Szarvas may be a small town nestled by the Körös River, but its 2025 calendar is packed with cultural, traditional, sports, and family events from start to finish. Nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike will find plenty to entice them, whether they come for a stroll in the legendary Anna Grove (Anna-liget) or a night at the famous floating stage.
Explore History and Nature in Anna Grove
Throughout August and September, Anna Grove (Anna-liget) serves as a vibrant, leafy stage for a unique exhibition. Through colorful panels, visitors can journey through the history of Körös-Maros National Park headquarters, the stately Csáky Castle (Csáky-kastély), and their surrounding parks. This exhibition isn’t just for history buffs; it’s filled with unexpected stories and fun facts about the area’s intriguing past.
The Magic of Animal Bones
“Animal Bone Wonders” is a recurring exhibition that runs for several weeks into September. It features ten prepared bird skeletons paired with breathtaking wildlife photography. Three of these skeletons are European champion prizewinners, proudly displayed alongside their plaques and certificates. The collection also includes a remarkable racka sheep (racka juh) skull exhibit, highlighting different horn formations and bone disorders, along with skulls from grey cattle (szürkemarha), heck cattle, iconic Hungarian dog breeds (Komondor, Kuvasz, Puli), and various predators.
Kids will love the interactive play area, and anyone curious about how bones are prepared will find the stages of the process explained. For science enthusiasts and families, it’s a rare and quirky treat.
Mystery Beyond the Owl Gate
For those who fancy themselves sleuths, “Mysteries Beyond the Owl Gate – Summer Detective Adventure” (Rejtélyek a Bagolykapun túl – Nyári Nyomozós Kaland) weaves a playful thread through the animal park. Clue points and puzzles turn a simple walk into a thrilling mystery. Solve each riddle to uncover the secret of the Owl Gate (Bagolykapu), with a chance to win prizes for adept detectives. This experience is available weekly and open to both solo adventurers and groups.
Szarvas Theater Nights: Drama on the Water
The Szarvas Water Theater (Szarvasi Vízi Színház) has an exciting schedule for August. You can catch:
– August 13: “Pocahontas” by Laura Topolcsányi and Viktor Maráth. Tickets from $6 to $13.
– August 15: “Oh, Grandma!” (Jaj, nagyi! by Amy Herzog). Tickets from $17 to $24.
– August 16: “Three Men and a Cradle” (Három férfi és egy mózeskosár by Coline Serreau). Tickets from $21 to $28.
– August 17: “Bachelorette Party” (Lánybúcsú). Tickets from $21 to $28.
– August 18: “Everybody Wants Me!” (Mindenki engem akar! by Noël Coward). Tickets from $26 to $34.
– August 19: A musical evening with Margit Bangó and Swing à la Django. Tickets from $17 to $23.
– August 22: The fourteenth annual Abba–Boney M. Concert Show and Awards Gala.
For families and magic fans, August 29 features the “Nagy Amigo Magic Show” at the Cervinus Water Theater, with tickets from $14 to $20.
Wildlife, Slivovitz, and Local Traditions
On August 20, Hungary’s national holiday, there will be special guided animal feedings and info sessions at Körösvölgy Animal Park (Körösvölgyi Állatpark)—just plan for a 30-45 minute walk from the ticket office! The same day, Szarvas hosts its own Saint Stephen’s Day (Szent István-nap) festivities.
On August 30, “Wild Animal Empire – Zoo Night” delves into animal habitats and territorial behaviors, spiced up with engaging extra activities.
From September 12-14, Szarvas bursts into plum-crazy fun with “Plum Days” (Szilvanapok), a festival celebrating this beloved fruit with music, market stalls, and tastings.
Weekly Picks: There’s Always Something On
If you can’t make it to the big events, Szarvas offers a weekly program guide, highlighting a variety of happenings every single day. Whether you’re into culture, outdoor adventures, or just curious about what’s on, keep an eye on the local event calendar—you’ll find concerts, theater performances, nature walks, festivals, and surprising discoveries scattered throughout the city and its lush surroundings.
Szarvas isn’t just another dot on Hungary’s cultural map. With exhibitions blending science and art, quirky detective adventures, nature festivals, and big-name performances, this riverside town hosts some of the season’s most unmissable events—whether you’re exploring Anna Grove or applauding by the water.
