Zsolnay Light Festival survival guide
- Fordan Hotel
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Pécs is already a city with a special atmosphere in the summer, but during the Zsolnay Light Festival, it reveals a completely different side. From July 2 to 5, the city center fills with light, music, installations, light projections, and evening strollers. At this time, the city becomes not just a venue for events, but a spectacle in its own right.
However, to make sure the evening is truly an experience, a little advance planning doesn’t hurt. Where’s the best place to park? When should you arrive? Which events are not to be missed? And where can you stop by if you get tired from all the walking?
Here’s your survival guide to the Zsolnay Light Festival.
Where should you park?
During the festival, the downtown area fills up quickly, so if you’re arriving by car, it’s a good idea to plan ahead where you’ll leave your car. The Domus parking lot is a good option—it has a large capacity, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the festival.
From there, you can easily walk to the downtown venues while avoiding the hassle of searching for a parking spot on the most crowded streets. This is especially convenient if you’re arriving with family, friends, or from out of town and want to start the evening with as little organizational stress as possible.
According to official festival information, several free parking options are available to visitors, including the Zsolnay Quarter parking garage, the Kodály Center parking lots, and the Knowledge Center parking lot. In addition, the organizers recommend using public transportation, especially on the busiest evenings.
When is the best time to arrive?
The true atmosphere of the light shows begins after dark, but it’s not a good idea to arrive at the last minute. The stations along the Path of Light are open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.
If you want to park comfortably, grab a bite to eat or a drink, get into the groove, and plan your route, it’s best to arrive early in the evening. That way, you won’t have to rush, and you’ll already be in the city when the lights come on.
The largest crowds are expected on Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, Thursday or Sunday might be a better choice. Families, those with young children, and anyone who doesn’t like navigating large crowds should especially consider these two days.
What’s worth seeing?
One of the festival’s highlights is the Path of Light, which winds its way through several locations in downtown Pécs. It’s worth exploring more than just the largest installations: often, it’s the smaller, more hidden light installations that provide the evening’s most memorable moments.
Among the must-see events is the Zsolnay Light Art Video Mapping Competition, during which the facade of Pécs Cathedral is transformed into a monumental canvas of light. The projections are shown at various times throughout the evening, so it’s worth planning your evening so that you’re sure to make it to Dóm Square at least once.
A special feature of this anniversary festival is that Ireland is in the spotlight this year. The program includes Irish-themed light installations, music and dance performances, as well as cultural connections. This adds a particularly exciting touch to this year’s festival: in addition to the lights, a bit of Celtic atmosphere will also take over downtown Pécs.
And for those curious about the most unique installations, it’s worth checking out the Light Festival MAX venues as well. The Zsolnay Quarter and the Kodály Center are featured as highlight venues this year, offering interactive and immersive light installations. These programs require a wristband for admission, but in return, they offer an experience that can easily fill an entire evening.
The Fordan Hotel joins in the festive spirit
One of the best parts of the festival is that during this time, it’s not just the official venues that take on a special atmosphere—many spots throughout the city are also decked out in festive lights. The Fordan Hotel will be bathed in light as well, so it’s worth stopping by during your evening stroll.
Whether you’re a guest or just strolling through town, it’s a great spot to stop for a photo, a quick break, or simply to pause for a few minutes and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
If you’re tired, head to the Center
The Zsolnay Light Festival involves a lot of walking. Between the light trails, downtown venues, Dóm Square, Sétatér, and the various installations, it’s easy to get so caught up in the programs that you don’t even realize how much you’ve walked.
If you’re tired or need a little break, you can stop by the Fordan Center. It’s a convenient place to rest before or between events: you can sit down for a few minutes, have a drink or a bite to eat, discuss your next stop, or simply catch your breath.
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