Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, Balatonfüred is rolling out an impressive lineup of cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences this fall. The city isn’t just for summer tourists—exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and fun for all ages make October a feast of activity.
Beer Tasting, Art Talks, and Charity Concerts: October 18
If you love craft beer, don’t miss the 3rd annual Arácsi Habzás event on October 18 at the Arács Community House (Arácsi Népház). Sample special Helka beers—Bavarian lagers, ales, cherry beers, IPAs—and bring your own 7 or 10 oz glass. The ticket includes snacks at the communal table, and guests are encouraged to bring salty treats to share. After the main tasting, refills are free while supplies last, and donations support future programs by the For Arács Foundation (Arácsért Alapítvány). Advance tasting cards are $8; at the door, $11.
Art lovers are invited to the Zsdrál Art Contemporary Gallery at 3 PM, where art historian Dr. Edit András and painter Rita Varga will discuss Varga’s latest works. Their collaboration goes back years, and the discussion will explore Varga’s creative evolution, as chronicled in András’s books, plus the latest trends in contemporary art. Dr. András is a senior member of the Institute of Art History and recipient of the prestigious Igor Zabel Award in 2024.
At 6 PM, the Reformed Church will host a charity concert for the Hungarian Lifeguard Service, featuring musicians Veronika Küronya and Péter Kővári on organ, performing works by Muffat, Handel, Bach, Franck, Gigout, Liszt, and Kodály.
Boat Rides and Cinema: Ongoing Entertainment
Between October 18–19, 23–26, and 27–November 2, embark on leisurely boat cruises across the middle of Lake Balaton from the Balatonfüred port. There’s nothing like autumn air on open water. Weekly movie screenings run at local cinemas all month; check listings for titles and times.
Children’s Music, Revolution Remembrance, and Family Theater
On October 20, catch the Kolompos Band’s lively “Vitéz Levente” show at the Congress Center; tickets start at $8.
October 23 marks Hungary’s 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight Memorial Day. Balatonfüred will host several commemorations: 9:30 AM at the Bibó statue on Tagore Promenade (Tagore sétány), 10:30 at Kovászna Park (with speeches and wreaths), with a rain backup at the Piros Church. At 4:30 PM, there is a commemoration at Bata Grove (Bata liget) in Balatonarács, and at 6 PM, an ecumenical prayer at the public cemetery.
For family theater, experience “The Wonders of Deadwood” (“A holtfa csodái”) at the Arács Community House (Arácsi Népház) on October 24, introducing children to the wonders of autumn nature through an engaging performance.
Big Cycling Tour and Red Wine Night
The region’s biggest fall cycling event—the 7th Balaton Uplands Autumn Bike Tour (VII. Balaton-felvidéki Őszi Bringa Túra)—kicks off October 25. Riders from across Hungary will take on a scenic 40-mile loop through villages and lakeside landscapes, 80% on smooth bike paths, fully supported by organizers, police, and volunteers. Up to 500 cyclists will gather at the Leisure and Conference Center, with registration from 8 to 9:45 AM, the ride starting at 10, and a prize draw at 4 PM.
Wine connoisseurs should head to Karolina Café & Cocktail Bar that evening for a Villány Red Wine Night with Tamás Riczu. Sample award-winning premium reds from light to full-bodied, showcasing Hungary’s world-class wine heritage. No reservation needed.
Literary Brunch, Library Fun, and Halloween Hysteria
On October 26, the Borcsa Restaurant revives Hungary’s literary greats with the Krúdy-Jókai Brunch (Krúdy-Jókai Gábli)—a brunch-meets-literature experience. Actor Péter Kálloy Molnár will read, musicians will play Jókai and Krúdy’s favorite tunes, and a multi-course menu awaits. Tickets are $40.
From October 27–31, local kids can enjoy autumn break at the Lipták City Library. Activities include a guided hike to the Csobánc hills, a 3D movie (“Four Seasons in Our Country”), arts and crafts, and LEGO workshops, all with extended playroom hours.
Halloween—Bake Off, Pumpkin Mania, and Family Day
October 31 is all about spooky sweets. The annual Halloween Bake-Off invites both kids (up to age 17) and adults to bake their most creatively scary treats. Bring a full tray for judged tasting at Tourinform Office between 9 and 10 AM. The expert jury—featuring local pastry legends—scores entries on originality, appearance, taste, texture, and overall impression. Prizes and special awards will be given at 3 PM. Sweets that survive judging are shared on a trust-based “honesty box” system to help fund future events.
Also, don’t miss the third Pumpkin Carving & Painting Family Day at Blaha Lujza Street—meet fellow pumpkin artists and let your imagination run wild.
Balatonfüred’s October: come for the lake, stay for the community vibe.
