Gyula is packing the calendar from late January through early March with concerts, candlelit tours, literary launches, beer tastings, and immersive museum programs. From the fortress to the castle, from cozy cafés to a bustling market by the World Clock, every corner of the city is in on the action—often by candlelight, sometimes with a falcon, and frequently with a glass of craft beer.
Music, Dining, and Book Launches
Start with Dinner with Melodies at Romantika Bistro (Romantika Bisztró) featuring Tibi Sztojka on January 30. The János Mogyoróssy City Library (Mogyoróssy János Városi Könyvtár) hosts a string of book events: Chestnut Street Tales on January 30, Trampler on February 5, Let’s Learn Life on February 10, and the Museum Free University talk Herod, Jesus, and the Holy City on February 25. Also on February 11, Almásy Castle presents Gyula Catalogs 17, a new volume rooted in local heritage.
Brews, Tastings, and Night Wellness
Elixbeer Brewery opens its doors repeatedly for Sörházi Beugró—brewery visits with tastings—on January 30–31 and frequently throughout February (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10–13, 17–21, 24–27, and 28). On January 31 and February 7, Gyula Castle Bath (Gyulai Várfürdő) extends into the night for a wellness session—an atmospheric way to wind down after torchlit tours.
Fortress Experiences: Guaranteed Programs and Candlelight Tours
Gyula Castle anchors the season with Guaranteed Programs on January 30–February 1; February 6–8; February 13–15; February 20–22; February 27–March 1; and March 6–8. Expect guided explorations, living history demos, and special highlights. Candlelit Castle Tours return on January 31 and February 7, 14, 21, and 28, casting ramparts and courtyards in flickering light.
Living History: Steel, Falcons, and the Blacksmith’s Fire
January 31 brings a full day of action at the fortress: Field of Fate – Mohács, a program revisiting the devastating 1526 battle; Sabre Fencing demonstration and instruction; Falconry showcase; a working Blacksmith’s Workshop; and a rare Prison Visit. On February 1, the Armory Inspection explores weapons and armor, while the Siege Walk traces attack and defense tactics through the stronghold.
Almásy Castle: Corsets, Secrets, and Candlelight
The Almásy Castle program suite mixes fashion, love, and aristocratic intrigue. Corset and Revolution runs across multiple dates (January 30–31; February 1, 3, 11; and beyond), unpacking how dress and upheaval intertwined. Candlelit at the Castle glows on January 31 and February 7, 14, 21, and 28. Themed treasure tours showcase the Count’s Passions on January 31 and February 28; the Cellar Exhibition of Treasures on February 7; Ladies’ Salon on February 14; and Speaking Flowers on February 21. Valentine’s offerings peak February 13–14 with Eternal Love – Love in Hungarian History, the intimate program It’s Okay to Blush! – Intimacy in the Aristocratic World, and a Valentine’s Day experience.
Ladics House: An Empress’s Teacup
The boutique gem Ladics House repeats Empress’s Cup on January 30–31 and February 1 and 3, inviting visitors into the refined rituals and objects of a bygone household.
City Walks, Markets, and Neighborhood Traditions
Belvárosi Barangoló, a guided city stroll, weaves through the historic core on January 30 and February 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, and 27. On January 31, the Portéka Fair sets up a craft and farmers’ market at the World Clock, while the Máriás House hosts the German-Town Swabian Pig Slaughter, an old-style communal butchering and feast.
Theater, Comedy, and Concerts
The cultural venues keep stages busy: Castle Theater screens the Alzheimer Award–Winning Film with a post-talk on March 4; stages Forced March – The Last Days of Miklós Radnóti on February 6; and Deep Breath by Rita Halász on February 18. Gyulakult rolls out Somewhere in America / Bon-Bon 30 Musical on February 8; Unfinished Threads, a talk by Dr. Kitti Almási on February 12; a joint concert by Miklós H. Vecsei and Qjúb on February 13; Mór Jókai: The Count of Fools by the Déryné Company on February 17; Magda Szabó: Abigél on February 25; The Masters of Illusion in Gyula on February 27; and Claudia Liptai’s solo evening Clauságok on March 5. Dumaszínház brings András Somogyi’s solo comedy Borrowed Faces on February 9.
Family Fun and Festive Dinners
Gyula Playhouse hosts a Carnival Party on February 13, while La Sposa Caffè pairs a Valentine’s Wine Dinner the same evening. For younger audiences and dog lovers, guided Castle Tours with Dönci the Dachshund appear on February 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Event dates and programs may change at the organizers’ discretion.
