Park. “Between Light and Darkness,” a collaborative exhibit by sculptor Dr. Bea Piros Rostás and illustrator Andreja Jovic, is on display at the Agria Park Gallery throughout the month. History enthusiasts should check out findings from the Great-Eged Mountain Chapel excavation, featuring recently unearthed artifacts in the southern reception area of Eger Castle (October 27-November 2). And the permanent exhibitions at Eger’s museums and galleries—including “Hungarian Memories in the Roman Temple” at the Archbishop’s Palace (Érseki Palota)—offer ongoing glimpses into the city’s past.
Theater, Cinema, and Mind-Bending Magic
Culture lovers are spoiled for choice: on October 25, the Uránia Cinema hosts a performance of Puccini’s Tosca, while the city enjoys not one but two performances of the mesmerizing illusion show “Szemfényvesztés” (“Sleight of Hand”) on October 26. World-class magicians and mentalists gather for a single spectacular stage event filled with illusions, mind-reading, and laughter—tickets start at about $16 and go up to $26. Movie lovers, don’t miss the “Fesztiválország” film screening and director Q&A on October 27, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Hungarian festival culture.
Get Involved: Family Fun, Dogs, and Outdoor Escapes
Eger isn’t just for adults. On October 26, enjoy a family day inspired by literature at the Gárdonyi House (Gárdonyi-ház), where stories, artifacts, and crafts open up the world of iconic Hungarian writer Géza Gárdonyi. Have four-legged friends? The Kutyaköztársaság (Dog Republic) canine program celebrates all things dog—love, care, fun, and connection. For adventure seekers, join the three-day autumn e-bike tour—choose one, two, or all three days (October 23-25)—exploring Eger’s stunning surroundings.
Halloween: Parties, Parades, and Fiendish Fun
Eger goes all out for Halloween. On October 31, the Forrás venue (Forrás) hosts a monster bash welcoming witches, vampires, and dancing skeletons from 3:30 PM. Dress up for Halloween night at Petrény Borbank—come in costume or mask for prizes, unique cocktails, local wines, and belly laughs in the city center. The Ottoman Tent (Oszmán Sátor) throws Eger’s wildest Halloween Party & Parade, promising dazzling lights, music, treats, and irresistible festive madness.
Movie thrill-seekers can conquer three theaters, one wristband, and a marathon of 12 Halloween films in “Night at the Cinema.” Prefer cozy? The Bródy Sándor Library offers a relaxing tea-and-story session—with kids encouraged to snack on veggies and fruit while watching “The Pig and the Goose Go on Vacation.” For fans of the macabre, head to the “Executioner’s Hands” event for chilling tales of torture and executions from Ottoman-era Eger.
Even More: Humor, Heritage, and Wine Chats
Comedy fans, mark October 28 for the Aradi Varga Show: “Cash or Card”—90 minutes of sharp satire and laughs courtesy of renowned comedians Tibor Aradi and Ferenc József Varga. Mountain climbing legend László “Cinó” Vörös, an icon of Hungarian alpinism, gives a talk on October 29. Around town, wine chat events like “BorÁSZ Tisztán” on October 29 combine tastings with stories from winemakers. And on October 30, the city commemorates the anniversary of Géza Gárdonyi’s death with special events at the István Dobó Castle Museum (Dobó István Vármúzeum).
So whether your October in Eger is about savoring Bikavér, dancing till dawn, gasping at a magic trick, losing yourself in art, or summoning spirits at Halloween, the city delivers it all—again, and again, and again.
