Get ready for a packed autumn in Szarvas, where this small Hungarian town is serving up a surprisingly eccentric string of events. This month is all about animal extravaganzas, quirky exhibitions, dramatic performances, and—you guessed it—cabbage and sausage feasts that could make even a dragon hungry.
Spectacular Animal Feedings at Körösvölgy Animal Park (Körösvölgyi Állatpark)
Animal lovers, bring your walking shoes. Körösvölgy Animal Park (Körösvölgyi Állatpark) is hosting festive animal feedings combined with up-close animal presentations on several weekends, including October 25-26 and November 1-2. But be warned: the feeding sites aren’t right at the gate. Expect a 30-45 minute stroll from the ticket office to where the real action happens. Perfect for those wanting to burn off a few calories before indulging in local cuisine.
Bone Wonders: Feathered Skeletons and Award-Winning Preparations
For the curious (or mildly morbid), the “Bone Wonders – Bird Photography and Skeletal Specimens” exhibition is on all autumn. Ten different bird skeletons are paired with dazzling wildlife photography. You’ll spot three pieces that are actual European champions, alongside their plaques and certificates—trophies for dead birds may sound odd, but here it’s an honor.
The show also displays a collection of Racka sheep skulls, showcasing an array of horn shapes and bizarre bone deformities. There’s more for fans of bones: skulls from Hungarian cattle breeds like the Grey Cattle (magyar szürke) and Heck Cattle, as well as Hungarian dog breeds (Komondor, Kuvasz, Puli). Even carnivore skulls join the display, offering a veritable who’s who of animal heads.
If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare a skeleton, this exhibition details the step-by-step phases of specimen preparation. For kids, there’s a special play-and-learn area, because nothing says “family fun” like a little osteology.
History Comes Alive in Anna Grove (Anna-liget)
Dive into local history with the “Historical Walk in Szarvas’s Anna Grove (Anna-liget)” exhibit. Striking boards on the walls detail the history of the Körös-Maros National Park headquarters, the 18th-century Csáky Mansion, and its lush park. Expect to uncover secrets and quirky tales from Anna Grove’s past—a great way to spice up your stroll through Szarvas.
Weekly Program Guide: Never a Dull Day
Szarvas’s event calendar is absolutely stacked. Every week from late October through November promises something: concerts, workshops, theater, and festivals, all gathered in the “Weekly Program Guide.” Whether you’re a regular or just passing by, odds are high that something will catch your eye (or nose).
Broomsticks Out: “The Witches of Salem” (“A szálemi boszorkányok”) Conjures Local Theater
For drama fans (or anyone with a soft spot for cauldrons), Szarvas hosts multiple performances of “The Witches of Salem” (“A szálemi boszorkányok”) at the Cervinus Theater (Cervinus Teatrum). The price for entry? Around $12—a bargain for a night of spellbinding intrigue.
Dragons and Laughs: More on Stage
On November 6, the beloved Hungarian children’s classic “Süsü the Dragon” (“Süsü, a sárkány”) hits the Cervinus stage twice, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Tickets are about $6, so bring the kids for some friendly fire-breathing fun.
For grownups, “What Could Go Wrong?” (“Mi bajunk lehet?”)—an evening starring Fruzsina Ács and Máté Balázs Szabó—pops up on November 8, promising sharp humor for $15.
Hearty Eats: Cabbage and Sausage Festival
Prefer your fun with a side of food coma? The Season-Opening Stuffed Cabbage Cooking and Sausage-Making Festival on November 8 invites locals and guests to stir pots, stuff cabbage, and compete for glory. If you can’t cook, just come hungry.
Plan Ahead and Enjoy the Quirk
With events spread across Szarvas and detailed weekly guides, there’s no excuse to stay home. Whether you fancy walking among deer, marveling at sheep skulls, nibbling on fresh sausage, or watching witches cackle under the stage lights, Szarvas this autumn offers all the oddball charm you never knew you needed.
