Gyula lights up June 26–28, 2026, as the Körös Valley Gathering (Körös-völgyi Sokadalom) folk arts festival turns 26 with three packed days in the Castle Garden (Várkert), right in front of the city’s storied medieval brick castle. It’s one of Hungary’s standout folklore gatherings—a deep dive into the Southern Great Plain’s living traditions—and an all-ages summer celebration that invites locals and travelers to join the swirl of dance, music, craft, and community.
Folk Culture Takes the Stage
Performers across generations keep the square buzzing: heritage groups, folk dancers, and bands parade the full spectrum of Hungarian folklore. What makes it special is how it brings in every age group—from the youngest learners to veteran artists—so the stage becomes a shared platform for passing on a cultural legacy in real time.
Handcrafts Up Close
The festival doubles as a living workshop for traditional small crafts. More than 70 creators from folk art associations of the Great Plain set up for the entire event with demonstrations, hands-on sessions, and a folk art market. Visitors can browse beautifully made ceramics, fine knives, and hand-embroidered home textiles—pieces built to last and full of character. This year spotlights pottery: expect an exhibition and maker demos where you can try the craft and see techniques up close.
Family-Friendly by Design
Families get a full slate of entertainment throughout the festival. There are kids’ activity corners, fairground comedians, storytellers, and an old-fashioned playground with period skill games and folk toys. The idea is simple: cultural immersion wrapped in easygoing fun and a communal vibe, backed by warm hospitality and plenty of room to roam.
Dates, Times, and Highlights
Friday, June 26, from 16:00, Castle Garden (Várkert): Marketplace opens and crowds gather. At 18:00, pop-up dance breaks out across the square under the banner Look at the Figure! At 18:30, the 26th Körös Valley Gathering (Körös-völgyi Sokadalom) and the 63rd season of the Gyula Castle Theatre (Gyulai Várszínház) open with an Ecumenical Blessing led by Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, and Romanian Orthodox clergy. At 19:00, ethnic ensembles stage a gala titled In Concord in Békés County, featuring Slovak, Romanian, Bulgarian, Roma, German, and Serbian groups.
Saturday, June 27, from 15:00: Békés County folk dancers hold an open dress rehearsal, followed at 17:00 by showcases from county ensembles. The evening culminates at 20:00 with a gala of adult dance troupes from Békés County.
Sunday, June 28, from 10:00: Children’s Square hosts a kids’ folk dance playhouse and a family contest in front of the castle. At 11:30, Pit Dance House (Gödör-táncház) welcomes children for dance. From 15:00, Gyula’s folk groups and school ensembles rehearse publicly, then shine at 17:00 with a gala weaving in storytellers, singers, and folk musicians under the refrain It seems we’re in a good place here… The festival wraps at 18:30.
Where to Be
Castle Garden (Várkert), Gyula, 5700. Three days, one living tradition—step into the crowd.
