Balatonlelle is pulling out all the stops in 2025, rolling out a jam-packed lineup of cultural and culinary events, vibrant festivals, music, theater, and family fun. The southern shore of Lake Balaton (Balaton) isn’t just about swimming anymore; it’s buzzing with activities, outdoor adventures, and excursions for every age and taste. Here’s what’s heating up in late October and early November in Balatonlelle:
Rádpuszta Pumpkin Festival: A Day Bursting with Color and Flavor
On October 25, the Gastro Experience Farm in Rádpuszta becomes a pumpkin paradise, inviting both kids and adults to a day filled with hands-on fun, fall flavors, and endless pumpkin-inspired attractions. The event features a pumpkin carving contest—learn tricks from Benedek Kalmár, the “Pumpkin King”—as well as a crafts market, music by László Molnár, balloon twisting and face painting for children, and a fun photo wall. All day long, you can ride ponies, pet animals, enjoy carriage and horse rides, and feast on themed autumn dishes at the thatched-roof tavern. Surprises await around every hay bale.
“Perfect Day” Family Run and Festivities
Also on October 25, the open-air stage becomes the scene for a lively “Perfect Day” free event. Alongside an artisan market, food stalls, and music, guests can compete for Balatonlelle’s “most perfect dish,” “best pumpkin carver,” and “sportiest family.”
Kick off the morning at 10:00 AM with the family-friendly “Perfect Day” run: a 1 km (just over half a mile), all-ages dash starting at the outdoor stage. There’s no time limit; everyone who finishes gets a medal. Participation is free but requires registration. Bring your loved ones, make some memories, and start your day with a “pumpkin-perfect” run!
Market Treasures and Rádpuszta Family Adventure
October 26 begins with a sprawling open-air flea market—hunt for vintage gems and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Later, Rádpuszta hosts a family adventure day with animal petting, pumpkin carving, crafts, an autumn photo wall, and a giant pirate ship bouncy castle. Arrive by charming little train (about $2.70 per person; limited seats, advance registration recommended) or make your own way by bike or car. The farm’s restaurant offers discounted seasonal menus to keep everyone energized for all the fun.
Noble History: The Szalay Family’s Secrets
On October 27, the curtain is pulled back on Balatonlelle’s noble Szalay family at the local Culture House (Kultúrház), their former mansion. What do an orangutan named Marco and a bear called Tuzla have to do with their story? How were the Szalays connected to winemaking, and what was life really like at the turn of the century? Step inside for a firsthand taste of history and discover the Szalay family’s curious legacy.
Wine Hunt: Seek and Sip Victory
Up for a quirky contest? On October 28, Balatonlelle’s “Wine Hunt” challenges you to find hidden envelopes scattered across town, take photos of the clues inside, share them on your Facebook (tagging @Visit Balatonlelle), and send them via Messenger. Each successful hunter wins a bottle of local wine as a prize. Snap, post, and toast your detective skills!
Cemetery by Torchlight: Nighttime Legends
Dare to explore after dark? On October 29, join Péter Kovács for a mysterious evening tour through the cemetery. Discover local legends, secrets of the famous Szalay family graves, and tales only the night reveals—all by flickering torchlight. Meet at the Cultural Center’s main entrance at 4 PM.
Spooky Hunts and Frights: Halloween Comes Alive
As Halloween approaches, Balatonlelle gets genuinely spooky. On October 30, bring your flashlight and dress up to chase bats and ghosts at Peace Park (Béke Park), transformed into a haunted adventure land from 5 PM. It’s thrills galore for brave souls of all ages.
Afterward, the Halloween “HorrorGastro Tour” on October 30-31 sees local restaurants going all out—serving pun-inspired, spooky menu items and twisted fall treats in an eerily festive atmosphere. Satisfy your appetite and your sweet tooth with weird and wonderful food and drink.
Trick-or-Treat—Or Else!
October 31 features Balatonlelle’s candy-collecting costume walk for kids. Starting at the Culture House park at 4:30 PM, goblins and witches complete fun tasks at each station to earn their sweets, ending all the way at the pier. Registration is free (parental supervision required).
That same day, Márton Confectionery (Márton Cukrászda) gets whimsical with an Alice in Wonderland-themed Halloween bash, handing out candy and chocolate from 10 AM to 7 PM with appearances by the White Rabbit, Alice, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts, plus scarily delicious cakes and hot drinks like the “Spooky Lelle” and pumpkin spice lattes.
Meanwhile, the “House of Horrors” at Hamburger House (opposite Aldi) hosts a Halloween party packed with a costume contest, pumpkin carving, face painting, crafts, treasure hunts, quizzes, and of course, more trick-or-treating.
All Hallows’ and Electrifying Nightlife
November 1 welcomes MYSTECH®—Halloween Edition, an all-night party at the Y Club with a top Hungarian DJ lineup and wild Halloween decor. Open to everyone aged 16 and up, expect thumping beats until dawn.
Earlier that day, join a moving “Eternal Memories” community memorial in the park by the open-air stage: bring a note or drawing for lost loved ones and hang it on the Remembrance Tree. Light a candle, connect, and remember together.
Stand-Up Comedy and Laughter
Wrap up the festivities on November 8 as the famous Szomszédnéni Produkciós Iroda comedy duo takes the stage at the Municipal Culture House (Művelődési Ház). Tickets start at $13.50.
Balatonlelle’s fall calendar is colorful, quirky, and just a little bit wild—perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone craving offbeat memories on the shores of Lake Balaton.
