Get ready to enjoy Nyíregyháza like never before. On August 16 and 17, 2025, the city will transform its Imre Nagy Square (Nagy Imre tér) into an open-air cinema, offering a free summer night experience that’s perfect for friends, families, or anyone who wants to lounge on the grass and make the most of the season.
Arrive from 6 PM with your blanket or trusty picnic chair, pick your spot in the square—seating is first-come, first-served—and settle in for a night under the stars. At the heart of the event are two main screenings: on August 16 at 8:00 PM, see How Could I Live Without You? (Hogyan tudnék élni nélküled?), and on August 17 at 8:00 PM, enjoy A Star is Born (Csillag születik). The PikNik Cinema Team handles all the movie magic, guaranteeing excellent audio, visuals, and a lively festival vibe.
The event is completely free, so there are no tickets—just a simple request that you come prepared to relax and have fun. Pro tip: bring your camera or capture some stories for Instagram, because the sunset and city lights will definitely look great on your social feed.
Classic Summer Snacks and Urban Vibes
No movie night is complete without snacks, and Nyíregyháza has you covered. There’s a cinema buffet right on-site, stocked with freshly popped popcorn and cool drinks to keep you refreshed as the evening warmth fades. The relaxed festival atmosphere is friendly and lively, with people spilling out into the square, sharing stories, laughter, and their favorite movie moments.
If you’re coming from out of town, or just want to turn movie night into a city getaway, Nyíregyháza offers an impressive and honestly pretty eclectic range of hotels, guesthouses, and boarding houses (panzió), each with its own style—some extravagantly modern, some rural and cozy.
Where to Stay in Nyíregyháza
Want something elegant? Nyíregyháza boasts several upscale hotels in and around the city center. Indulge in refined city living at one of the local guesthouses, perfect for recharging in stylish surroundings. At the heart of the city’s resort district is the Sóstó Spa and Bath (Sóstó Gyógyfürdő)—a jewel among East Hungary’s spas—which not only serves as Nyíregyháza’s “lung,” but is also surrounded by lush, thousand-square-meter parks. Nearby is Hotel Barbizon; its old-world charm and modern comfort make it the city’s most extravagant hotel.
If you want convenience (and parking!), opt for the University Hotel (Egyetemi Hotel), opened in 2006, with rooms for couples, families, groups, and even guests with limited mobility. With its conference facilities and modern suites, it’s ideal for business trips or family getaways. Or, for a countryside vibe, the Bihari Riding Lodge (Bihari Lovastanya) just outside the city welcomes up to 30 people at a time in rustic, charming guesthouses built of wood, stone, and adobe.
Looking for a truly unique night? Book a room at the Jungle Hotel (Hotel Dzsungel) beside Sóstó Lake (Sóstói-tó), right in the center of the Nyíregyháza Zoo (Nyíregyházi Állatpark). If you wake to sea lions or elephants, it’s not a dream—it’s all part of the experience! Zoo entrance is free for hotel guests.
There are nearly 40 accommodation options citywide, from lakeside boarding houses (panzió) next to Sóstó Lake and the zoo, to chic downtown hotels, all well-connected by public transport, with the train station just two miles away.
Food, Drinks, and Late-Night Bites
Feeling hungry before or after the movie? Nyíregyháza’s restaurant scene is just as varied as its hotels. Grab a bite in the heart of the Sóstó Spa area, where eateries near the zoo serve up family-friendly comfort food, modern bistro bites, and freshly made pizza at Celentano Pizzeria (authentic Italian, straight from the wood-fired oven).
Travel back to the Middle Ages at the Medieval Knight’s Restaurant (Lovag Étterem), or go urban-cool at Bisztró de Lux for international cuisine, healthy options, traditional Hungarian classics reimagined, and a hip terrace perfect for summer cocktails. Chloé is the place for New York-meets-Paris sophistication, with occasional live music, lounge DJ nights, and even dinner theater for foodies.
Prefer classic Hungarian flavors? Many restaurants offer ever-changing daily specials, hearty pork platters, and hand-crafted celebratory cakes for any occasion. For a British touch, the John Bull Pub brings London pub vibes to Hungary, with everything from Hungarian to Mediterranean specialties on the menu. Or toast the night with local wines and four kinds of fresh draft beer at John’s.
One More Thing…
Organizers reserve the right to adjust show times or the program, so be sure to check the latest schedule before you arrive. But whether you come for the outdoor cinema, the food, or a taste of small-city summer, Nyíregyháza is ready to serve up a weekend you’ll remember well into autumn.
