Gyula rolls out a packed year-round schedule with exhibitions, concerts, theater, foodie fiestas, museum workshops, and sports. The medieval castle, open-air theater, and one of Hungary’s favorite thermal spas keep the historic bath town buzzing. From spring to autumn, the Castle Theater (Várszínház) anchors multiple festivals, while the castle and the famous Gyula Castle Spa (Várfürdő) offer quality programs nearly every week. Pálinka and kolbász heritage adds flavor to the city’s cultural pull, with standout events landing almost every month.
Late December Highlights
December 26 brings Pine-Scented Tales, a storytelling session for kids at Gyula Castle. From December 26–28, guaranteed programs at the castle keep families engaged. December 27 is packed: candle dipping at the Creative House, Candlelit Castle Tours, nighttime aqua fun at AquaPalota, and Noble Passions – Treasures of Almásy Castle. The Stefánia Circle runs December 27–30, while Play and Draw Your Luck takes place December 27–January 4 at Almásy Castle. December 28 features the Fencing Courtyard at the castle and a Dachshund Dönci Castle Tour. December 29 repeats the Fencing Courtyard, while December 30 brings a Codebreaking Game at the Ladics House, a Jewelry Workshop at the castle’s Creative House, a pre–New Year’s jam session at GyulaKultKlub, and another fencing day.
New Year’s Eve in Gyula
December 31 features Fűző és forradalom at Almásy Castle, plus multiple New Year’s Eve parties: at the Vigadó, Woodland Center, Kastélykert Bistro in Gyulavári, a street ball at Bols Café, a bash at GolfGallery, and a party at Teo Várkert Bistro. The Ladics House also offers the Empress’s Cup that day.
New Year Kickoff
January 1 reprises Fűző és forradalom, New Year’s Salute Shots in front of the castle, and the Empress’s Cup at the Ladics House, continuing January 2 alongside the corset-themed program. Guaranteed castle programs return January 2–4. January 3 lights up with Night Wellness at the Castle Spa (Várfürdő), Candlelit Castle Tours, the children’s tale Mézi in the Middle Ages, the Empress’s Cup, and Castle by Candlelight. January 4 wraps with the Empress’s Cup, Fűző és forradalom, and a Dachshund Dönci Castle Tour. From December 22–January 4, time-travel VR glasses are available at the Ladics House.
January Deep Dive
January 8 launches Informatics? Child’s Play, a 3D printing workshop at the Ladics House: Body Scanner use and operation. Guaranteed castle programs run January 9–11, with Candlelit Castle Tours and Night Wellness on January 10, plus Castle by Candlelight. Sándor Badár’s stand-up arrives January 15. More guaranteed programs run January 16–18, with candlelit tours and wellness on January 17, and again January 23–25 and January 24. January 26 brings Gangster Pop, or Bonnie, Clyde and Ganxsta at GyulaKult. On January 28, the Museum Free University explores Magical Tools and Techniques in the Roman World. January 30–February 1 continues guaranteed castle programming, with candlelight, wellness, and Castle by Candlelight on January 31.
February to May
February 7 features candlelit tours and Night Wellness. February 8 spotlights Somewhere in America (Valahol Amerika) / Bon-Bon 30 musical. February 9, the Dumaszínház presents András Somogyi: Borrowed Faces. On February 12, Dr. Kitti Almási talks Loose Ends. February 17, Mór Jókai’s The Count of Fools by the Déryné Company. February 25 brings Magda Szabó’s Abigail (Abigél), tickets around 24–27 USD, plus a Museum Free University talk: Herod, Jesus, and the Holy City. February 27 hosts The Masters of Illusion in Gyula. March 5 welcomes Clauságok, Claudia Liptai’s solo show. March 21, the Almásy Castle Visitor Center hosts the Dachshund Meetup 2026. March 25: Museum talk on March 15, 1848. April 24–26: Medivid Agility and Para-Agility Festival. April 29: Generals or Martyrs? May 7: Danny Blue – The Secret. May 22–24: Gyula Pálinka Festival. May 27: From Corset to Bob Cut at the museum.
Summer Beat
August 21–23, the 4th Zumba Festival Gyula takes over. A total of 45 events are listed—and organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
