Jump into a whirl of autumn excitement in Keszthely, where creative workshops, dazzling exhibitions, spooky Halloween fun, and outdoor adventures are lined up to liven up your October and November. Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening, whether you’re searching for family fun, nostalgia, culture, or a hands-on crafty escape.
Unleash Your Inner Engineer and Explorer
If imagination is your strong suit, don’t miss Interactive Cube Day on October 26. Kids can build their dream cities and towers—the sky’s the limit. Prefer the great outdoors? From October 24 to 26, you can join guided hikes from the Kis-Balaton Visitor Center to the István Fekete Memorial (Fekete István-emlékhely) and Uncle Matula’s hut (Matula bácsi kunyhója) on Diás Island (Diás-sziget). Paddle fans will enjoy guided canoe tours, offering a unique chance to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Kis-Balaton.
From October 23 onward, take a break in the middle of Lake Balaton with a relaxing sightseeing boat trip departing from the port of Keszthely (Keszthely kikötő).
Hands-On Creativity for Young Artists
The Autumn Break Pottery Camp runs from October 27 to 31, 9:00 AM to noon, at the Pottery Workshop (Fazekas Műhely), 2 Lehel Street (Lehel utca 2). Over five days, participants aged eight and up can try multiple techniques—wheel throwing, coiling, slab-building, mini sculptures, and more. You’ll also sample a rainbow of decorative styles. The camp, led by Edit Simon, costs $48 (17,000 HUF) plus an $8 (3,000 HUF) material fee.
Travel Back in Time With Elegant Carriages and Adventurous Journeys
From October 21 to November 2, Keszthely rolls out an immersive carriage exhibition that lets you peek into the aristocratic world of 18th- and 19th-century Hungary. Marvel at horse-drawn carriages, sleighs, and related riding artifacts, plus fine art.
For anyone dreaming of old-school road trips, the “Aristocratic Journeys, Travel Adventures” interactive exhibition details centuries of travel—from chariots to steamships, early cars to vintage airplanes. Ever wondered what filled a noble’s travel trunk or what a hair dryer looked like in the 1930s? Find out here—and spot the rescue wagons that sped to emergencies back then.
Art Meets Nature—and the Railway
Get lost in the serene world of Erzsébet Seres’s porcelain and nature paintings, which blur the boundaries between art and nature—on view from October 21 to November 2.
Train enthusiasts, rejoice! The historic model railway exhibition is among the largest in Europe, featuring faithful scale reproductions of Hungarian, Austrian, and German train stations, tracks, engines, and carriages from the 1800s to today. Model fans can also create dioramas with the pros, learning modeling basics as part of the autumn break programs.
Kastély Fun: Castles, Museums & Family Games
Festetics Palace (Festetics Kastély) offers a treasure trove of activities. Wander through its museum, carriage exhibition, hunting museum, Helikon Library, model railway display, bird park, historical playhouse, Fenékpuszta Farmstead (Fenékpusztai Majorgazdaság), and the Amazon House Visitor Center (Amazon Ház Látogatóközpont). Learn to recognize animal tracks in the wild, play historical games, or just soak in the grandeur of this iconic estate.
Outdoor game lovers can conquer adventure games that introduce Keszthely’s best-known sights, running both during and after the autumn break.
Spooky-tastic Halloween and Autumn Specialties
Halloween takes over Festetics Palace and Fenékpuszta Farmstead from October 28 to 31, unveiling their spookier sides. If you’re after classic fun, join the pumpkin carving event at GKMK Fairytale Point (GKMK MesePont) on October 31, 4:30–6:00 PM—bring your own pumpkin, knife, and spoon, and taste pumpkin treats at Muskátli Confectionery (Muskátli Cukrászda). Kids and adults alike are welcome, and participation is free!
Little ones can also enjoy musical baby time with “Magic Sounds” at the Playhouse on October 31 and yoga fun for children aged 4 and up on October 29.
Folktales, Theater, and More
From November 1–29, preschool and school groups can dive into Hungarian folktales about magic, matchmaking, and autumn traditions during themed sessions led by teacher Adél Tóth—featuring pair games, movement challenges, and creative crafts. The workshop fee is $57 (20,000 HUF) per session, lasting around 90 minutes, for up to 25 children per group.
Catch the beloved Hungarian stage show Cat City (Macskafogó) at Balaton Theater (Balaton Színház) on October 28, with tickets from $17 to $21 (5,900–7,400 HUF).
Never a Dull Moment for Kids
Throughout the autumn break, the Historical Playhouse offers a nonstop adventure hub, promising friendships and loud laughter away from screens. Whether molding clay, building dream cities, playing outdoor games, or exploring interactive exhibits, this fall in Keszthely is pure vibrant fun!
