Hajdúszoboszló is gearing up for a packed 2026 with festivals, family days, heritage shows, foodie gatherings, and spa-centric fun across multiple venues. Hungary’s Great Plain spa capital blends culture with wellness, from open-air concerts to night swims and films under the stars. Here’s your streamlined guide to what’s on and where to stay, eat, and play in the city famed for its healing waters.
July kicks off with art, air shows, and markets
Start with Piac a Ponton – Helyi kincsek vására on July 10–11, a local treasures market that spotlights regional makers. On the same weekend, SzépFeszt brings an all-arts festival to the Bocskai Museum (Bocskai Múzeum) (July 10–11), mixing performances and exhibitions in one creative hub. July 11–12 takes to the skies with Legendák a levegőben, a full-on air show over Hajdúszoboszló.
Settle in for Kertmozi at Szent István Park on July 16 with Mamma Mia! – Sose hagyjuk abba, a feel-good summer screening under the trees. The following night, July 17, Szabó Attila és Barátai welcome special guest János “James” Karácsony, while Róbert Szikora and R-GO hit the Hajdúszoboszló Open-Air Stage (Hajdúszoboszlói Szabadtéri Színpad) from July 17–19 as the city rolls into the Szoboszló Folk Weekend (Szoboszlói Folkhétvége) on July 18—dance, tradition, and live folk on open-air stages.
On July 25, the Crazy Little Queen Tribute Band powers through the Queen songbook. That same night, Night of the Beaches (Strandok éjszakája) lights up the Premium Zone with DJ Sterbinszky X Mynea. And on July 31, Hungarospa—the behemoth spa complex—turns 99. Celebrate at the pools, then catch the National Equestrian Theater (Nemzeti Lovas Színház) – Kincsem, an equestrian spectacle, running July 31–August 2.
August: horsepower, trucks, and a record water fight
August 1 brings the 45th Kösely Cup Hajdúszoboszló Horse Festival (Kösely Kupa Hajdúszoboszlói Lovasfesztivál), a horse festival with competitive flair. On August 6–9, the Hajdúszoboszló Truckers’ Meet (Hajdúszoboszlói Kamionos találkozó) rolls in—big rigs, chrome, and family-friendly shows. August 8 stacks the deck: Seaside Party disco (Tengerparty disco) at the Strandfürdő turns the pool into a beach bash, the Country Rockabilly Jamboree shakes up the dance floor, and Piac a Ponton returns with fresh local finds.
The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble (Magyar Állami Népi Együttes) presents Hungarian Rhapsody (Magyar rapszódia) on August 14. August 15 aims for a National Water-Gun Battle record attempt (Országos vízipisztoly csata rekordkísérlet)—plus the Willcox Disco party in the Premium Zone. On August 16, Kertmozi is back in Szent István Park. Mandala Summer (Mandala Nyár) stages The Captain of Tenkes (A Tenkes kapitánya) on August 19, then Room Service – Bryan Adams Tribute Band cranks out the hits on August 20 as Hungary celebrates the Foundation of the State (Államalapítás) with local festivities. Round out the month with Szoboszló Dixieland Days (Szoboszlói Dixieland Napok), August 21–23, a weekend of brassy swing, and Mandala Summer’s Magnate Miska (Mágnás Miska) operetta on August 27.
September serves comfort food and culture
Feast and compete at the Szoboszló Mutton and Slambuc Cooking Joy Day (Szoboszlói Birka- és Slambucfőző Örömnap) on September 5, a joyful cooking day honoring mutton and the Great Plain’s signature slambuc pasta-potato dish. Mark World Physical Therapy Day (Fizioterápia Világnapja) on September 8, and dive into history at the Historians’ Conference (Történészkonferencia) on the era of István Bocskai, September 16.
From September 18–20, the Wine and Gastro Festival (Bor- és Gasztrofesztivál) pairs Hungarian wines with regional bites. Comedy arrives September 25 with I Messed This Up! (Ezt benéztem!), Dávid Dennis Musimbe’s solo show hosted by Abigél Ress, while the Bocskai Museum opens its doors on Researchers’ Night (Kutatók Éjszakája). On September 27, World Tourism Day (Turizmus Világnapja) takes over Hungarospa with themed programs.
Autumn heat: saunas, stories, and spooky rides
Warm up October 4 with Sauna Weekend (Szaunázók hétvégéje), a sauna fan’s paradise. On October 16, Tvrtko presents Chernobyl 40 (Csernobil 40), an exclusive talk revisiting the disaster’s legacy. October 23–25 brings Pumpkin Days (TÖKölős napok) to Eliza Equestrian Ranch (Eliza Lovastanya)—a pumpkin-forward fall fest with countryside flair. Finish the month on October 31 at the Aqua-Palace Adventure Spa (Aqua-Palace Élményfürdő) Halloween party, a splashy costume night at the indoor adventure spa.
November tastings and December send-off
St. Martin’s Day Revelry (Márton-napi Vigadalom) on November 6–7 serves the classic St. Martin’s Day flavors. On November 20, “Deszeretlek” sees comedian István Dombóvári take the stage, hosted by István Bellus. Then on December 31, drag out winter’s oldest tradition: the New Year’s Eve Year-End Whip-Cracking Farewell (Óévbúcsúztató szilveszteri csergetés), a noisemaking send-off echoing shepherd customs.
Where to stay, soak, and sample
Base yourself in the green zone at Hotel Barátság, the city’s tallest building with sweeping views and its own pools: thermal and contrast baths, hot tubs, saunas, infrared and steam rooms—a full wellness circuit under one roof. Family groups can opt for apartments near the beach entrance—some just 100–200 meters away—while garden-district guesthouses promise quiet nights within strolling distance of the Spa (Gyógyfürdő) and Béke baths. Many stays sit 5 minutes from the Strandfürdő; others hug the airport side, close to the Árpád pool and Hungarospa therapies.
For fun beyond the pools, U-Pub Bar mixes bowling, billiards, darts, air hockey, foosball, and even an escape room with wallet-friendly drinks. Eat your way through Kemencés Csárda’s updated Great Plain traditions, the revamped Mirage’s seasonal plates—a romantic complex offering a 150-seat covered terrace plus an 80-seat panorama level—the family-friendly Major Panzió és Étterem, and Nr.8 with its big filagoria terrace and grills. Need a quick bite? The pancake spot a minute from the Hungarospa Spa (Hungarospa Gyógyfürdő) entrance flips sweet and savory crêpes, pours lemonade, cocktails, coffee, and scoops artisan ice cream.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs. Plan ahead—Hajdúszoboszló’s 2026 is stacked.
