We’ve just entered the new year, but it’s already time to start planning where to go and what to do this year. In 2025, Debrecen will continue to offer exciting experiences and diverse programs for those who want to spend their free time in a meaningful way. In addition to the regular big events such as the Campus Festival or the Debrecen Flower Carnival, there will of course be new events this year too. The Junior Figure Skating and Ice Dancing World Championships will be held on 25 February, 29 March mark the 4th Made in Debrecen Festival, and the 100-member Gypsy Orchestra is also coming on 5 April. But this is just the beginning!
ABBA Show
16 February 2025 ǀ VOKE Cultural Centre
Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, SOS, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Happy New Year, Thank You For The Music, The Winner Takes It All, Fernando and many more! ABBA ABBORN has been touring across Europe for over 20 years and has been a huge success. A total of 70 million people have seen their show on French television. This is mainly due to their authenticity, which takes you back to the 70s. As well as a perfectly polished show, they also dazzle with their impressive musical talent.
Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack concert
21 February 2025 ǀ VOKE Cultural Centre
This unique evening takes you into the world of the most iconic film music, full of emotion and musical masterpieces that have defined the world of modern cinema. In Debrecen, a symphony orchestra will perform the masterpieces of the famous composer Hans Zimmer in an exclusive concert. Hans Zimmer is a German composer who is famous for his film scores. He is known for his ability to add intensity and emotional depth to storytelling through his music. His best-known films include Origin, Interstellar, Dune and Gladiator, which have won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Zimmer has received numerous awards for his work, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and four Grammy Awards, for a total of 37 accolades.
Junior Figure Skating and Ice Dancing World Championships
25 February – 1 March 2025 ǀ Főnix Arena
Debrecen will once again host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, the World Junior Figure Skating and Ice Dancing Championships 2025, from 25 February to 1 March 2025, at the stunning Főnix Arena. This event is one of the four annual ISU Figure Skating Championships and the most prestigious for juniors. Medals in men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs figure skating and ice dancing will be awarded during the event. During the competition, each category will present two skating events, a short program or rhythmic dance and a round dance.
Disco Symphonic show-concert – crossover production of Melody Maker and the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra
1 March 2025 ǀ Kölcsey Center
The symphonic super-concert will spice up the Saturday evening at the Kölcsey Centre in Debrecen with unforgettable hits known to everyone (to name just a few examples: Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Donna Summer, Tom Jones and a mix of top songs from the ’90s). The hits will be performed in the form of an unusual medley, i.e. a medley of the best and most well-known excerpts and melodies, with Márton Rácz conducting the best and best-known ones.
Janoska Ensemble concert
6 March 2025 ǀ Kölcsey Center
The Janoska Ensemble combines classical music with modern genres with boundless creativity, all spiced up with masterful improvisations. The ensemble’s exciting style has won them worldwide acclaim. They have performed at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall. The group has worked with world-famous artists such as Hans Zimmer, B.B. King and Bobby McFerrin.
Bridgerton’s music by candlelight
23 March 2025 ǀ VOKE Cultural Centre
Performed by a unique string quartet, this program features a selection of music from the popular TV series, inspired by classical works and modern pop tunes that have won the hearts of audiences worldwide. But this concert will offer more than just music; hundreds of candles will light the space, creating a sophisticated, romantic atmosphere with the irresistible charm of a historical era.
The Beatles Show 60
23 March 2025 ǀ VOKE Cultural Centre
One of Europe’s most successful revival bands has been performing since 1992, not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the Netherlands, Poland, France, Hungary, Slovakia and even in the birthplace of the legendary quartet, Liverpool in the north of England. They play the greatest hits in almost original performances.
The Mariachis concert
24 March 2025 ǀ Lovarda
The world-famous Mexican band The Mariachis will bring you Mexico’s most joyful, captivating music and atmosphere for an unforgettable evening! The ancestral land of tequila and tortillas is not only known for its dishes, but also for its famous, exhilarating parties and music, a huge part of which will be brought to life by The Mariachis band. Salvador, Roberto, Limber and Juan will get the crowd dancing with a variety of well-known tunes, such as La Bamba, La Cucaracha and Guantanamera!
4. Made in Debrecen
29 March 2025 ǀ Downtown Debrecen
Debrecen strikes again! For the fourth time, Made in Debrecen is a popular music festival that aims to showcase as many local bands as possible in as many venues as possible in one day. As in previous years, local and regional artists will be performing free concerts in several venues.
