Celebrate Hungary’s pálinka at Gyula Pálinka Festival: tastings, Brillante competition, bonbon awards, concerts, market, masterclasses, family fun in Castle Garden, May 22–24, 2026. Raise a glass in Gyula!
May 22–24, 2026, Castle Garden (Várkert), Gyula. The Gyula Pálinka Festival (Gyulai Pálinkafesztivál) turns the Castle Garden into the capital of pálinka for three days, celebrating the prized Hungarian spirit with tastings, concerts, masterclasses, games, and a full-blown fair. Exhibitors from pálinka distilleries take center stage, and visitors can also sample artisanal bonbons—especially those competing for Pálinka Bonbon of the Year (Az Év Pálinkás Bonbonja).
Competitions and Tastings
Alongside the festival runs Brillante – 2026 International Pálinka and Distillate Competition (Brillante – 2026 Nemzetközi Pálinka- és Párlatverseny), judging pálinka and brandies, plus the signature bonbon contest. Expect guided tastings, culinary showcases, and a lively cooking competition spotlighting Hungarian flavors that pair perfectly with pálinka.
Music, Market, and Family Fun
Folk and pop concerts keep the nights buzzing, while a public employment exhibition and market, masterclasses, and a cheerful funfair round out the program for all ages. Drop into the Castle Garden to explore Hungary’s most cherished Hungarikums and raise a glass to the 26th edition of this Gyula tradition. Dates and programs may change at the organizers’ discretion.
2025, adrienne
Pros
+
Family-friendly vibe with concerts, a funfair, games, and sweets, so kids aren’t bored while adults taste
+
Pálinka is a signature Hungarian spirit, so you’re getting a legit taste of local culture, not a tourist trap
+
Castle Garden setting in Gyula adds a cool historic backdrop and a relaxed park feel
+
Lots beyond drinking: masterclasses, cooking showcases, and the Pálinka Bonbon of the Year for non-drinkers
+
English isn’t essential; tastings are intuitive and staff at festivals usually manage basic English
+
Reaching Gyula is feasible: trains from Budapest to Gyula plus a short local ride or walk; driving on good highways is straightforward
+
Compared to spirit festivals elsewhere, this is more specialized and tradition-focused than generic beer/wine fests, and cheaper than Scotch/whisky events in the UK
Cons
–
Pálinka and the Brillante competition aren’t widely known to most U.S. travelers, so it may feel niche
–
Gyula is less famous than Budapest or Eger, so you’ll need extra planning and travel time (about 3–4 hours from Budapest)
–
Some program info may be in Hungarian only, and schedules can change last-minute
–
If you don’t drink spirits, the core draw is limited compared to big international food/music festivals
Places to stay near Gyula Hosts Pálinka Festival Weekend
What to see near Gyula Hosts Pálinka Festival Weekend
Blue markers indicate programs, red markers indicate places.
