Wicked Week to bring citywide events ahead of Wicked outdoor world premiere in Szeged

SZEGED, Hungary – A weeklong series of themed events will transform Szeged into a celebration of Wicked ahead of the musical’s outdoor world premiere at the Szeged Open-Air Festival. From Aug. 8 to 16, residents and visitors can take part in family activities, community art projects, pop-up experiences and fan events inspired by the internationally acclaimed musical before performances begin on Dóm Square.

The Erkel Theatre’s new Hungarian production of Wicked, directed by Vajk Szente, will premiere on Aug. 14 and return to the festival stage on Aug. 15, 16, 20, 21 and 22. The production marks the first time the musical has been staged on such a large-scale outdoor venue, with Dóm Square providing the backdrop for one of the festival’s biggest productions of the season.

Based on the story of Elphaba and Glinda before the events of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked explores themes of friendship, prejudice, power and how public opinion shapes perceptions of truth.

Rather than limiting the experience to the stage, organizers are extending the production into the city through a program called Wicked Week, offering activities for families, theater fans and visitors throughout the week leading up to and during the premiere.

Family activities and library programs

The program begins Aug. 8 at Aquapolis with a themed slide-opening event.

Families take center stage on Aug. 9 during Wicked Children’s Day, where younger visitors can participate in witch-themed activities and help paint a giant version of the Yellow Brick Road on Dóm Square.

From Aug. 10 through Aug. 31, the Somogyi Library will host Wicked Island, a special exhibition and reading program featuring themed book displays, literary curiosities, recommendations and interactive activities inspired by the musical.

On Aug. 13, Attila Galambos, literary director of the Erkel Theatre and one of the translators of the Hungarian adaptation, will discuss the creation of the production during a public audience event at the library.

Wicked spreads across the city

Several Szeged venues will join the celebration throughout the week.

On Aug. 10, CAFE FREI and the Erkel Theatre will introduce a limited-edition iced strawberry matcha drink inspired by Wicked, available first in Szeged.

University students and young adults can attend the Shiz University Backstage Party on Dóm Square on Aug. 11, organized in cooperation with the Szeged Open-Air Festival and the University of Szeged Student Union.

On Aug. 15, the Bárka Szeged will host the Erkel After Summer Edition party featuring performances by actors Bence Brasch (DJ Hüttenbass) and Péter Puskás-Dallos (DJ Big Daddy Bee).

Fans will also have the opportunity to meet members of the cast during a signing event at REÖK Café on Aug. 16.

Community art and interactive experiences

Organizers say one of the goals of Wicked Week is to encourage audiences to become active participants rather than simply spectators.

A Friendship Wall will be open beside the pavilion on Dóm Square from Aug. 11 to 13 between 6 and 10 p.m., inviting visitors to take photos and share the experience with friends.

A themed misting arch, created in cooperation with Szeged Waterworks, will offer visitors a chance to cool off with playful references to the musical.

Meanwhile, from Aug. 10 to 16, members of the public will be invited to help paint a giant Wicked poster in Klauzál Square as part of the Paint Our World Together! community art project.

Social media challenge

The celebration will also extend online through the #colorhunting challenge.

Beginning on the evening of Aug. 8 and continuing through Aug. 22, participants are invited to photograph green and pink objects around the city — the two colors most closely associated with Wicked. Flowers, buildings, shop windows, clothing, street art or even ice cream can all become part of the challenge.

Photos can be shared on social media by tagging @erkelszinhaz and using the hashtags #WickedWeek, #findyourwicked and #colorhunting.

The weeklong program leads into six performances of Wicked on Dóm Square, where one of the world’s most popular musicals will make its outdoor debut before audiences at the 2026 Szeged Open-Air Festival.