100-member Gypsy Orchestra’s jubilee gala concert
5 April 2025 ǀ Főnix Arena
The 100-member Gypsy Orchestra, the world’s largest and most famous gypsy orchestra, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. To mark the occasion, the orchestra will present a grand gala concert featuring its rich repertoire. In addition to Liszt, Bartók, Kodály, Hubay, Erkel, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sarasate and Strauss, the orchestra will perform well-known operetta and folk music, Hungarian songs and traditional Hungarian gypsy music, interpreted in the orchestra’s unique instrumentation and sound world. The extraordinary concert experience will be enhanced by a special visual experience to match the occasion.
Debrecen Spring Festival
5-15 April 2025 ǀ several venues
The opening of Debrecen’s cultural season will again offer a wealth of exciting and breathtaking programs.
YAMATO, the Drummers of Japan
7 April 2025 ǀ Kölcsey Center
The world-famous Japanese drumming group Yamato will visit Hungary again after 2 years! Their new show ‘Hito no Chikara – The Power of Human Strength’ is an exciting, energetic interpretation of the centuries-old Taiko-drum tradition. The production features more than 40 drums, bronze cymbals, chants and bamboo flutes – anyone who has seen them will know the incomparable experience … The name Yamato stands for virtuosity, power and incredibly precise choreography. The company will return to Hungary in April to perform at the Erkel Theatre in Budapest, Debrecen and Pécs, where they will experience another miracle with their traditional Hungarian fan base. The Yamato – Drummers of Japan production is one of the most important Japanese cultural exports of our time, alongside well-known culinary, literary and cinematic works.
Taylor Swift’s music by candlelight
16 April 2025 ǀ VOKE Cultural Centre
Performed by a string quartet, the show will feature a selection of Taylor Swift’s most famous songs, including hits such as “Love Story”, “Blank Space” and “Cruel Summer”, which have won the hearts of fans worldwide. This concert will offer more than just music; hundreds of candles will light up the space, creating an atmosphere full of emotion, romance and Taylor Swift’s vocals that will take you on a musical journey into her world.
Simply The Best – TINA TURNER SHOW with Rebecca O’Connor
18 May 2025 ǀ Kölcsey Center
After her sold-out 2024 tour, Jamaican-born, Irish-bred Rebecca O’Connor will embark on a world tour in 2025, and we invite her to perform in Hungary. Simply The Best is more than a tribute show, it is a fitting tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner. It’s a celebration that combines nostalgia with vibrant energy to make the evening unforgettable. Rebecca’s powerful singing voice, similar to Tina’s, and her captivating impulsive stage presence stunned Tina Turner herself. She’s the one who certainly knows how to keep an audience engaged and entertained for two hours with Tina’s greatest hits.
Debrecen Drive
23-25 May 2025 ǀ Nagyerdei Stadium and its vicinity
Hungary’s largest automotive showcase will feature hundreds of different vehicles: new models and old timers, sports cars and engines, trucks, power and work machines, police, fire and ambulance vehicles and military vehicles. In addition to this colorful range of exhibits, the organizers will also be offering a broad spectrum of additional activities, including free practice sessions, concerts, celebrity races and a MiniDrive on Children’s Day.
Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack by candlelight
24 May 2025 ǀ VOKE Cultural Centre
A string quartet performs the most famous film scores by one of the most famous and popular film composers, Ennio Morricone. Featuring songs from legendary films such as Once Upon a Time in the Wild West, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Wicked Eight, Who Defeated Al Capone, The Professional and many more. This concert will be more than just a musical experience. The hall will be lit with hundreds and hundreds of candles, creating a magical atmosphere that perfectly complements Morricone’s timeless works. The interweaving of music and lights promises an unforgettable evening full of emotion.
MALEVO Dance Show
27 May 2025 ǀ Főnix Arena
The meeting of strength, dexterity and agility in a spectacular performance! Elements of flamenco, tango and Irish stepdance merge to create a stunning performance that not only pushes the boundaries of the Malambo style, but also offers the audience an unprecedented, extraordinary visual and sensory experience. After being named Argentina’s national cultural ambassador, MALEVOT have conquered stages around the world: Las Vegas, New York, Paris, London – the world’s major cities have all become familiar with their energy! They’ve wowed audiences with Ricky Martin, Cirque du Soleil and on America’s Got Talent.
