Folk Fans Rejoice: Boglart Festival Brings The World To Balaton

The lakeside town of Balatonboglár is gearing up to host the sixth Boglart Festival from August 27 to 30, 2025. This lively gathering is not just a world music festival; it’s also a folk music boot camp and a music industry forum, where boundaries between musicians, students, and audiences melt away under the summer sun and starry skies of Babel Camp.

Something for Every Music Lover

What sets Boglart apart is its triple offering: energetic live shows, instrument workshops, and networking events for up-and-coming artists. The festival was envisioned six years ago by members of the band Góbé, who wanted to create a space where stages vanish, musicians and fans mingle, and everyone can learn from one another.

This year, the lineup is especially international. Expect to dance to the rhythms of Veja (Croatia) and their modern takes on Istrian folk, the dream folk trio Alterne (Estonia-Belgium-Denmark), the Swedish-influenced Akleja from Germany, and the Senegalese groove of Afrikora. Of course, the hosts Góbé and PásztorHóra will bring their swirling homegrown folk to the stage. More names will be announced as the date approaches.

The festival organizers are taking things even further for 2025 with their first-ever showcase program: a unique twist on typical industry networking events, aiming for personal, memorable meetings between international delegates and artists.

Days of Learning, Nights of Dancing

During the day, Babel Camp fills with the sweet chaos of masterclasses, jam sessions, and hands-on folk music lessons. You can sign up for courses in violin, viola, Moldovan flute, koboz (lute), tambura, singing, and folk dance—all taught by festival performers. Esteemed instructors include Máté Vizeli and László Szlama, both Junior Prima award recipients and young folk art masters, plus a lineup of leading musicians such as Virág Pirbus, András Bergics, Bálint Horváth, Afrodité Radisz, Gábor Zajnal Kovács, Bori Töreky, Ádám Bernáth, Krisztina Petro, and András Molnár. Expect to end the week with a communal performance as all the students join together for a closing play-along.

In addition to music practice and theory, there are music industry workshops covering everything from branding to building a career, giving festival-goers insight into the business side of music. For the more ambitious, participating in the showcase brings valuable exposure to European industry professionals, with a smaller number of bands and industry guests ensuring deeper knowledge exchange. Delegates will be arriving from Germany, Estonia, Croatia, Serbia, and likely more countries.

When night falls, Boglart truly comes alive: bands alternate sets across two stages, then everyone heads to the Folk Pub (Folkkocsma) and all-night dance houses, each with a new theme and led by that night’s performers. Sunrise finds the last dancers still twirling at the water’s edge.

Balatonboglár: Sleep, Eat, Enjoy

Planning to stay for the full Boglart experience? Balatonboglár offers plenty of accommodations, from quaint guesthouses in peaceful corners like the Jankovich Resort Area (Jankovich üdülőterület) (just a five-minute stroll from the leafy public beach, or 15–20 minutes to the city center and harbor) to the Manor Guesthouse (Kúria Panzió) and Babel Apartments (Babel Apartmanok) surrounded by shady parkland. The nearby Babel Hostel (Babel Hostel) features a Ruin Pub (Romkocsma) and a cellar club with regular live acts.

Families will love the shallow southern shoreline of Lake Balaton (Balaton), and many rentals are just steps from the beach or city attractions. Choices range from cozy inn rooms (many with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi) to spacious apartments ideal for families, couples, business travelers, or solo adventurers. Some locations offer unique extras like meditation and therapy programs.

For larger groups or an authentic “holiday village” feel, you’ll find everything from campsites to cottages and even stately manor rooms throughout Balatonboglár. Several local colleges offer upscale dormitories in gorgeous parklands.

Food, Drink, and Local Wine

The area boasts its own impressive winemaking tradition. Balatonboglár Winery Ltd. (Balatonboglári Borgazdasági Zrt., BB), established in 1956, is among the best-known producers, offering white, red, and rosé from the region’s sandy volcanic soil—ideal for vineyards. Stop by the family-run Pávics Winery (Pávics Pincészet) to taste regional grapes like Chardonnay, Irsai Olivér, Tramini, and Merlot. Take a tour or simply drop in for a glass of the local Muscat.

Foodies can relax on the shaded terrace at Gianpiero’s Restaurant (Gianpiero Étterem), just 150 yards from the lakefront, celebrated for pizzas, pastas, and fresh seasonal dishes. Many wineries offer tastings and accommodation year-round for those seeking the full wine country experience.

Don’t Miss Out

Tickets and passes for the Boglart Festival 2025 are already available, with separate evening concert tickets if you only want a taste of the festivities. The organizers reserve the right to adjust the program and dates, so stay tuned and get ready for four days of music, learning, and lakeside adventure—where all you need to bring are your dancing shoes.

2025, adminboss