Bábolna rolls out a year-round carousel of culture, food, music, and sport across multiple venues, blending small-town charm with big-stage energy. From Advent Sundays and a heavyweight strongman showdown to international show jumping and an iconic corn celebration, the calendar packs family programs, artisanal markets, kids’ favorites, local performers, and late-night concerts with fireworks. And when it’s time to unwind, Bábolna Beach and Thermal Bath serves up the country’s first thematic spa, evoking the old rural world in a playful, nostalgic way.
Advent Sunday: Dance, lights, and community
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, Bábolna brings the season’s glow to life with Advent Sunday. The Cseperedők Folk Dance Group steps in with traditional rhythms and bright costumes, inviting locals and visitors to gather for music, dance, and holiday spirit. Expect a friendly, communal mood, festive décor, and that unmistakable December buzz—perfect for families and anyone chasing a warm winter vibe in the heart of town.
Corn takes the crown in September 2026
Mark the dates: September 11–12, 2026. The Bábolna Corn Festival (Kukorica Fesztivál) returns for its 27th edition, one of the region’s most loved fall happenings. It’s a full-throttle weekend: family activities, a bustling producers’ market, kid-friendly fun zones, appearances from local acts, and a spectacular strongman competition that turns the main stage into a test arena of grit and showmanship. After dark, the festival flips the switch to big, open-air headliner concerts, capped by fireworks and a party that runs until dawn. Food stalls, craft vendors, and a relaxed village-fair feel meet a professional program schedule that keeps the tempo high without losing the local soul.
Classic Bábolna: horses, heritage, and hot water
Bábolna’s equestrian tradition remains a pillar. The International Show Jumping Competition draws riders and fans to a historic setting where sport and heritage meet. Between programs, Bábolna Beach and Thermal Bath offers soaking and play: thermal pools, family-friendly areas, and that unique thematic design that nods to rural life, turning relaxation into a little time travel. It’s an easy add-on to any event weekend—bring the kids, bring the grandparents, or sneak off for a quiet soak after the night’s concert.
Where to stay: calm, central, comfortable
Set in the historic Stud Courtyard, the Imperial Hotel offers 11 twin rooms, 3 double rooms, 4 triple rooms, and 1 single, each with a private bathroom, hosting up to 41 guests. Open year-round, it’s a quiet base close to the city’s highlight venues, ideal for festivalgoers who want to walk to the action and retreat to peace afterward.
Eat well: homestyle, modern, and allergen-free
The local dining scene covers Hungarian classics and international favorites. Expect freshly fried dishes, fish specialties, hearty desserts, kids’ menus, and play corners. Many spots offer delivery—think platters and pizzas to share at home or at your lodging. Coffee lovers can drop into Bahía for rich Italian roasts and bistro-style meals. In Komárom, new kitchens and a welcoming inn with a private courtyard set the stage for candlelit dinners or family lunches. Allergen-free bakers step up too: Albatross Free Cake Workshop (AlBatrosz Mentes Tortaműhely) crafts gluten-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, corn-free, and egg-free sweets, with a mission to elevate quality for people with dietary needs, diabetics, and anyone eating lighter without sacrificing taste.
Wine routes and riverside views
Venture out to the Pannonhalma region for wine. Herold Cellar (Herold Pince), one of the newest wineries on the Pannonhalma wine route, operates in an 800-year-old, hand-cut loess and sandstone cellar near the abbey. Rebuilt with about 100,000 split bricks and stabilized at around 55°F, it’s a haven for reductive wines matured in stainless steel, with select lots aging in oak. For a stay with meals, Pannon Guesthouse (Pannon Vendégház) in Pannonhalma offers rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen satellite TV, a terrace, free Wi‑Fi, and private parking. Along the old cobblestone road in Gönyű between Győr and Komárom (Komarom), diners find à la carte menus, weekend specials, daily lunches, premium beers, fine wines, coffees, lemonades, and cocktails with a sweeping Danube panorama.
The organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
