Balatonfüred is going big in 2026. The lakeside town rolls out a full calendar of festivals, theater, comedy, film, sailing, cycling, family programs, and open-air fun across multiple venues. Whether you’re into vintage cars, klezmer, stand-up, museum nights, or open-water swimming, there’s a date to mark. Here’s the essential lineup from late April into August, plus practicals like free entry, locations, and registration notes where it matters.
Late April Highlights
On April 29 at 19:00, the Arács Folk House (Arácsi Népház) hosts Lili Fabacsovics’s one-act comedy …a mi utcánkban… set in a nameless Hungarian town mid-wedding. A mysterious Young Man arrives, locals try to place him, and opinions collide with bittersweet humor. Cast includes Mátyás Kós (Young Man), Lenke Szalma (Emília), Géza Bodor (Tamás), József Jámbor (Gábor), Klári Varga (Andi), Nikoletta Tőkés (Kitti), Márk Pásztor (Aurél), Viktória Stauróczky (Timi), Csaba Papp (Pityuka). Directed by Barnabás Janka. Admission is free.
From April 27–30, and then frequently through the season, hop on Balatonfüred leisure boat trips (Balatonfüredi sétahajózás) and browse the Balatonfüred cinema program (Balatonfüredi moziműsor), both recurring weekly through July and August.
May Day Weekend: Run, Ride, Read
May 1 packs the town with a Local History and Jókai Museum May Day (Helytörténeti- és Jókai múzeumi majális), a Library Picnic and May Day (Könyvtári Piknik és Majális), the 4th Balatonfondo, and the Balatonfüred May Day Run – Children’s Race (Balatonfüredi Futómajális – Gyermekfutóverseny) on Kossuth Lajos Street. The kids’ run is free with registration; starts roll from 11:30 by age group, results at 13:00.
From May 1–3 and then throughout the month, Balatonfüred boat excursions (Balatonfüredi hajókirándulás) return in waves.
On May 2 at 10:00, chef Attila Villám presents his book How Does a Hungarian Chef Reach the Royal Family’s Kitchen? at the Huray Villas (Huray-villák), Blaha Lujza u. 2. Participation is free with registration. That evening at 19:00, Csillagfény Produkció brings Easy Virtue (Könnyű erkölcsök), a two-act comedy, to the Balatonfüred Congress Center. Tickets: about $12.30. Also on May 2, 17:00–18:00, fashion designer Katti Zoób leads an exclusive tour, Fashion Revolution in the 1920s (Divatforradalom az 1920-as években), at Katti Zoób Fashion & Museum, Petőfi Sándor Street 32. Price: about $16.40.
At 18:00 on May 2, the House of Jewish Excellence (Zsidó Kiválóságok Háza) hosts the talk series Our Living Greats (Velünk élő kiválóságaink) with guest Sándor Gabnai, Lutheran pastor and writer, discussing vocation, being “from Füred,” and daily challenges.
Mid-May: Heritage, Classics, and Racing
May 9 marks the opening of the Arács Country House (Arácsi Tájház) at 101 Lóczy Lajos St., with an interactive talk by Katalin Tarnai and the Balatonfüred Folk Dance Ensemble. Opening at 15:00, lecture at 16:00. From May 15–17, the Balatonfüred Concours d’Elegance displays gleaming vintage automobiles in the town’s stylish setting.
May 16 launches the Sail-Unfurling Ceremony and Season-Opening Regatta (Vitorlabontó Ünnepség és Évadnyitó Vitorlásverseny). On May 17, the Tour de Hongrie peloton sweeps through Balatonfüred around 14:26 via Route 71, turning from the Tesco roundabout toward Fürdő Street, then at the next roundabout toward Balatonszőlős.
Late May to Early June: Wine, Fish, and Kids
May 22–25 brings the Balaton Fish and Wine Festival (Balatoni Hal- és Borünnep), a lakeside celebration of regional fish and wines. Family focus returns May 30–June 1 with Children’s Day Weekend (Gyermeknapi hétvége) and a dedicated Children’s Day boat trip (Gyermeknapi sétahajózás) on May 31. Regular leisure boat trips and the cinema program continue in early June.
