Each August, the lakeside town of Balatonalmádi bursts to life with the carefree spirit of summer during the Almádi Wine and Gastro Festival. This expansive festival, held right at the Wesselényi Beach (Wesselényi strand) event square, runs from August 7 to 24, 2025, filling the air with music, laughter, and the aroma of freshly grilled food and local wines. As one of the North Shore’s true highlights, it’s a perfect snapshot of authentic Balaton summer—the kind with sun-warmed stones, lakeside strolls, cool drinks, and late-night concerts beneath the stars.
Event Highlights and Program Lineup
August in Balatonalmádi is anything but boring. Even before the Wine and Gastro Festival officially begins, the area buzzes with activity: boat trips from the harbor let you explore the lake from July 28 to August 3, while the “Almádi Gastro Grove” (Almádi Gasztroliget) promises tastes, community, and experiences in the days leading up to the main festival.
On August 3, the “Straw Bale” (Szalmabála) concert sets a lively tone, followed by another week of boat outings by the lake. As the festival gets underway on August 7, music lovers won’t want to miss the Balaton Film Score Festival (Balatoni Filmzene Fesztivál), which brings classic movie scores to the lakeside stage. August 8 delivers more Straw Bale (Szalmabála) tunes, this time featuring Klára Hajdu (Hajdu Klára) and Milán Szakonyi (Szakonyi Milán), while August 10 is dedicated to “Bújtor Evening” (Bújtor Est), a tribute night.
Active visitors can join the “Fun Walks – Villa Show” (Túrajó séták – Villamustra), a walking tour of historic villas for about $7.50-$15 (2,900-5,900 Ft) on both August 12 and 19. As night falls, Felicián Kalmus’s (Kalmus Felicián) “#movienight” concert offers a unique audio-visual experience on August 17. Later in the month, catch the energetic Dur Diavolos set with Zolee Ganxsta (Ganxsta Zolee) & Vilkó Takács (Takács Vilkó), plus the ever-popular “Holiday Concert” (Ünnepi koncert) with pianist Ádám Király and friends on August 20.
Festival excitement wraps up with Zséda Live on August 22, Danny Blue’s “The Secret” show on August 23, and more lakeside music, community, and open-air festivities right up until the final sunset on August 24.
Stay in Style or Keep It Simple
Balatonalmádi is designed for relaxation, and finding a place to stay is easy—even in peak season. Those looking for affordable accommodations near the action will find plenty of year-round apartments within a five-minute walk to both downtown and the main beach (a quick thousand-foot stroll). If you prefer bigger views and a green setting, Shady Park Inn (Árnyas Park Panzió) is just 2,000 feet (600 meters) from the water, surrounded by hills and trees.
For heated pools, rooftop lake views, and spacious terraces, you can’t go wrong with Balaton Panorama Villa (Balatoni Panoráma Villa), where each room has its own bathroom and guests can gather in a communal kitchen. Barbara Guesthouse (Barbara Panzió) offers a central yet peaceful base with 2, 3, or 4 beds per room—ideal for families who want quick access to restaurants, shops, and the market.
For a summer infused with history, Hotel Victoria (Hotel Viktória) is set in a restored early 20th-century villa, its Mediterranean terrace perfect for sipping local wine while soaking up the view. Or go all out at the Hunguest Hotel Bál Resort, nestled in a centuries-old park just 650 feet (200 meters) from the lake (just cross the bridge!). This luxury hotel offers air conditioning, 480-square-foot suites, lavish comfort, and everything from minibars to dressing rooms. Whether you want a romantic retreat, family comfort, or space for a group, you’ll find it here.
Záborszky Villa (Villa Záborszky), with its 15 rooms, provides classic tranquility. Meanwhile, student groups or summer camps will find ideal accommodations at the facilities in Káptalanfüred, just down the beach.
Lakeside Eats: From Market Fresh to Gourmet
Hungry after a lake swim or a festival evening? Almádi’s food scene is a real treat. Cozy town bistros serve up fresh Neapolitan pizzas from wood-fired ovens, as well as Middle Eastern-inspired bites. Terrace cafés pour specialty coffee and local wines—grab a cool drink and relax in the shade of the old sycamore trees.
Fish lovers can feast on pike perch, bream, trout, or fried hake at the classic lakeside fish tavern (halászcsárda) near Budatavai Beach (Budatavai strand), where legendary fish soup and local aspic are offered. For regional wines and rustic charm, head to a family-run wine terrace next to the bike path and Hermit’s Forest (Remete-erdő), where barrel-aged Csopak-Balatonfüred vintages are served with platters and wood-fired specialties.
The Almádi Yacht Club restaurant is a culinary oasis, offering stylish dishes and exceptional service at any hour—a refined spot for brunch or a candle-lit dinner. For quick bites, the town center’s lounge bars serve sandwiches, teas, and more, while the popular Picuri is always reliable for pizza, burgers, and good music at wallet-friendly prices. Want something different? Veganeeta offers creative vegan dishes, imaginative pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere for every diet.
Good Times, Come Rain or Shine
No need to worry about summer showers ending the fun: most lodgings and venues have backup options, from indoor games and relaxed activities to creative workshops. The organizers reserve the right to change the program, but one thing is certain—the spirit of Balatonalmádi’s Wine and Gastro Festival is here to stay. Mark your calendars: the lakeside, delicious flavors, music, and summer magic are waiting for you.
