Every summer, music fans flock to the scenic Tisza Embankment (Tisza-parti sétány) in Szolnok for the Party-Tour Festival (Parti-Túra Fesztivál), a refreshing series of open-air concerts designed for those craving vibrant summer nights with a cultured twist. The festival doesn’t just stay in one spot; it sweeps guests away on a musical “tour” of Szolnok, blending live orchestral magic with riverside adventure.
Sparkle Night: Movie Magic on the Embankment
On August 5 at 8:30 PM, the party arrives at the Széchenyi District (Széchenyi városrész) plaza, right in front of the Green House (Zöldház). Got rain? No problem—the show moves to the Széchenyi István High School (Széchenyi István Gimnázium) gymnasium. The program promises an exciting journey through the soundtracks of legendary films and hit TV shows—romantic comedies, classic tales, sports dramas, and iconic action scenes. These are the tunes you hum without even realizing it, but with the live symphony, they will sound brand new.
Expect laughter, drama, and plenty of energy as conductor Kanai Toshifumi leads an evening where music tells the stories—no screens, just sound and imagination. Every moment is either a trip down memory lane or the spark of a new feeling.
Lights and Melodies Continue
The night shines again on August 7 at 8:30 PM in Ormos Imre Park (Ormos Imre Park), Tallinn District (Tallinn városrész). If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the concert will take place the following evening. This second “Sparkle Night” repeats the blockbuster formula: unforgettable melodies from screen classics, newly interpreted by Kanai Toshifumi and his talented orchestra. From comedy to thrillers, these familiar compositions come alive with humor and depth.
Queen Symphonic: We Will Rock Szolnok!
Things take a dramatic, rock-infused turn on August 18 with the unmissable Queen Symphonic concert, staged at the Tisza Embankment (Tisza-part) at 8:30 PM. Here, Hungary’s top Queen tribute group, the Crazy Little Queen Tribute Band (Crazy Little Queen Tribute Band), joins forces with the renowned Szolnok Symphony Orchestra (Szolnoki Szimfonikus Zenekar), all under the bold arrangements conducted by Sándor Balogh (Balogh Sándor). The amazing soprano Judit Lőrincz adds her powerhouse vocals to the hits, giving the music an exciting edge.
Unlike any ordinary tribute act, this concert explodes at the intersection of rock and classical music. It’s a celebration of one of the world’s most enduring bands—expect anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and “We Are the Champions,” all delivered with full symphonic force. The production premiered in the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen (Debreceni Református Nagytemplom), played to sold-out crowds nationwide, and receives standing ovations everywhere it goes.
Even More to Celebrate in Szolnok
Szolnok’s summer doesn’t end with the music festival. August brings an outdoor symphonic concert on the 15th, Saint Stephen’s Day (Szent István-nap) on the 20th, a Burger Picnic from the 21st to the 23rd, the 28th Regional Military Band Festival on the 29th, and Szolnok Day (Szolnok Napja) on the 30th.
September features stand-up and music: The Digital Ninja on the 5th, HOBO 80 from $27 to $35 on the 10th, the Goulash Festival (Gulyásfesztivál) from the 12th to 13th, a Local Product Fair on the 14th, ABBA-Boney M for $25 to $31 on the 20th, and the Fish Day-Sparhelt Festival from the 27th to the 28th.
From October to December, there’s everything from Health Day to the Alexandre Trauner Art/Film Festival (Alexandre Trauner Art/Film Fesztivál), Disco Divas, chocolate extravaganzas, seasonal crafts, year-end celebrations, and even the 10th Pancake Festival (Palacsinta Fesztivál) next May. Concerts and one-man shows are scheduled every week, with tickets for most major acts ranging from $19 to $53.
If you’re seeking vibrant nights and diverse fun, Szolnok’s festival calendar is your ultimate invitation.
