The historical games festivities called Savaria Carnival (at the end of August) has become the most important event of the city. Lasting nearly an entire week, with theater productions, craftsmen's fair, gladiator games, and several other programmes is the town commemorating her traditions. More than one hundred thousand people are taking part in the Carnival festivities, many of whom are parading in ancient Roman costumes. Long before the end-of-summer festivity, there are many programs awaiting the visitors.

The Spring Festival (Tavaszi Fesztivál) focuses on theater and music in March, whereas at the time of dancing, in the
spring and the beginning of summer, the Day of Dance and the world-famous International Dance Festival is a great attraction to tourists.

In the summer, many Hungarian and foreign musicians are invited to play at Lamantin Jazz Festival, then concerts of classical music are on within the programs of Bartók Seminar. A very special colour is introduced on our palette of summer programs by Bloomsday in June. This is to commemorate Leopold Bloom, the main character of James Joyce's Ulysses, whose ancestors, according to the novel, come from Szombathely. James Joyce himself, by the way, has a statues in the main square. Saint Martin, who was born in Szombathely, is remembered by a full series of programs in November. Marking the end of the year, besides the concerts, lectures and pageants, this is also when they organize the Martin's Day Fair in the Skansen.

Not only the town itself does play an active role in the cultural life of the city, but the university, and several civil societies and organizations do so, and besides the events of greater importance, nearly every weekend a vast array of musical and cultural events are on in Szombathely.

In the recently inaugurated Arena Savaria many international sports events are organized, from wrestling to aerobics.