Ballószög throws its biggest party of the year September 11–13, 2026, as the 21st Ballószög Harvest Days takes over the village center, Hetényi Wine Courtyard (Hetényi Borudvar), and the Sports Center. What to expect? A vibrant harvest parade, a bustling craft market, plenty of village flavors, stage shows, concerts, children’s programs, and a slate of fresh surprises for locals and visitors alike. It’s three days of food, music, wine, and community in the heart of the Great Hungarian Plain.
Where and when
The festivities run Friday to Sunday, September 11–13, 2026, across Ballószög, with main venues centered in the Village Center (Faluközpont), Hetényi Wine Courtyard (Hetényi Borudvar), and the Sports Center (Sportcentrum). Everything comes together within easy reach of Kecskemét, making it a perfect weekend plan for families, friends, and travelers chasing that golden early autumn glow.
Harvest parade and village flavors
The highlight is the traditional harvest parade rolling through town with decorated wagons, folk costumes, and music. In the craft market, local artisans bring handmade goods, while food stalls dish up classic country flavors alongside modern twists. Expect hearty Hungarian staples, seasonal bites, and sweets that pair beautifully with regional wines and sparkling wines poured at the Hetényi Wine Courtyard (Hetényi Borudvar).
Stage shows, concerts, and kids’ programs
Throughout the weekend, stages light up with live music and performances. Daytime programming leans family-friendly, with puppet shows and creative activities for kids. As the sun sets, the amps go up: concerts bring energy to the wine courtyard and the sports center, while food and drink vendors keep the good times flowing. New features this year promise more interactive experiences and late-evening social moments.
Nature escapes nearby
Make it a long weekend by exploring the area around Kecskemét. The Naprózsa Forest School and Naprózsa House sit just off Route 52, about 12 miles from Kecskemét. From here, the Báránypirosító and Garmada nature trails lead into the otherworldly Fülöpháza dune region, where semi-fixed sand landscapes show off unique geology, flora, and fauna—a striking change of scene between tastings and concerts.
Where to stay
– Ádám Tanya offers a serene rural base about 50 miles south of Budapest beside Kiskunság National Park. After renovations, it has 18 rooms in double, triple, and quad layouts, tucked into a quiet corner of nature.
– Aero Hotel caters to active travelers with tastefully furnished double rooms, two spacious apartments, plus a wellness and sports center. Looking for a standout venue? Its small and large hangars create an atmospheric setting for business and private events. The restaurant serves Hungarian classics and modern dishes from both local and international kitchens.
– Apolló Hotel sits on a quiet street in downtown Kecskemét with single, double, and triple rooms. Expect spacious, well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and fridges.
– If wellness is your thing, choose a hotel with a closed corridor leading directly into Kecskemét’s city bath complex. Swim in the morning, soak in thermal pools, hit the sauna after work, or try a weekend night session. It’s convenient for business stopovers, recovery trips, and sports groups.
– Aranyhomok Business-City-Wellness Hotel anchors Kecskemét’s picture-perfect main square, encircled by five churches of different denominations. From small meetings to major events, it blends business, city culture, and wellness in one central package.
– Bajor Étterem és Vendégház on Kecskemét’s edge offers 18 air-conditioned doubles with bath, TV, and phone in a quiet, green setting. Barokk Antik Panzió delivers classic charm in the historic center with clean rooms, friendly staff, buffet breakfast, courtyard parking, minibars, TVs, and property-wide internet.
– Country-style stays include a well-located farmhouse 2.5 miles off the highway and 4.3 miles from Kiskunfélegyháza, surrounded by certified organic farms. Guests have a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, with optional meals. Fruit is grown organically on-site. Prefer palatial vibes? A Renaissance-meets-Baroque boutique stay on Kecskemét’s historic main street tempts with grand interiors and painted mythological details.
Where to eat and drink
– 48 Étterem & Bár brings an eclectic loft vibe to a refurbished landmark building on Bánk bán Street, serving dishes from fresh, high-quality ingredients with meticulous execution.
– Friendly family restaurants dish up homestyle specialties—and will happily cook your favorite on request.
– Inside Kecskemét’s bath complex, a large restaurant seats up to 190 guests, with terrace seating for 36, 90 inside, and a 60-seat private room for family events and meetings. Expect hearty, weekly changing menus and easy free parking.
– In Izsák, the wine and champagne order celebrates the unique “Hungarikum” arany sárfehér grape. Once sold as a table grape and later famed for sparkling base wines, it yields distinct, gastronomy-friendly bottles when handled with the right technique. Members are mostly growers and winemakers, big and small, united to promote tradition, regional culture, and quality wine drinking.
– Bistorant Kecskemét, part of a premium hotel, serves anyone seeking top-tier service from room design to plating. Expect dishes rooted in tradition but tuned to current trends, plus quality wines and standout drinks.
– Bowling Center & Étterem is the city’s fun hub with 10 bowling lanes, two billiards tables, and three darts machines, plus a menu that follows the latest tastes and tailored offers for groups.
– Café Plázs Dessert Boutique pairs a panoramic view with handpicked ingredients, serving coffee, breakfasts, desserts, Neapolitan-style pizzas, pulled-pork sandwiches, and fresh vegetarian mains. It’s great for business lunches and family gatherings, with wines, draft beers, and elegant cocktails.
– Craving sweets? Don’t miss the shop with unique handmade chocolates and brittle confections. Wine lovers can settle into a trendy bar with more than 100 Hungarian wines by the glass or to go, matched to a concise à la carte of perfect pairings.
– In nearby Lajosmizse, Ezüstfenyő Étterem és Pizzéria champions Kunság hospitality with Hungarian and international hits, delivered by guest-focused staff right off the old Main Road 5.
Plan with flexibility
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs. Keep an eye on updates, bring your appetite, and get ready for a long weekend where harvest spirit meets music, nature, and serious flavor.
