Published: March 6, 2024
Updated: March 12, 2024
Celebrating Art and Culture in the Heart of Hungary
From March 14th to April 14th, 2024, the Kecskeméti Spring Festival returns with a rich history of delivering outstanding cultural events since 1986. As nature reawakens, so does Kecskemét, blooming with an array of artistic and cultural showcases. This comprehensive festival introduces local artistic talents and brings prestigious programs to the audience, including concerts, performances, craft fairs, outdoor spectacles, and exhibitions.
Notable Events and Exhibitions
Kecskemét Spring Festival Events
Kecskeméti Artists’ Spring Exhibition | March 14, Thursday
Title: “Only What Will Be, That’s the Flower”
Location: HA Cultural Center, Kodály Room, 17:00
Description: Opening event featuring the latest works of local and regional artists. Opened by television editor János Kriskó with violin accompaniment.
Entry: Free
Róbert Banczik: “Objectively” Photo Exhibition | March 14, Thursday
Location: Katona József Library, 17:00
Description: A decade of photographic documentation of the library’s events and daily life.
Entry: Free
Torchlight Remembrance | March 14, Thursday
Location: Reformed Old College Stairs, 18:48
Description: Commemoration of the heroes of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence.
Entry: Free
The Adventures of Háry János | March 15, Friday
Date: March 15, Friday, 11:00
Description: A festive playhouse bringing the tales of Háry János to life for families.
Bach for Everyone Festival – Opening Concert | March 16, Saturday
Location: Reformed Church, 18:00
Description: Classical masterpieces and traditional chorales performed by organist Peter Guy (Australia).
Entry: Free
“Once Up High… A Complete Flight Through Time” | March 17, Sunday
Location: Ciróka Puppet Theater, 10:30
Description: Whimsical journey in a hot air balloon exploring historical tales.
Philharmonia Kodály Subscription | March 18, Monday
Location: HA Cultural Center, 19:00
Description: Selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt performed by the Kecskeméti Symphony Orchestra.
Ticket Price: HUF 6,400 (10% discount for pensioners and students)
“Now or Never!” Screening with Audience Meeting | March 19, Tuesday
Location: Hírös Agora Home Cinema, 18:00
Description: Colorful Hungarian historical adventure film with discussion after.
Ticket Price: HUF 1,350
“Cultivate the Miracle, Don’t Explain It! Nagy László Poetry Competition” | March 20, Wednesday
Location: HA Cultural Center, 13:00
Description: Poetry contest for students.
Entry: Free
“Mesetarisznya – Roaming the Wings of Hungarian Folktales” | March 20, Wednesday
Location: Katona József Library, 14:00
Description: Intellectual adventure through Hungarian folktales with storytelling and workshops.
Entry: Free
“A Székely in the Great Plain” | March 20, Wednesday
Location: Bozsó Collection, 17:00
Description: Art exhibition of István Nagy’s landscapes and people.
Exhibition Visit: Open March 21 – May 12, Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00
“Don’t Lie to the Planet – Urban Verbunk Show” | March 20, Wednesday
Location: HA Cultural Center, 19:00
Description: Performance art with Hungarian folk dance addressing current social issues.
Ticket Price: HUF 7,900
“The Pilinszky Poetry and the Simone Weil Oeuvre: Historical Influence Connections” | March 22, Friday
Location: Katona József Library, 17:00
Speaker: Dr. Laura Turai, poet and literary historian
Description: Exploration of themes and connections between Pilinszky and Simone Weil’s work.
Entry: Free
XXXIII. International Bohemian Ragtime & Jazz Festival | March 22-24
Location: HA Cultural Center
Description: Farewell edition of a traditional festival featuring special programs, dance music, and a Gershwin memorial concert.
Ticket Price: Varied, festival pass: HUF 13,900
“Serious Smiles – Vox Iuventutis” | March 22, Friday
Location: Evangelical Church, 17:30
Description: Showcase of young musical talents from Kecskemét.
Entry: Free
“From the Kneeling Bench to the Opera Stage – Snapshots from European Music History” | March 23, Saturday
Location: Katona József Library, 16:00
Performers: Erzsébet Kállai (vocalist), Dóra Nemes (piano), with commentary by Barnabás Virág
Description: Musical journey through time featuring various works.
