The Tisza Lake (Tisza-tó) region’s annual Hungarian Lakes Festival (Magyar Tavak Fesztivál) returns for its twelfth edition from August 1 to 3, 2025. Picture soothing live music, invigorating outdoor activities, and lakeside relaxation—all combined in an open-air “music therapy” experience. It’s the ideal getaway for anyone tired of stressful routines and looking to escape the monotony of modern life. Why not cycle, run, or paddle for culture and spend the weekend exploring everything Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) has to offer?
Kick-Off Friday: To’Pera Gala Concert
On Friday, August 1, the festival opens at 7:00 p.m. in Tiszafüred’s Main Square with the grand To’Pera Gala Concert. The concert is headlined by Erika Miklósa, recipient of the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen, as well as the Kossuth and Liszt Ferenc Prizes, and celebrated as an immortal member of her craft. She’ll share the stage with students from the Quintessence Master School, under the artistic direction of renowned actor, lyricist, and composer Péter Novák. Host Bea Csete will guide the audience through the musical evening. No tickets are required—it’s completely free, though program changes may occur.
Saturday: Cycle Tour Full of Music
Saturday, August 2, is all about active discovery. The signature event—a 40-mile bicycle tour around Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó)—starts from the Tiszafüred Cycle Center. Registration runs from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., with the group heading out at 9:00 sharp. Tickets are $16.
Bikers can look forward to a rolling stage of performances at each stop:
At the Dolphin Dock (Poroszló Delfin Kikötő), award-winning accordionist Zoltán Orosz greets early cyclists.
By Adventure Village (Sarud Élményfalu), the crowd will enjoy actor-singers Mátyás Dósa and Péter Harna.
At Dinnyéshát, singer Imre Vadkerti of the Harmónia-winning Kormorán band will perform.
The Fish Ladder Bistro (Kisköre Hallépcső Bisztró) hosts award-winning singers Attila László and Szilvia Agárdi during lunchtime.
Afterward, head to Abádszalók Beach (Abádszalóki Strand) for a show from Linda Király, a nominee for Glamour’s Singer of the Year.
At Tiszaderzs, Zoltán Nyári, opera singer and winner of the Jászai Mari Prize, performs with the local Water Lily Folksong Group (Tiszavirág Népdalkör).
Further along, catch the Kurul Drummers (Kurul Dobosai) folk ensemble in Tiszaszőlős, then a musical duo—Antal Gábor Szűcs (Emerton Prize-winning songwriter/guitarist) and Péter Gál (violinist, singer, and Kormorán founder)—at the Cormorant Dock (Kormorán Kikötő) in Tiszaörvény, before returning to the starting point just before 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: Family and Boating Day
Sunday, August 3, is all about family, food, and lake adventures at the Fish Ladder in Kisköre (Kisköre Hallépcső) and its breathtaking natural setting. Activities start at 10:00 a.m. with a range of fun options:
– Rafting demos by the Hungarian Kayak-Canoe Association
– A craft market showcasing local artisans
– Kids’ fishing programs by the National Angling Association
– Dog training shows by Unidog Canine Sports Center
– Horse-drawn carriage rides with Sárgacsikó Riding School
– Bouncy castles and inflatables for the kids
Entertainment includes actor Mátyás Dósa and actress Nikolett Molnár; Géza Egyházi, Gundel Prize-winning actor and singer; and Andrea Mahó, one of Hungary’s most awarded actresses, singers, and dubbing artists.
The festival treats music fans to the sounds of Norbert Nikodém (pedal-steel guitar), László Halper (founder of Band of Gypsys Reincarnation), Péter Román (guitar, bass), and János Sramkó (instrumentalist, composer)—key figures in Hungarian jazz and blues.
Don’t miss the ALMA Band (ALMA Együttes), famous for delighting all ages. Hosting the family events will once again be Bea Csete. Like Friday’s concert, Sunday’s family and boating day is free for everyone.
Where to Stay: Unique Waterside Lodging
The area around Tiszafüred is packed with remarkable lodging for every taste. At the heart is the Cormorant Dock (Kormorán Kikötő), where you’ll find floating houses, stilt houses, cozy lakeside huts, and even treetop hideaways.
Dieter’s Camping is across from the thermal baths and just 165 feet from Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó)—a family business known for sparkling cleanliness and a recently revamped kitchen.
For a little more luxury, spacious two-level suites over the water offer 900 sq ft of space, two double bedrooms, air conditioning, minibar, broadband internet, private safes, hotel TV, and bathrooms with tubs—perfect for families or groups of up to six.
Try the eco-conscious four-star Tisza Balneum Hotel for harmony and relaxation. Or stay in the new Csuszka Guesthouse (Csuszka Vendégház), just 1,640 feet from the harbor—ideal for parties of six—while Ladik Guesthouse (Ladik Vendégház) next door welcomes both families and groups thanks to its split accommodations.
Albatross Harbor (Albatrosz Kikötő) is one of Tiszafüred’s largest, with its own 21,500 sq ft campground where guests can rent watersports gear, dine, and relax on a private beach.
For a local atmosphere, Boró Apartments (Boró Apartmanok) and Diófa Apartments (Diófa Apartmanok) blend city convenience with lakeside peace, surrounded by leafy greenery.
Good Eats & Local Flavors
The Plane Tree Restaurant (Platán Étterem) draws in foodies with both local and international dishes, Tokaj wines, a lakeside terrace, and breathtaking sunsets over the lake.
Molnár’s Bistro in Füzes Guesthouse (Füzes Vendégház) and various town center eateries feature hearty Hungarian favorites at wallet-friendly prices.
Tiszafüred also offers breweries, restaurants, and apartments all in one—try NOPARA Brewery for a genuine beer experience, complete with restaurant, accommodation, and free Wi-Fi.
For something rustic, drop by Old Fisherman (Öreg Halász) and savor specialties based on secret fisherman’s recipes.
Just outside town, near the western entrance to Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park), discover a peaceful inn serving robust, regional fare and offering restful lodging for anyone wanting to linger in nature’s embrace.
Festival dates and programs may change, so stay tuned and get ready for a weekend that celebrates nature, local culture, and the joy of lakeside life!
