Nestled in the heart of Gödöllő, the Royal Palace (Gödöllői Királyi Kastély) isn’t just Hungary’s grandest Baroque monument—it’s a year-round hotspot for culture lovers. Expect everything from vibrant concerts and summer music festivals to theater shows, exhibitions, and even museum education workshops—all unfolding in its majestic setting. Here are the standout events lined up from autumn 2025 to spring 2026.
Liszt Festival and Musical Highlights
Kicking off on October 22, 2025, the Autumn Festival of Museums features “Open Museum—A Journey through the Past.” That same evening, the “Liszt and His Era—XXIV. Liszt Festival” opens with pianist Valentin Magyar. On October 23, the Gödöllő Symphony Orchestra performs the Hero’s Day Gala, followed by an entertaining piano show by Gábor Eckhardt called Liszti-Hiszti. The festival continues with Haydn Trios (October 24), chamber music from Vienna to Budapest inspired by Liszt and Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”), and on October 25, Muza Rubackyte from Lithuania presents “From Vilnius to Venice.” That day, young prodigies also take the stage.
On October 26, explore the musical letters of Clara and Robert Schumann at a literary-musical evening, and enjoy a piano concert by Povilas Norkunas, winner of the 2024 Vilnius Lisztofonija competition. October 30 marks the 250th birthday of Teréz Brunszvik with a special tribute concert. November 2 promises a captivating sonata evening with Barnabás Kelemen (violin) and József Balog (piano).
Museum Magic and Festive Surprises
The “Autumn Festival of Museums” continues with creative workshops, yoga in the palace, and hands-on sessions exploring noble wardrobes, royal children, and the secret history of women’s gowns (November 5-9). Family fashion tours and tapestry parades invite everyone to peek behind palace doors.
Theater, Comedy, and Christmas Cheer
On November 10, catch the play “Red Rain—Eighty Years Ago” and “In the Saddle, Lady!”—telling horse stories straight from the palace stables. Zorán’s tour stops in Gödöllő on November 11, while the hit comedy “Grandma” by Gergely Csíky brings laughter on November 21. A concert by the Budavár Chamber Orchestra (Budavári Kamarazenekar) revives forgotten contemporaries of Mozart (November 23), and on November 29, curiosity turns dark with “Human Beasts: A Peek into Serial Killers’ Lives.”
The palace kids’ club and “Royal Christmases” light up December 6 and 8. Don’t miss the pre-New Year’s Eve cabaret on December 30.
Spring Into 2026: More to Celebrate
2026 opens with the crime-comedy “Ladies in the Deck” (January 17), followed by a Valentine’s Day concert by Nikolas Takács (February 14). For International Women’s Day (March 8), enjoy performances by Csaba Vastag and Tamás Vastag, and on Mother’s Day (May 3), Zoltán Miller serenades the crowd.
Event schedules and programs are subject to change, so always check before planning your visit!
