The open-air stage was opened on 10 June 1950, with Zoltán Kodály's play, Székelyfonó. Since then, it has become a classic site of the flourishing cultural scene in Debrecen. In 2025, the venue welcomes it's 75th anniversary with an outstanding celebratory summer.
The renovated and reorganized stage has hosted almost 300 shows in its lifetume, including dramatic plays, classical and pop concerts as well as movie screenings to the delight of visitors looking for a special summer experience.
Despite the huge capacity of 1017 people, tickets always sell out quick - so don't hesitate! Come and be part of a unique open-air experience in the lushest green area of Debrecen. Since reopening, more than 100,000 people have joined us at Great Forest Open-Air stage.
Situated amidst towering pines and massive pedunculate oaks, Debrecen's open-air stage was built in 1950 in one of the most picturesque parts of the Great Forest area. At its innaguration ceremony on 10 June 1950, Zoltán Kodály's musical play Székelyfonó was performed in the presence of the composer, directed by Imre Csenki. The set design, featuring a stylized Székely weaving and a Székely gate, was created by painter József Menyhárt.
Over the decades, the Nagyerdő Open-Air Stage became an integral part of Debrecen's cultural scene, entertaining generations until the early 2000s. However, by the turn of the millennium, the stage had deteriorated to such an extent that it had to be closed. Despite this, many of the city’s residents had vivid memories of the exhilarating performances on the stage and alongside the older generation's nostalgia, the younger generations’ desire for the stage's reopening increasingly came to the forefront.
For this reason, the city council made it a priority to revive the dormant open-air stage. Once funding was secured, it was clear that the HUF 2 billion reconstruction of the park would include the renovation, expansion and accessibility improvements of the former open-air stage building. Finally, in the summer of 2014, at its original location but now renewed to meet modern standards, the Great Forest Open-Air Stage—with 1,017 seats—once again opened its doors as the largest open-air theater in the Northern Great Plain region. Additionally, the open space situated in front of the Stage's main entrance on the shore of Békás Lake, accommodaating 500 people, also provides superb opportunities for events. Thanks to this comprehensive development, the Nagyerdő Open-Air Stage, operated by Csokonai National Theater Debrecen since 2022, has regained its original function: providing high-quality entertainment and now meeting the expectations of the 21st century.
The Great Forest Open-Air stage is accessible and also equipped with restrooms designed for people affected by disabilities.
For mobility-impaired viewers, we strive to provide the most suitable seating for their needs at events held at the Great Forest Open-Air stage, as well as to facilitate ticket purchases.
To discuss your specific needs, please call +36 20 297 0788 or email us at info@csokonaiszinhaz.hu.
Accepted payment methods when purchasing tickets:
Cash, Credit/debit cards, OTP SZÉP-card, MBH SZÉP-card, Csokonai giftcard
Please note that seats cannot be booked at our ticket offices!
We kindly ask audiences to keep their tickets until the show is over!
Tickets are available at our ticket offices and online via jegy.csokonaiszinhaz.hu.
Csokonai Theatre ticket office
4024 Debrecen, Kossuth street 10.
Phone: +36 52 / 314 770
E-mail: jegypenztar@csokonaiszinhaz.hu
Opening hours:
From Monday to Friday: 9:00-12:00 and 13:00-19:00.
Ticket office is always open until shows start.
For weekend performances ticket offices open in the hour before the show.
Csokonai Fórum ticket office
4024 Debrecen, Csapó street 30.
Phone: +36 20 / 297 2047
E-mail: jegypenztar@csokonaiszinhaz.hu
Opening hours:
Open on days when a show takes place, in the hour before the performance starts.
Great Forest Open-Air stage ticket office
4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 6.
Phone: +36 20 / 297 2047
E-mail: jegypenztar@csokonaiszinhaz.hu
Opening hours:
Open on days when a show takes place, in the hour before the performance starts.
Gates and buffets open 45 minutes before shows. Our buffets offer a wide selection of snacks and drinks.
The Great Forest Open-Air stage is located in the heart of Debrecen’s largest park and recreational area. Sorrounded by greenery and a small lake, it provides a tranquil environment.
Address: 4032 Debrecen, 6 Nagyerdei park
GPS coordinates: 47°33’16.0″N 21°37’33.8″E
Using tram nuber one, the Nagyerdei körút, Aquaticum, Klinikák and University stops are all within walking distance of the stage. For more details, www.dkv.hu
Parking is possible in the underground garage by Nagyerdei Stadium, on Nagyerdei körút, Pallagi Street or Oláh Gábor Street.
The interactive graphic below shows the view from each sector of the auditorium area.
Pricing varies in the different seating zones.
Ticket prices may vary per show.
Tickets are available at our ticket offices and online via jegy.csokonaiszinhaz.hu
