The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter in Pécs, the flagship development of the Pécs 2010 European Capital of Culture project, has grown into the city and region’s go-to hub for art, culture, and downtime. In 2026 it’s rolling out concerts, theater, exhibitions, talks, family days, workshops, and even a classic car show across its landmark campus at 7625 Pécs, Zsolnay Quarter (Zsolnay Negyed). Here’s what to circle on the calendar from May through the year—and into 2027.
Walks, mindfulness, and English-language theater
May opens with a reflective art session on May 17: What’s Your Mandala? lands in Pécs to nudge visitors toward mindful making. That same weekend, May 16–17, Cool Walk in the Zsolnay Quarter invites a shady, architecture-and-garden stroll through the revitalized factory grounds. From May 17–18, All You Need—an English-language performance—caters to international audiences and learners keen on live theater in English.
Open studios and stage premieres
Art buffs can drop into the Fine Arts Free School on May 19 and May 26 for hands-on creativity. On May 20, Zsolnay Theatre premieres Dénes Krusovszky’s Akik már nem leszünk sosem (Those We Might Never Become), while May 21 doubles up: I, Confucius and The Bamboo Peak—A Historical Fantasy Game bring philosophical drama and imaginative history to the stage. Also on May 21, the Quarter flips into a Pop-Up Opening/Provençal Evening, blending exhibition energy with South-of-France flavors.
Fashion photography, guided by the insiders
The ongoing photo exhibition Márton Szipál: Fashion Geometries gets heavyweight context on May 22, when art historian Rita Somosi—founder and curator of Budapest Photo Festival—leads a pro tour, unpacking how fashion photography meets visual composition. On May 29, photographer-curator Virág Lajti, head of the Márton Szipál Archive, takes over guiding duties, followed by a subjective tour with Miklós Tamási on May 30. That same day, KORTÁRSÉK—SZIPÁL WORKSHOP Family Day invites visitors to literally take images apart and reassemble them, collage-style.
Heritage, secrets, and 200 classic Japanese cars
May 23 cracks open The Secrets of the Zsolnay Girls, a costumed, time-traveling guided tour through the Gyugyi Collection. It spotlights the Zsolnay family’s extraordinary women—Teréz and Júlia among them—via stories woven into their ceramic masterpieces. Then engines start May 23–24 as the 3rd Japanese Classic Car Show rolls into the Quarter’s 200-car-capacity parking garage. Expect rare models straight from Japan and talks alongside the chrome and craftsmanship.
Comedy, kids, and a citywide party
On May 26, Péter Elek’s solo show Can I Be Honest? hits Dumaszínház, hosted by Gergő Szobácsi, with tickets from about $17.70 to $20.80. May 31 turns the Quarter into a playground with City Children’s Day, packing performances, games, and hands-on fun for families.
June: Secession style and sibling songwriters
June 6 bundles a full Secession-themed day. The Lázár Brothers—Domokos and Ágoston, known from Esti Kornél and Pegazusok nem léteznek—perform stripped-back, intimate songs where melancholy and humor coexist. Alongside the concert, Secession Comes Alive animates the Quarter with themed workshops: make jewelry and accessories using macramé; take a Secession Time Travel guided tour; browse a fashion corner under sinuous Art Nouveau lines; and dip into The Zsolnays and Freemasonry, a talk exploring hidden histories.
Cabaret, contemporary drama, and jazz
June 10 brings Cabaret Night: Karinthy and Friends, performed by Eszter Csákányi and Steve Hajdu. On June 16, Loupe Company stages James Fritz’s 4:12, a taut, contemporary piece. June 18 lights up Metronome Jazz Club: János Egri 60, celebrating a bass titan. He’s listed again on June 18 in extended schedules—save the date.
Summer camps and beer tours
Science Adventure summer camps run July 13–17 and July 20–24, turning labs and lawns into hands-on discovery. Meanwhile, every Saturday, Discover Pécs Brewery! pours a guided tour with tastings, anchoring weekend plans across May, June, and July.
Concert highlights into fall
June 19 features Attila Kökény & Viktor Rakonczai—See You Again… with tickets at about $27.80. Jazz continues July 16 with Metronome Jazz Club: Dezső Oláh Trio – Intermezzo, then August 13 brings Metronome Jazz Club: Fusio Group – New Visions.
Climate talks, theater epics, and symphonic giants
On September 9, Adapting to a Changing Climate—Heat-Tolerant Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials digs into resilient urban planting. September 17 presents Miklós H. Vecsei and QJÚB: The Stag-Boy’s Cry from the Gate of Secrets, a magnetic, poetic performance. September 24 welcomes Gergely Rákász – Mozart, tickets from about $16.60 to $22.20.
Candlelight series and blockbuster tributes
October 7 glows with a Hans Zimmer candlelight concert ($35.60–$41.10), followed October 10 by Kálmán–Lehár–Pozsgai: The Queen of Smile Country ($14.70–$18.90). November 5 screens romance with Same Time, Next Year ($16.40 flat). November 16 surges with Queen Symphonic Live ($27.20–$41.10). November 19 spins Vivaldi: The Four Seasons—Candlelight Concert ($35.60–$41.10). November 18 features Tvrtko – Chernobyl 40 (exclusive talk) at about $24.70, also flagged earlier in the season.
Year’s end and beyond
December 12 closes the candlelit circle with Ennio Morricone by Candlelight ($35.60–$41.10). Looking ahead, April 17, 2027 serves Aretha Franklin Live Show starring Gisele Jackson ($15.80–$43.10), and April 21, 2027 delivers MICHAEL – The Michael Jackson Show from London’s West End ($15.80–$43.10). For weekly digests, scan Pécs Weekly Program Guide and Zsolnay Quarter Weekly Program Guide entries listed by date, and don’t miss National Theatre of Pécs (Pécsi Nemzeti Színház) shows (roughly $9.60–$21.70) scattered through May and early June.
