Szombathely is always buzzing with cultural events, no matter the season. Locals and visitors can dive into music gigs, food markets, art shows, and even sports events, thanks to the jam-packed program series called “Experience Szombathely!” Nearly every weekend brings something new: vibrant, laid-back, and engaging entertainment to help everyone unwind.
Of course, the year’s main draw is the legendary Savaria Historical Carnival, which sends the city into festival mode. But there’s much more to look forward to: for over four decades, the renowned Savaria International Dance Competition has brought Hungary’s top dancers to town, and the jazzy Lamantin Jazz Festival lights up the stage each season. When autumn rolls around, locals eagerly await the famous nationwide St. Martin’s Day Fair, which transforms the city into a bustling market haven.
Fall Harvests and Market Delights
Szombathely Market (Szombathelyi piac) becomes an autumn paradise from October 21 to 26 and again from October 28 to 31. Locals can snap up the healthiest, tastiest fruits and veggies, chat with producers, and stock their pantries with local delicacies. If you love earthy flavors and vibrant colors, don’t miss these “Autumn Treasures”—it’s the perfect time to try new recipes and savor seasonal aromas.
At the same market, safety goes hand-in-hand with savoring wild mushrooms. Bring your mushroom haul between October 24 and 28—or on October 30 and 31—for an expert check. Why risk it? Get your mushrooms certified by professionals and indulge with peace of mind.
Regular Market Events and Flea Markets
The city’s bustling marketplace hosts multiple “Piac Öttől Ötig” (Market from Five to Five) events throughout fall and winter, alongside frequent producer markets selling fresh, locally sourced products. Looking to score unique finds or clear out your attic? The traditional “Zsibvásár” (Flea Market) takes place several times a month, with a scaled-down “Minizsibi” (Mini Flea Market) for quick deals. Collectors and vintage lovers can browse everything from books to records at the monthly “Lemezbörze” (Record Fair).
Theater, Comedy, and Music for All Tastes
Szombathely’s stages stay busy. The Weöres Sándor Theatre (Weöres Sándor Színház) presents a range of plays from October 16 to 24 and again at the end of the month. Tickets start at $10 and go up to $25. Meanwhile, variety and humor light up venues like the Dumaszínház (Comedy Theater) and AGORA Cultural Center (AGORA Kulturális Központ), with stand-up nights, one-man shows, and hilarious performances like “Az élet máshogy van” (Life Is Different), “Marika for Prezident,” and “Deszeretlek.”
The city doesn’t forget music lovers. For a blast from the past, check out MICHAEL – The Michael Jackson Show from London, and the highly anticipated XVI. Hollywood Classics concert in late November, with tickets at $42. Legendary Hungarian acts like Miklós Fenyő (Fenyő Miklós) also stop by as part of their AdvenTour, while the local Savaria Symphony Orchestra (Savaria Szimfonikus Zenekar) fills Bartók Hall (Bartók Terem) with concerts almost every month, focusing on everything from the works of Kálmán Szennai to film score specials for Christmas.
Special Seasonal Highlights
Nothing beats the celebratory buzz of St. Martin’s Day. On November 8–9, Szombathely transforms into a festive maze of food stalls, handmade crafts, and family activities. Holiday cheer arrives with the Christmas market on December 13, and the Savaria Symphony’s “Film Music Christmas” concert on December 19–20 provides a musical close to the year.
New Year, New Shows
The city welcomes 2026 with a full lineup: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker will enchant audiences on January 8, while indie theater, comedy, and the monthly flea markets continue strong. Symphonic concerts pepper the calendar, and theater remains front and center with plays like “Nicsak, ki lakik itt?!” (Guess Who Lives Here?!).
Bringing the family? Don’t miss beloved classics like the musical “The Attic” (A PADLÁS) and timeless tales such as “Peter Pan” (Pán Péter). Music, laughter, and culture—Szombathely packs in non-stop entertainment all year.
Whether you’re craving music, markets, great eats, or laughs, Szombathely’s calendar is overflowing with options that guarantee you’ll never be bored.
