The sixth Boglart Festival returns to Balatonboglár (Balatonboglár) for four days this August, bringing a unique blend of folk and world music, intensive music workshops, and a relaxed family atmosphere to the shores of Lake Balaton. From August 27 to 30, the Babel Camp transforms into the festival’s lively home, offering non-stop music, learning, and dancing just steps from the water.
More International Guests, More Music from Around the Globe
This year, Boglart raises its international profile, promising an even broader spectrum of sounds from all corners of Europe and beyond. The Croatian group Veja will blend traditional Istrian (Isztriai) folk with modern flair, unleashing rhythms that practically force you onto the dance floor. Akleja from Germany channels Swedish folk traditions, with music built around the hauntingly beautiful nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle), guitars, and zithers. The Estonia-Belgium-Denmark trio Alterne delivers dreamy northern folk vibes, while Afrikora from Senegal brings an infectious dose of Africa’s unmistakable energy.
Of course, homegrown favorites Góbé and PásztorHóra, the festival founders and resident hosts, will be back on stage with their high-energy, inventive folk sets. Enthusiasts can enjoy not just concerts but also a curated showcase—the first ever at Boglart—connecting musicians with international delegates and fostering deeper relationships in the industry.
Ditch the Wall: Musicians and Audience Join Forces
What sets Boglart apart is its approach: forget about any barrier between performer and audience. Imagine a festival where the boundaries disappear, where visitors can jam, dance, and learn right alongside their musical heroes. During the day, workshops led by festival musicians delve deep into traditional instruments—violin, viola, Moldavian (Moldvai) flute, koboz (koboz), tambura (tambura)—and, of course, vocals and dance. By evening, the two festival stages come alive, presenting back-to-back concerts. But the fun stretches far past midnight, with the iconic folk pub and all-night dance house parties greeting the sunrise over Lake Balaton.
Workshops aren’t just for beginners. Seasoned pros like Junior Prima award winners Máté Vizeli and László Szlama, along with acclaimed folk artists Virág Pirbus, András Bergics, Bálint Horváth, Afrodité Radisz, Gábor Kovács Zajnal, Bori Töreky, Ádám Bernáth, Krisztina Petro, and András Molnár, guide everyone from absolute newbies to seasoned veterans.
Concerts by Night, Courses by Day
Each night’s concerts feature an expansive lineup, and every ticket includes access to either the main shows or late-night events. Festival passes and single-entry tickets are already on sale. The night doesn’t end with just the performances—they transition straight into themed dance houses led by the performers themselves, where traditions from Hungary (Magyarország), Sweden (Svédország), Croatia (Horvátország), and beyond mingle in celebration.
For those eager to take their participation to the next level, music industry workshops round out the program. Covering everything from self-promotion to launching successful projects, these sessions are aimed at musicians seeking to turn passion into profession. And with the festival showcase, organizers are focusing on a more personal, less commercial experience: just a handful of bands, a select group of insiders, and space for genuine talent exchange. Delegates from Germany (Németország), Estonia (Észtország), Croatia (Horvátország), Serbia (Szerbia), and more are on board.
Beyond Just Music
The Boglart Festival takes pride in being more than just another summer party—or even just another festival. Here, music is a bridge: between cultures, generations, performers, and fans. Whether you’re ready to dance till dawn, learn folk melodies, or simply soak up the lakeside atmosphere, Balatonboglár (Balatonboglár) is the place to be this August.