June: Books, Film, Guitars, and Pilates
June 6–7 is Pilates Fest in Balatonfüred, paired with weekend boat trips. On June 11–14, the Books-Wine-Jazz Festival (Könyv-Bor-Jazz Fesztivál) blends literature, wine, and live jazz. From June 18–20, the Hungarian Motion Picture Festival (Magyar Mozgókép Fesztivál) celebrates the national film scene.
June 20–27, the Balatonfüred International Guitar Festival (Balatonfüredi Nemzetközi Gitárfesztivál) takes over the town. On June 20, comedians András Péter Kovács and Eszter Ráskó hit the Dumaszínház stage at the Balaton Leisure and Conference Center. Tickets listed around $22.30. A recurring guided walk, The Rabbi of Füred – synagogue entry and city tour with a visit to the House of Jewish Excellence (Füredi rabbi – synagogue entry and city tour with visit to Zsidó Kiválóságok Háza), returns June 27.
July: Comedy Blitz, Klezmer, Swimming, and Anna Ball
July 1, organist Gergely Rákász performs MOZART at the Evangelical Church (about $16.10). July 4 adds Túrajó walks – From Tree to Forest (Túrajó séták – Fától az erdőig) and Túrajó – Füred Bike Adventure (Túrajó – Füredi KERÉKkaland) (both about $10.50). July 10–12 debuts the 1st Hungarian International Klezmer Festival (I. Magyarországi Nemzetközi Klezmer Fesztivál).
July 11 is the Allianz Lake Crossing and SUP Challenge (Allianz Öböl-átúszás), Balaton’s iconic open-water swim and paddle test. On July 14, Hyppolit, the Butler (Hyppolit, a lakáj), a two-act musical comedy, plays the open-air stage (about $15.90).
From July 17–26, Dumafüred 2026 floods the town with top-tier stand-up at the Balaton Leisure and Conference Center: Duma Jam; I Don’t Love You (Deszeretlek); all-star lineups with Péter Felméri, Zoltán Kőhalmi, Eszter Ráskó, István Dombóvári, Dávid Dennis Musimbe, and more; solo shows like The Right of the Last Night (18) (Az utolsó éjszaka joga (18)), In Time (Idővel), Zoltán Kőhalmi’s new hour, Sátántangó, The Brain of the World (A VILÁG ESZE), I’ve Arrived (Megjöttem), DUMA AKTUÁL, Ship of Fools (Bolondok hajója), Duma Swing 3., The Digital Ninja (A digitális nindzsa), and Duty Calls – Life Is Different (A bér kötelez – Az élet máshogy van). Tickets range roughly $21.70–$28.60 depending on the night.
From July 21–26, the Anna Festival (Anna Fesztivál) returns, culminating on July 25 with the storied 201st Anna Ball (201. Anna-bál) and the White Ribbon – Szabolcs Izsák Memorial Regatta (Fehér Szalag – Izsák Szabolcs Emlékverseny). Comedy keeps rolling July 24–26 with more Duma Jam, All Stars, and repeat solo hours.
August: Sails Up, Wines Pouring
July 30–August 1 features the 58th Raiffeisen Blue Ribbon Grand Prix (58. Raiffeisen Kékszalag Nagydíj), Europe’s largest round-the-lake sailing race. August 6–9 brings the Hungarian Sailing Federation’s Big-Boat Championship. From August 7–30, Balatonfüred Wine Weeks (Balatonfüredi Borhetek) turn the town into a long, lazy promenade of wine tasting. On August 11, Pannon Castle Theatre (Pannon Várszínház) stages The Jungle Book (A dzsungel könyve) at the outdoor stage (about $23.20). Guided synagogue and city walks with an authentic host also pop up on August 7.
Recurring all season: weekly boat excursions and cinema programs. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
