Keszthely, perched on the western shore of Lake Balaton, is gearing up for a spectacular 2025—jam-packed with festivals, concerts, exhibitions, cruises, and cultural events all summer long and into autumn. From grand fireworks displays to vintage car shows and sunset cruises, there’s something for everyone who arrives here, whether you’re a local or a tourist craving adventure and entertainment.
The Heartbeat of Keszthely: Event Venues and Classic Adventures
It all revolves around some of the city’s treasured landmarks: Festetics Palace (Festetics Kastély) sets the scene for unforgettable concerts and open-air festivals, while the historic city center and Balaton waterfront buzz with weekly events. The Károly Goldmark Cultural Center (Goldmark Károly Művelődési Központ) offers everything from art exhibitions and concerts to engaging workshops for all ages, ensuring that every week brings fresh cultural experiences. With its year-round program, the center acts as the cultural pulse of Keszthely, drawing both residents and visitors.
Boredom Isn’t an Option: Cruises and Outdoor Games
Throughout August and September, Lake Balaton takes center stage. Several times each week, pleasure boats set sail from Keszthely Harbor (Keszthelyi Hajókikötő)—including romantic evening cruises, party cruises for night owls, and family-friendly “Gyerekhajó” (kids’ cruise) trips that guarantee giggles for little ones. Special fireworks cruises on August 20 let you skip crowded shores and enjoy the spectacle from the water.
If solid ground is more your style, Keszthely comes alive with outdoor adventure games running in week-long blocks. These exhilarating scavenger hunts lead you through the city, introducing players to iconic sites in a genuinely fun way—perfect for families, groups of friends, or curious solo explorers.
August’s Mainstage: Saint Stephen’s Celebrations and Park Festival
August 20 marks the grand Saint Stephen’s Day (Szent István-nap) celebration—Hungary’s national holiday—right at the Lake Balaton lakeside. The morning features a festive mass and a citywide celebration, followed by an afternoon filled with folk art demonstrations like lace-making, giant board games, and children’s programs. When evening arrives, the main stage comes alive: legendary Hungarian rock band Piramis delivers a stadium-worthy concert at 7 PM, with spectacular fireworks overhead at 9. At 9:45 PM, renowned singer Dóra Szinetár takes the stage, and DJ Shepherd keeps the party going well into the night, making this a can’t-miss highlight for locals and visitors alike.
Running simultaneously from August 15–19 is the Festetics Park Festival (FESTetics Parkfesztivál), which transforms the Festetics Palace grounds into a carnival of culture—expect street food, music, and a vibe that lasts well past sunset.
September: Dance, Drama, and Automotive Nostalgia
September opens with outdoor fun and lakeside cruises, but the real action kicks in mid-month. The Festetics Concours d’Elegance, a beauty contest for vintage cars manufactured before 1960, rolls through town September 6–7, offering gleaming chrome, nostalgic engines, and plenty of motoring romance.
From September 11–14, the 23rd Keszthely Dance Panorama (Keszthelyi Táncpanorama) takes over Balaton Theater (Balaton Színház) with a variety of contemporary and folk dance performances. Highlights include the Bozsik Yvette Company’s whimsical Hansel and Gretel for kids (group bookings encouraged), the Fitos Dezső Company’s traditional Transylvania Express, and Szeged Contemporary Ballet’s gritty Scenes from a Marriage. Tickets range from about $8–$40.
Alongside the panorama, photography lovers can enjoy the In Motion (Lendületben) photo exhibition—open free of charge at Balaton Theater from September 12–30—capturing the vibrant spirit of the dance world.
Concerts, Comedy, and Cutting-Edge Theater
Music lovers are in for a treat with Zorán’s concert on September 16—a guaranteed sellout with tickets around $42. Zorán, an icon in Hungarian pop and rock, blends anthems and rarities into an experience that’s both nostalgic and moving.
On September 18, things take a twist with András Vinnai’s absurd musical tragicomedy Secret Agents, or Did They Fall, Jump, or Get Pushed Out the Window? (Titkosszolgák, avagy kiestek, kiugrottak, vagy kilökték őket az ablakon?) at Balaton Theater. This madcap satire holds up a funhouse mirror to society, blending dark humor and music in a performance recommended for audiences over 12. Featuring an acclaimed cast, it promises an evening full of laughter—and maybe a touch of existential dread.
September closes with more lake cruises, outdoor adventure games, and the promise that Keszthely won’t let the party die down as the year rolls on.
Whether you crave classical music in palatial halls, wild lakeside celebrations, or a lazy afternoon exploring city secrets, Keszthely’s 2025 calendar is a surefire cure for the midsummer or early autumn blues.
