Nestled in the heart of Pécs, the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter (Zsolnay Kulturális Negyed), declared a Hungarian national treasure in 2014, has become the city’s top cultural and artistic hub. It’s more than just a museum district—it’s a place where generations meet, with activities ranging from baby theater and senior dance to hands-on workshops, concerts, craft events, and dazzling light shows. If you’re looking for things to do between October 2025 and February 2026, your itinerary just got packed.
Mesmerizing Light Shows and Spooky Nights
From October 24, 2025, to February 1, 2026, the Zsolnay Quarter transforms nightly into the “Enchanted Forest of Lights.” This immersive light installation promises a magical stroll for families, couples, or even solo explorers, illuminating the autumn and winter darkness with spectacular colors and music. For those chasing chills, Halloween in the Zsolnay Quarter on October 31 is a family-friendly fright fest with games and costumes, sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Hands-on Creativity for All Ages
Creative types can join puppet-making workshops on October 25. There’s also “Tile Folding,” a picture-making art workshop, just in time to create something new for your space. The Zsolnay family home itself opens its doors for guided heritage walks—an enlightening look at Pécs’s industrial and design legends.
Theater, Laughs, and Candlelight Concerts
The National Theatre of Pécs (Pécsi Nemzeti Színház) brings a packed autumn and winter schedule with shows nearly every week. Ticket prices range from around $2.70 up to $24, so there’s something for every budget. For die-hard music fans, highlights include Hans Zimmer’s candlelight concerts on November 12, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on January 29, and an enchanting Harry Potter music night on February 19, with tickets from $34 to $39. If it’s comedy you crave, look for Péter Janklovics’s solo show and Péter Aranyosi’s witty “Digital Ninja.”
Science & Stories for Young Minds
Kids—and curious adults—can dive into Dino Park’s “Adventure-Experience-Science” week, running October 20–26 at Malomvölgy. If the stars call to you, check out the “Tales about the Stars” series October 24–26 for cosmic stories under the autumn sky. When the weather turns chilly, the Quarter’s autumn day camps and creative workshops keep families busy indoors.
Fairs, Markets, and All Things Collectible
Are you on the hunt for a new pet or a vintage treasure? Pécs comes alive with bustling animal and antique markets most Sundays through December, highlighted by the grand National Animal and Flea Market in early November and December. Car enthusiasts aren’t left out: frequent car fairs mean there’s always something shiny and new to dream about.
Beer, Wine, and Festive Tunes
Every Saturday is beer day! Join the “Discover the Pécs Brewery” beer tasting tour for an introduction to local brews—no two weekends taste the same. Wine and music lovers can mark November 29, when Advent concerts and pianist Misi Boros take over the Quarter for a cultured night out. For retro fans, “Ring a Swing!”—Miklós Fenyő’s Christmas tour—brings rock-and-roll spirit to November 22, with tickets between $15 and $44.
Seasonal Specials and Family Traditions
When December arrives, Advent concerts, festive markets, and special performances carry the city into the holiday mood. Catch Michael Cooney’s comedy “Who’s Living Here?!” or the return of the National Flea Market. The year closes with “The Masters of Illusion” variety show, the Menopause Tour, and Tchaikovsky’s magical Nutcracker on January 11, with tickets ranging from $29 to $49.
Weekly Highlights—Never Miss a Beat
With weekly curated suggestions for both Pécs and the Zsolnay Quarter, you’ll always find something new. Whether it’s a concert, a quirky workshop, an educational day for the kids, or a shopping spree at the fairgrounds, this vibrant district ensures that in Pécs, boredom is never an option.
