Debrecen4U October 20, 2025

Programs this week in Debrecen

As Halloween approaches, we can embrace the festive spirit—or immerse ourselves in the latest dance production from the Csokonai National Theatre. Whether you’re drawn to cultural experiences or Halloween-themed fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the city.

Please find below of vibrant lineup of autumn events for this week.

Tuesday, 21 October

Cyclist’s breakfast: It’ll be worth hopping on a bike in Debrecen

• Debrecen celebrates its cycling community with a tasty breakfast at Kossuth Square.
• Read more: https://debrecen4u.hu/cyclists-breakfast-itll-be-worth-hopping-on-a-bike-in-debrecen/

English Conversation Club: The Nobel Prize

• From 5.00 p.m. join for a lively discussion on the Nobel Prize—its inspiring winners, surprising discoveries, and a few controversies.
• Read more:https://debrecen4u.hu/events/english-convesation-club-the-nobel-prize/

Mozartian Mountain Peaks

• From 7.00 p.m., audiences are invited to a soul-stirring evening of Mozart’s most profound sacred works at then Kölcsey Center.
• Read more:https://debrecen4u.hu/events/mozartian-mountain-peaks/

Concert at the Faculty of Music

• As part of the Conservatory Evenings concert series, the Szigeti Quartet and pianist Zoltán Fejérvári will take the stage on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Liszt Hall of UD’s Faculty of Music.

Wednesday, 22 October

Switch from Windows 10 at the library

• Free help updating your laptop to Linux at the Méliusz Library from 4.00 p.m.

50th Anniversary Exhibition of Medical Artists

• At the DAB headquarters from 4.30 p.m., the exhibition is open until November 10; Monday through Thursday, 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., and Friday until 2.00 p.m.
• The exhibition is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday, 23 October

“The Red Star Has Gone”

• The Debrecen Folk Ensemble performance at the Csokonai Theatre from 7.00 p.m.
• The Debrecen Folk Ensemble, celebrating its 75th anniversary, joins forces with the renowned Hortobágy Folk Dance Ensemble and the Bürkös Band, performing alongside several Hungarian dance groups, to present a unique dance-theatre interpretation.
• This special performance commemorates the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, blending dance and literature to reflect on the events of 68 years ago from a fresh and powerful perspective.
• Read more: https://csokonaiszinhaz.hu/eloadasok/elvasott-a-veres-csillag (Hungarian)

Crane Migration in Hortobágy – Guided tours in the footsteps of cranes

• Experience the breathtaking sight of thousands of cranes flying to their roosting sites at sunset at Hortobágy National Park.
• Tour dates and times this week:October 23–25 – 3.00 p.m., October 26 2.00 p.m.
• Read more:https://debrecen4u.hu/events/crane-migration-in-hortobagy-guided-tours-in-the-footsteps-of-cranes/

Friday, 24 October

Lowlanders Concert

• An other concert of the Méliusz Library Live Session series starts at the Méliusz Library from 4.00 p.m.
• Three “cheekily young” and talented guys from Debrecen will enter the central library building on Méliusz Bem Square.

4th Halloween Festival

• The Halloween Street Festival returns to Batthyány Street starting at 6.00 p.m.
• Enjoy a night of festive fun, creative expression, and shared laughter — with just the right amount of spooky charm. Whether you’re dressing up, exploring the street, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this event promises to be special.
• Read more: https://debrecen4u.hu/events/4th-halloween-festival/

Saturday, 25 October

Nighttime adventure with the Zsuzsi Forest Railway

• Hop aboard for a magical night adventure, moonlit forest hike, owl watching, and autumn treats await!
• Read more: https://debrecen4u.hu/events/nighttime-adventure-with-the-zsuzsi-forest-railway/

Hortobágy Autumn Livestock Return Festival

• Join an unforgettable day of tradition and nature. Free entry!
• Every autumn, as the chill sets in and daylight wanes, the pastoral rhythms of Hortobágy come alive in a spectacular tribute to centuries-old customs. The Szent Dömötör Day Herding Festival marks the ceremonial return of livestock from the open plains to their winter shelters, echoing a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Hungarian folklore.
• Read more:https://debrecen4u.hu/events/hortobagy-autumn-livestock-return-festival/

Debrecen Antiques Fair

• The northern parking lot of Nagyerdei Stadium transforms into a bustling bazaar of nostalgia, curiosity, and charm.
• The Debrecen Antiques Fair is more than just a marketplace—it’s a cultural ritual for locals and collectors alike.
• Starting at 7.00 a.m.

Harvest Picnic

• Family programs, including a rabbit cooking competition organized as part of the “Only Rabbit” festival await in the green area behind Józsapark from 1.00 p.m.

“Leaf-catchers – Splash into autumn!” 

• Exciting autumn programs in the Mediterranean Indoor Aquapark of Aquaticum from 1:30 p.m.
• Read more:aquaticum.hu/en

Mandala Society

• Discover the world of mandalas and experience their calming, beneficial effects in this engaging workshop designed for adults.
• Creative activity opportunity for adults in the Benedek Elek Library from 2.00 p.m. 
• Registration is open until October 21. Please sign up via email at benedek@meliusz.hu or call (+36) 52 502431.

Family Halloween

• A playful afternoon with a contest in the Újkerti Library from 3.00 p.m.
• Casual attire is encouraged — and costumes are rewarded!
• Join for a pumpkin carving session in the library courtyard. If you’d like to participate, please bring your own pumpkin, carving tools, and a tea light candle.
• Registration required, Please sign up via email at ujkert@meliusz.hu

Thermal & beer in the Aquaticum Thermal Bath

• The thermal season has arrived, and your favorite event is back again: Thermal & Beer — live guitar music, draft beers, grilled sausages, and sauna sessions.
• Read more:https://www.aquaticum.hu/en/termal-&-sor-a-termalfurdoben

Tram Ghost Ride

• Anyone who would like to take part in a creepy journey can first board the ghost tour organized by the Nagyerdei Kultúrpark, departing from the Main Station from 4.00 p.m. 
• The service runs along the route of tram 1. The program is suitable for children from 8 years old.
• Registration is required at marketing@zoodebrecen.hu

26 October, Sunday

“Yellow Rose”

• Performance by the Mares Art Ensemble at the Csokonai Forum from 7.00 p.m. 
• The performance captures the essence of Hortobágy’s natural beauty and rural traditions with near-ethnographic detail, transforming the novel’s dramatic tale of peasant life into a rich, expressive stage experience.
• Read more:https://csokonaiszinhaz.hu/en/plays/yellow-rose/

Whether you’re carving pumpkins, dressing up for seasonal events, or enjoying a walk through autumn leaves, Debrecen in October offers plenty to enjoy.

Source:dehir.hu and webistes of institutions | Photo credit: Facebook Debrecen városa