Pécs is turning up the volume in 2026 with a year-round sweep of concerts, festivals, tributes, and candlelit performances across its most beloved venues. The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, built on the grounds of the former porcelain factory, remains the city’s creative heart—an arts hub anchoring programs for the whole region. From orchestral classics to film scores, rock ballads to Irish dance, and comedy to craft beer tours, here’s what’s playing—and when.
January: Rockabilly and Candlelit Classics
Kick off with Ed Philips and the Memphis Patrol on January 17, bringing rollicking rockabilly to Pécs. On January 29, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons gets a candlelit glow at the Apáczai Cultural House (PKK Apáczai Művelődési Ház) in Pécs, a setting built for strings and atmosphere.
Beyond the stage, the city leans into winter magic with Fények Elvarázsolt Erdeje (Enchanted Forest of Lights), running October 24, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and again in weekly editions at the Zsolnay Quarter from January 9–15, January 16–22, and January 23–29. Pécs and Zsolnay also publish weekly program roundups starting January 12–18 and January 19–25.
For families, Bóbita Puppet Theatre presents Cini-cini muzsika on January 17. The same day, Meztelen igazság, a musical comedy, hits the stage with tickets from about $22 to $36. Saturdays bring “Discover the Pécs Brewery!”—a guided beer-tasting tour—and on January 18, hands-on ceramic fun arrives with Kerámia élményfestés and Mázba zárt mesék at the Zsolnay Quarter. Comedy fans can catch Márványlikőr / Terrio on January 19 (around $20), and Dániel Mogács’s EGO stand-up on January 29 ($21–$23). Guided walks, “In the Footsteps of the Zsolnays,” run January 24 and 31. The Menopauza tour rounds out the month on January 31 with tickets from roughly $41 to $58.
February: Film Scores, Indie Launches, and ABBA Joy
The glow continues February 11 with Harry Potter music by candlelight at the Apáczai Cultural House, tickets around $36–$42. On February 13, iamyank unveils STNTLN, an album launch in Pécs that taps experimental, cinematic soundscapes. Valentine’s Day brings Olvasatlan üzenet (Unread Message) from the Oberon Ensemble ($17). A lighter night out: Harsányi 50 blends stand-up and music on February 13 ($16).
February 21 doubles up: Kiss Tibi és az Aranyakkord’s Szeretni jöttünk (We Came to Love) concert, and ABBA – The Happy New Year Concert Show at Kultik Cinema, a feel-good sing-along with tickets around $14. Comedy returns February 22 with Márványlikőr / Terrio ($20). On February 23, the stage honors a legend with Bródy 80 at the Kodály Center, tickets roughly $35–$47. Then on February 25, the Bridgerton score gets the candlelit treatment at the Apáczai Cultural House ($36–$42). Cap the month on February 28 with Zerkovitz–Topolcsányi’s Orfeum hercegnő ($14–$17). Weekly city and Zsolnay listings continue throughout.
March: Ballet, Einaudi Tribute, and Dance Spectacle
March opens with a Women’s Day-themed Húzzad csak, kivilágos virradatig (Keep Playing Till Dawn) on March 3 ($14–$17). Ballet lovers get a double Swan Lake on March 11 and 12. On March 19, the music of Ludovico Einaudi gets a candlelit tribute at the Apáczai Cultural House, tickets around $36–$42. A two-act musical comedy, Gyertyafénykeringő (Candlelight Waltz), takes the stage March 22 ($20). The month crescendos March 30 with Lord of the Dance’s 30th anniversary tour, tickets from about $34 to $69. Saturday brewery tours continue weekly, and the city and Zsolnay keep up their weekly highlights.
April: Rock Ballads by Candlelight and Iconic Voices
April leans into intimacy and icons. On April 8, Rockballadák gyertyafényben (Rock Ballads by Candlelight) sets anthems aglow at the Apáczai Cultural House ($36–$42). The same night, Hobo 80+1 lands at the Kodály Center, a milestone show with tickets around $35–$47. April also brings a sought-after talk: How Do We Break Inherited Family Patterns? with psychologist Noémi Orvos-Tóth on April 20 (about $28). Saturday brewery tours keep pouring all month, and weekly roundups for both the city and the Zsolnay Quarter continue throughout April.
May: Freddie’s Fire and Farce on Stage
On May 9, FREDDIE – Lélekbúvár: Belső tűz (Soul Diver: Inner Fire) lights up the Apáczai Cultural House, tickets roughly $28. Later in the month, British farce lands with Michael Cooney’s Nicsak, ki lakik itt?! (Who’s There?!) on May 22, tickets around $25–$28. The beloved Saturday brewery tour runs May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. As ever, both Pécs and the Zsolnay Quarter publish weekly program guides for easy planning.
Where It’s All Happening
– Apáczai Cultural House (PKK Apáczai Művelődési Ház): Home base for candlelit concerts and intimate shows—from Vivaldi and Einaudi to rock ballads and film scores.
– Kodály Center (Pécs Kodály Központ): The city’s premier concert hall, staging marquee events like Bródy 80 and Hobo 80+1.
– Zsolnay Cultural Quarter (Zsolnay Kulturális Negyed): The cultural nucleus offering exhibitions, family workshops, guided walks, light festivals, and weekly listings.
– Kultik Cinema (Kultik Mozi): Pop-forward events like the ABBA concert show.
Plan Your Season
Bookmark the weekly program guides for both Pécs and the Zsolnay Quarter—they drop every Monday across January to June and make planning painless. Prices listed above in USD are approximate conversions from HUF; exact amounts may vary at checkout. Many events sell fast, especially the candlelit series and big anniversary tours, so grab seats early. Whether you’re here for orchestras, indie, nostalgia, or a perfectly poured pint, Pécs has your 2026 live plan sorted.
