Gyula rolls into 2026 with a packed calendar that blends craft beer tours, candlelit castle walks, stand-up, museum lectures, and foodie moments. From January through August, the city leans into history, nightlife, and niche gatherings—yes, even a dachshund meet-up—while organizers note they reserve the right to change dates and programs.
January: Beer, Walks, and Nighttime Magic
“Sörházi beugró” sets the tone with repeat Elixbeer Brewery visits and tastings on January 13–14, 15–16, 17, 20–22, 23–24, 27–29, and 30–31. On January 15, Gyulakult hosts a solo stand-up night by Sándor Badár. January 16 brings dinner tunes with Tibi Sztojka at Romantika Bistro, a themed walk “Honvéd Officers in the Castle Garden,” and a “Belvárosi barangoló” downtown sightseeing stroll. Guaranteed programs at Gyula Castle (Gyulai Vár) run Jan 16–18, then again Jan 23–25 and Jan 30–Feb 1.
January 17 packs the castle: a working blacksmith demo, a falconry show, sabre fencing with a demo and lessons, a prison visit, plus “Beszédes virágok – The Treasures of Almásy Castle.” Outside, there’s the Portéka fair of artisans and producers at the World Clock, night wellness at the Gyula Castle Spa (Gyulai Várfürdő), and twin candlelit tours: “Gyertyafényes vártúrák” and “A kastély gyertyafényben.” On January 18, families get “Kastélytúra Tacskó Döncivel” and two castle specials: Armory Review and Siege Walk. City walks return Jan 19 and 23, with additional dates Jan 26 and 30.
Talks, Theater, and Coffeehouse Culture
January 22 brings a Castle Theater (Várszínház) conference and reading with László Krasznahorkai, plus “Centuries of Sieges” at the castle. On January 24, La Sposa Caffè features a conversation “From the Körös to the Wide World” with Ambassador Dr. Adrien Müller alongside an exclusive January kickoff brunch. The Mogyoróssy János City Library hosts the “Gesztenye úti mesék” book launch on January 30.
February Highlights: Musicals, Comedy, and Love
February 1 and 7 extend the candlelit castle tours, with night spa sessions both Saturdays. On February 8, Gyulakult stages Valahol Amerika / Bon Bon 30, a musical. On February 9, Dumaszínház presents András Somogyi’s solo show “Kölcsön Arcok.” On February 12, psychologist Dr. Kitti Almási talks “Loose Ends.” La Sposa Caffè pours a Valentine’s wine dinner on February 13. February 17 brings Jókai Mór’s “A bolondok grófja” by the Déryné Company (Déryné Társulat). Museum Free University lectures cover “Herod, Jesus and the Holy City” on February 25, the same day Gyulakult stages Magda Szabó’s Abigél. Illusionists arrive February 27 with “The Masters of Illusion in Gyula.”
Spring: Fine Dining, Dachshunds, and History
On March 5, Claudia Liptai’s solo “Clauságok” hits Gyulakult. La Sposa Caffè serves “The Chef’s Dinner,” a six-course experience on March 7 (two seatings). On March 21, the Almásy Castle Visitor Center hosts “Tacskótalálkozó 2026,” a dachshund gathering. Museum Free University marks March 15, 1848, on March 25. April 24–26, the Medivid Agility and ParAgility Festival runs in Gyula.
Early Summer: Festivals in Bloom
On April 29, another Museum Free University talk asks “Commanders or Martyrs?” On May 7, mentalist Danny Blue brings “The Secret.” May bursts into color with the Gyula Flower Festival 2026 (Gyulai Virágok Fesztiválja) on May 9–10, followed by the Gyula Pálinka Festival (Gyulai Pálinkafesztivál) on May 22–24. On May 27, a fashion history lecture traces “From the Corset to the Bob.”
August Finale: Dance It Out
August 21–23, the 4th Zumba Festival Gyula turns the city into a three-day cardio party—closing a yearlong run where Gyula’s castles glow by candlelight, the brewery keeps pouring, and culture never takes a night off.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