Entry: Free
Tolcsvay László – Müller Péter – Müller Péter Sziámi: The Gospel According to Mary | March 23, Saturday
Location: Great Church, 19:00
Performers: Mónika Sáfár, Sándor Sasvári, Rotunda Choir, and others
Description: Oratorical version of a rock opera with themes of faith and redemption.
Ticket Price: HUF 5,400 in advance, HUF 4,200 on-site
Bach for Everyone Festival – Concert by Academy of Music Students and Teachers | March 25, Monday
Location: Evangelical Church, 18:00
Description: Concert featuring organ works, vocal, and instrumental compositions.
Entry: Free
HART PLACC | March 23-24
Location: HA Cultural Center
Description: Spring fair of fine and applied arts offering unique items and music.
Opening Hours: March 23: 10:00-18:00, March 24: 10:00-16:00
“A Heap of Kufli” | March 24, Sunday
Location: Ciróka Puppet Theatre, 10:30
Description: Guest performance by Kövér Béla Puppet Theatre, family show for ages 4+.
Ticket Price: HUF 2,200, advance purchase for HUF 1,900
Spring Concert by the Kecskemét City Wind Orchestra | March 24, Sunday
Location: Piarist Gymnasium Hall of Ceremonies, 15:00
Description: Concert featuring classical arrangements and popular music.
Entry: Free
FORRÁS 55 – THE FORRÁS MAGAZINE’S JUBILEE EVENING | March 27, Wednesday
Location: Katona József Library, 17:00
Description: Presentation of the March 2024 issue of Forrás magazine, celebrating its 55th anniversary.
Entry: Free
“SUPPLEMENTS” – INTERNATIONAL CERAMIC STUDIO EXHIBITION | Opening: March 27, Wednesday
Opening: 17:00
Description: Selected excerpt from the contemporary ceramic collection.
Viewing: Until April 13, Tuesday to Saturday, 14:00-18:00
“MARIA’S TESTAMENT” | March 28, Thursday
Location: Ciróka Puppet Theatre, 19:00
Performer: Nagy Mari, actress
Description: Exploration of faith, sacrifice, and a mother’s love. For ages 16+.
Ticket Price: HUF 5,400, advance purchase for HUF 4,200
“RISURREZIONE” – CONCERT SERIES BY THE KECSKEMÉT SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA | March 30, Saturday
Location: Evangelical Church, 19:00
Program: Works by Schütz and Vivaldi
Performers: Komáromi Márton (tenor), Szerdahelyi Pál (bariton), Kecskeméti Singers, conducted by Erdei Péter
Ticket Price: HUF 4,500
“CSEH TAMÁS: IN A HUNDRED WAYS” | April 4, Thursday
Time: 19:00
Description: Popular Hungarian actors/singers interpreting Cseh Tamás songs with lyrics by Bereményi Géza.
Ticket Price: HUF 8,900
“MUSIC OF KINGS, KINGS OF MUSIC” | April 7, Sunday
Location: Kecskemét City Hall Ceremonial Hall, 19:00
Description: Journey through the music of European royal courts from the 16th century to the present.
Performers: Ars Nova Vocal Ensemble and guests
Entry: Free
“THE CARPATHIAN ECHOES” BY THE HUNGARIAN NATIONAL DANCE ENSEMBLE | April 9, Tuesday
Time: 19:00
Description: Vibrant folk dance show emphasizing authentic presentation of Hungarian dances.
Ticket Price: HUF 5,500
“PÉTER TÓTH’S CHORAL MUSIC” | April 12, Friday
Location: Katona József Library, 17:00
Performer: Dr. Péter Tóth (composer), Aurin Girls’ Choir (conducted by Durányik László)
Entry: Free
“WANDERING – DANCING AROUND THE WORLD” | April 12, Friday
Time: 19:00
Description: Premier showcase of the Kecskemét Dance Ensemble’s international performances.
Ticket Price: HUF 3,900
“CONCERT BY THE KECSKEMÉT SINGERS” | April 13, Saturday
Location: Kodály School – Nemesszeghy Hall, 19:00
Description: Memorial Concert honoring Miklós Kocsár’s 90th birthday, featuring his works.
Conductor: Erdei Péter
“CINDERELLA – A TALE OF A LOST SHOE AND FOUND HAPPINESS” BY EXPERIDANCE | April 14, Sunday
Time: 18:00
Description: Children’s fairy tale and family musical with costumes and songs.
Ticket Price: HUF 8,900