Debrecziner Gourmet Festival
13-15 June 2025 ǀ Nagyerdő – Békás Pond
Debrecziner Gourmet Festival represents an unforgettable medley of tastes and flavors served in the heart of the picturesque Nagyerdő. Debrecen’s “most delicious” gastronomic event brings together the best restaurants and chefs of our city and our country under the shady trees of Nagyerdő to showcase where the peak of gastronomy in Hungary is today. Alongside mouth-watering food creations and spectacular cooking shows, there are also interesting panel discussions and exciting live concerts on offer.
The Night of Museums
21 June 2025 ǀ at several locations in Debrecen
On Midsummer Eve, museums open their gates and offer a special experience of cultural discovery beyond the traditional opening hours, up until dawn. They never fail to supply a wealth of interesting and extraordinary activities for visitors. These include guided tours, creative and interactive activities, gastronomic and children’s programs as well as concerts and artistic performances.
Campus Festival
16-20 July 2025 ǀ Nagyerdei Stadium and its vicinity
One of Hungary’s biggest summer music festivals, Campus, features popular Hungarian artists, emerging young talents and a number of foreign stars. In the bill of fare, almost all genres are represented, from hip hop to metal and from alternative rock to techno. In addition to music, this festival also introduces other art forms such as dance and theatre, visual arts and stand-up, as well as children’s activities, a civic street and a gastronomy and wine village.
Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days
31 July – 2 August 2025 ǀ Nagyerdő – Békás-tó
Enjoy Hungarian wine and live jazz music next to a beautiful pond in Nagyerdő. Hungary’s largest gastro-jazz jamboree features the finest Hungarian wineries, while the most popular Hungarian jazz musicians play simultaneously on several stages. Besides delicious wines and soft jazz tunes, there is also a gastronomic and handicraft fair, a jazz cinema and, of course, the wonderful natural environment of Nagyerdő.
Debrecen Flower Carnival
15-20 August 2025 ǀ at several locations in Debrecen
Debrecen’s major cultural event, and one of the most popular in Hungary, is linked to the day of King St. Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian state, and to the celebration of the first “new” bread, baked from the flour of newly harvested wheat. The week-long festival brings together local performers and artistic ensembles from all over the world to create a real carnival atmosphere. The celebrations come to a close on August 20, when hundreds of thousands of flowers, both fresh and dried, are used to create a spectacular floral display with the help of floats on the streets of Debrecen, accompanied by local and foreign dancers and living tradition groups. The carnival program is complemented by concerts, children’s activities as well as art and flower exhibitions.
Beer by Lake
15-20 August 2025 ǀ Nagyerdő – Békás Pond
In the most charming part of Nagyerdő, on the shore of Békás-tó, you can spend an entire week in the company of the most diverse Hungarian craft and artisanal beers, alongside refreshments from foreign breweries, including those brewed in the already familiar Czech style. There are also gastronomic and cultural activities available throughout the event, with a variety of food trucks offering culinary delights and beer snacks.
Marcello Rota – Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota soundtrack concert
4 September 2025 ǀ Kölcsey Center
Marcello Rota, the world-famous Italian conductor who has gained international renown as a conductor of the greatest symphony orchestras, including the Berlin and Moscow Philharmonic Orchestras and the Prague National Opera, will now present Hungarian audiences with a truly special concert! During the evening, Nino Rota’s iconic melodies will be accompanied by Ennio Morricone’s eternal classics from films such as The Godfather, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and The Mission.
Debrecziner ZAMAT Festival
12-14 September 2025 ǀ Nagyerdei Stadion (northern event site)
At the biggest gastronomic event of the fall season, the best restaurants in the neighborhood provide delicious snacks, while Hungary’s renowned fruit brandy producers, among others, serve drinks. Every year, the festival features some of the most famous gastronomic experts of our country, while there is a star-studded line-up of performers taking turns on the stage. The program includes gastronomic presentations, a paired sausage stuffing competition, a craft fair and children’s activities.
Debrecen Advent
29 November – 23 December 2025 ǀ Kossuth tér, Piac utca, Csapó utca, Dósa nádor tér
In 2022, Debrecen’s Christmas Fair was elected one of the most beautiful small-scale Christmas fairs in Europe. For about a month, Debreceni Advent treats visitors to unique handcrafted products, irresistible delicacies, soul-warming mulled wine and stunning festive decorations. The Christmas Fair is complemented by a continuous program of Advent concerts, children’s activities and joint candle-lightings, as well as a chance to admire the gorgeous scenery from the spire of Nagytemplom while participating in a special evening church tour.
For more infomation about tickets, please contact TOURINFORM DEBRECEN at debrecen@tourinform.hu or visit them at Piac Street 20.
