Szarvas is gearing up for a packed 2026, with cultural events, tradition-packed festivals, sports action, and all sorts of fun for nature lovers and culture fans alike. From theater shows to flea markets and food fests, this Hungarian gem by the Körös River keeps the excitement rolling year-round. Weekly program guides are published every week, highlighting events in town and nearby—check the Szarvas event calendar for daily picks across March 16-22, 23-29, March 30-April 5, April 6-12, 13-19, April 20-26, and 27-May 3. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and lineups, so stay flexible.
Theater Thrills Kick Off the Year
Dive into drama early with Olej Tamás három lánya – Tót atyafiak (Tamás Olej’s Three Daughters – Tóth Brothers) at Cervinus Theater, Kossuth tér 3, Szarvas, March 19-20—tickets $10. Francis Veber’s Balfácánt vacsorára (Pheasant for Dinner) hits the same stage March 24 for $25 a seat. Comedy fans can catch Musimbe Dávid Dennis in Ezt benéztem! (I Missed This!), hosted by Ress Abigél at Dumaszínház in Cervinus Theater, April 16, $21 tickets. Later, Körös Fesztivál features Deszeretlek (I Love You) by Dombóvári István, hosted by Bellus István, on August 29.
Flea Markets and Food Fests
Hunt bargains at Szarvasi bolhapiac (Szarvas Flea Market) on April 11, May 9, June 13, July 16, August 8 (another flea market that day), September 16, October 10, November 14, and December 12. Foodies flock to Idényzáró Csülök-Köröm-főző-sütő fesztivál és verseny (End-of-Season Knuckle and Trotter Cooking-Baking Festival and Contest) on April 11. The big one: 28. Szarvasi Szilvanapok (28th Szarvas Plum Days), September 11-13. Monthly spotlights include Analog Balaton—Zsuffa Aba és Vörös Ákos duója (the duo of Zsuffa Aba and Vörös Ákos) on March 21, another on April 22, plus the September plums. Twelve events total in the lineup.
Perfect Stays for Every Vibe
Base your adventures at top spots. Körösvölgyi Látogatóközpont és Állatpark (Körös Valley Visitor Center and Zoo) runs excellent forest school programs for all school ages, with professional guidance. Aranyménes Vendégház (Golden Stallion Guesthouse) sits quietly in the Körös Valley near the world-famous arboretum—built in 1846 as a gardener’s house, it preserves Alföld folk architecture with a thatch roof, eight guest rooms, an ethnography museum room, and ancient tools and furniture. Aranyszarvas Panzió, Étterem és Grillterasz (Golden Deer Guesthouse, Restaurant, and Grill Terrace) overlooks Hungary’s largest arboretum and the dead arm of the Körös—dog-friendly and perfect for families, couples, hikers, and groups. Fish and relax at the two-story, winterized waterfront holiday home on Csuka Street, across from the arboretum. More riverside bliss awaits at the four-star, four-napraforgós (sunflower-rated) guesthouse in the heart of historic Hungary—spacious, heated, and air-conditioned. Liget Wellness és Konferencia Hotel****, 160 km from Budapest, boasts river and ancient park views from 220-230 beds in the main building and villas—wellness facilities galore, kids’ outdoor playground, and indoor play castle. Four km out, another Holt-Körös guesthouse offers a private dock, boat, BBQ area, fenced yard for toddlers, and prime fishing with fed spots. The central guesthouse features two suites, two apartments, and seven doubles—all with AC, LED TV, and mini-fridge. Cervus “C” Dorm by Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences) is right on the Holt-Körös for fishing, swimming, and boating. These six stays have it all.
Dining Hotspots to Fuel Up
Grab bites at Árpád Kávézó és Romkocsmát (Árpád Café and Ruin Pub) on Szabadság út 32, by Árpád Hotel and the music pavilion. Korona étterem (Korona Restaurant), Szarvas’s biggest fast-food spot, sits by the Evangelical Old Church. Mokka Delicates Bistro in the city center tempts with mouthwatering dishes, cakes, coffee, cocktails, and seasonal drinks—plus a 16-bed guesthouse with cozy service. Premier Restaurant delivers premium eats and drinks, craft coffees, daily specials, set menus, and wine and beer dinners. Piltz Zoltán’s innovative contemporary Hungarian spot pairs lunch and dinner with local and international wines, modern cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Another eatery focuses on events, daily menus, and stews—prices $6-$25. Six tasty finds await.
