Nestled on the 12-acre grounds of the former Zsolnay porcelain factory, the Zsolnay Quarter (Zsolnay Negyed) in Pécs has flourished into a vibrant cultural hub. In addition to exhibitions and interactive events, there are regular concerts featuring a diverse lineup—everything from jazz bands to contemporary Hungarian and international acts. It’s the place where Pécs and its surroundings come alive with creativity every month.
Concerts to Mark on Your Calendar
The event calendar is packed, and October 2025 is a feast for music fans. Kicking things off on October 4th, “Tompeti and Friends” (Tompeti és Barátai) take the stage at the E78 venue for a family favorite show. Jazz lovers are in for a treat: the Metronome Jazz Club (Metronóm Jazz Klub) hosts the Júlia Karosi Quartet (Karosi Júlia Quartet) on October 9th and Tzumo Gypsy Dreams on December 11th, highlighting an ongoing commitment to top-tier performances.
But that’s just scratching the surface. Fans of contemporary Hungarian music and international acts regularly find something to keep their toes tapping. The “Elvis Project” revives the glory days of rock-n-roll on October 10th, while the uplifting Góbé x Mecsek Choir presents a journey “from Bárdos to gospel” on October 8th.
More Than Music: A Buzzing Cultural Scene
Culture in the Zsolnay Quarter overflows beyond music. This autumn’s lineup blends science, art, and drama. DesignPécs 2025 on October 18th whisks visitors on a “Secessionist time journey,” with exhibitions exploring Pécs’s rich connections to Art Nouveau.
Feeling creative? Try the silk painting workshops on October 12th and 29th, where you can make wearable art inspired by Zsolnay’s own vibrant color palette. Mandala fans and art enthusiasts can take part on October 5th with “What’s Your Mandala Like?” (Milyen a mandalád?).
Literature and theater lovers have reason to celebrate too. The Zsolnay Theatre’s (Zsolnay Színház) major fall production is a Chekhov adaptation, “The Seagull” (Sirály), on November 3rd. On November 18th, renowned actress Dorottya Udvaros hosts a dramatic reading night of poetry by Endre Ady and János Pilinszky. There are even science stand-up evenings, such as László Mérő’s “The Power of Words” (A szavak ereje) on October 20th, blending intellect and laughter for audiences seeking smart entertainment.
Accommodation: Sleep in Style
Anyone lingering after a show has an array of impressive accommodation choices. Pécs’s newest four-star Adele Boutique Hotel is housed in a historic 19th-century building in the heart of the old town—both elegant and modern at once. For a different vibe, the legendary Owl’s Castle (Bagolyvár) offers rooms and suites, each themed around iconic Hungarian wines, with folk art décor and stunning panoramic views over Pécs and the distant Zengő hills.
Boutique Hotel Sopianae and the Barbakán Hotel offer comfort downtown, with the latter featuring conference rooms and garage parking. Prefer peace and quiet? Choose a family guesthouse high above the city in the villa-filled Mecsek hills, just minutes from downtown and the start of forest hiking trails. For groups, the Büdöskút Guesthouse (Büdöskúti Vendégház), halfway to Orfű, sleeps up to 12 and sits directly on the “Blue Tour” (Kéktúra) and “Green Cross” (Zöld kereszt) hiking paths.
Where to Eat and Drink
Fuel your cultural adventure with Pécs’s top food and drink spots. For a sweet start, pick up handmade chocolates and cakes at Heavenly Temptation (Angyali Kísértés). Craving a hearty meal? Local favorites range from traditional Hungarian taverns (like the Owl’s Castle restaurant, specializing in classic dishes and desserts) to bistro kitchens with fresh, homestyle food—served in a laid-back atmosphere at fair prices.
You’ll also find Bohemia Beer Kitchen (Bohemia Sörkonyha) downtown (think beer, BBQ, and burgers), and even a working microbrewery at Big Bell (Nagyharang) with its lively beer garden. For quick, affordable meals, Amber Fast Food (Borostyán Gyorsétterem) offers daily lunches right on King Street (Király utca), while Paulus transforms from a café by day to a self-service restaurant at noon and a pub by night.
Plan & Enjoy
Be sure to double-check dates, as organizers reserve the right to change events, and tickets for popular shows like Tompeti and Friends (Tompeti és Barátai) are about $12. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Zsolnay Quarter’s unique blend of art, music, workshops, and the ever-creative Hungarian spirit in one of Europe’s most vibrant small cities.
