Pécs, the lively seat of Baranya County at the foot of the Mecsek Mountains, blends Roman roots with a cosmopolitan spirit. Founded as Sopianae in the early 2nd century, it grew with Swabian, Croatian, and Hungarian influences that still echo through its streets, squares, and kitchens. Today it’s the region’s cultural and educational hub: a UNESCO World Heritage city dotted with Turkish-era landmarks, buzzing university life, and a calendar stacked with concerts, comedy, theater, and immersive night walks. Here’s what’s on in Pécs across January and February 2026—bring curiosity and a warm coat.
Symphonies, Seasons and Candlelight
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker lands at the Dezső Lauber Sports Hall (Lauber Dezső Sportcsarnok) on January 11, a winter classic that keeps its sparkle long after the holidays. Tickets range from roughly 28 to 41 USD. Later in the month, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons becomes pure glow at a candlelit concert on January 29 at the PKK Apáczai Cultural House (PKK Apáczai Művelődési Ház), turning Baroque brilliance into a flickering, intimate experience. February adds more ambience: Harry Potter’s music by candlelight arrives February 11 at the same venue, a nostalgic sweep through film themes priced around 36 to 41 USD.
Comedy Nights and Sharp Minds
Dumaszínház brings wordplay and wit to the Zsolnay Quarter’s E78. On January 13, cognitive scientist and raconteur László Mérő explores The Power of Words, with tickets around 20 to 22 USD. January 29 is EGO, the solo set from Dániel Mogács, with Viktor Feiszt on mic-check duty, priced roughly 21 to 22 USD. February continues the run: Nóra Rainer-Micsinyei’s Marika for Prezident Specziell on February 18 promises character comedy with a bite, tickets around 20 to 22 USD. Over at Pécs Third Theatre (Pécsi Harmadik Színház), Harsányi 50 on February 13 blends stand-up and music, a single-price night at about 15 USD.
Theater to Love and Laugh With
January is theater-heavy. On January 17, The Naked Truth, a musical comedy, fills the Dezső Lauber City Sports Hall with cheeky energy at about 21 to 35 USD. January 19 brings Marble Liqueur / Terrio to Pécs Third Theatre—two acts of humor and amour at a steady 19 USD. January 23’s Good Luck (Jószerencsét) at the same theater is an 18 USD seat. On January 24, The Wall Hits Back — or Notary Upstairs leans into farce at 19 USD; it returns February 6 by popular demand. Valentine’s Day gets a stage nod with Unread Message from the Oberon Company on February 14, a 16 USD date night with theatrics and tenderness. Marble Liqueur / Terrio returns February 22 for a second round of banter and romance.
ABBA, Film Feels and Pop Nostalgia
On February 21, ABBA – The Happy New Year Concert Show takes over Kultik Cinema (Kultik Mozi), a 13 USD ticket to pure pop joy. Expect sing-along bliss and a shimmer of Swedish gold to brighten the winter stretch.
Zsolnay Quarter: Weekly Culture Pulse
The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter is the city’s beating heart, and its weekly program guide runs throughout January and February in tidy slots: Jan 5–11, Jan 12–18, Jan 19–25, Jan 26–Feb 1, Feb 2–8, Feb 9–15, Feb 16–22, and Feb 23–Mar 1. Each week mixes one-off happenings, recurring programs, guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and ongoing activities. It’s a constant invitation to wander, learn, and linger.
Into the Enchanted Forest of Lights
For the first time, the Zsolnay Quarter transforms into a magical light park: the Enchanted Forest of Lights. The Winter Light Grove sparkles Jan 9–15, returns Jan 16–22, and glows again Jan 23–29. It’s built for everyone—kids dazzled, couples strolling, friends catching up—an illuminated walk that’s part adventure, part photo op, all memory-making.
Weekly City Guide: All Ages, All Tastes
Alongside Zsolnay’s listings, the citywide weekly guide runs the same blocks: Jan 5–11, Jan 12–18, Jan 19–25, Jan 26–Feb 1, Feb 2–8, Feb 9–15, and Feb 16–22. Expect family and kids’ activities, science and knowledge events, art programs, and food adventures, refreshed each week for every age group.
Brewery Tours: Taste Pécs at the Source
Every Saturday, the Pécs Brewery (Pécsi Sörfőzde) opens its doors for a guided tour with tastings. This is Hungary’s oldest continuously operating brewery, and the visit dives into the craft, the machinery, and, most importantly, the flavors. Dates across the winter include January 17, 24, and 31, plus February 7, 14, and 21. It’s a hands-on, glass-up way to meet the city’s brewing heritage.
Big-Stage Crowd Pleasers
The Dezső Lauber City Sports Hall wraps up January with the Menopause tour on January 31, a candid, comedic look at life’s hot flashes and cool truths, tickets from about 39 to 56 USD. It’s an arena night that still feels personal, built to laugh together at what everyone’s thinking.
How to Plan It
– Prices shown are approximate USD conversions for quick planning.
– Zsolnay Quarter and the city guides refresh weekly—check the latest listings for time slots and ticket links.
– Candlelight concerts and the Enchanted Forest tend to sell out—book ahead.
– Brewery tours run Saturdays; reserve your spot to ensure a pour.
From candlelit strings to sparkling pathways, punchline-filled nights to foamy toasts, Pécs is spending winter wide awake. Pick a week—any week—and step in.
