Picture an entire week of fun nestled in the stately shadows of Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) in Keszthely. The palace and its exhibition centers are rolling out diverse and imaginative programs for every age group, all wrapped in a stunning historic setting from late August through fall 2025.
Creativity on Display: World of Bricks (Kockák Világa) Exhibition
From August 25 to 31, the Amazon House Visitor Center inside the palace hosts a mind-blowing World of Bricks (Kockák Világa) exhibition. It’s a LEGO lover’s dream, where fairy tales and wild dreams come to life. Colorful mini-brick dioramas spark imagination for all ages, and nothing—not even reality—puts limits on creativity. Among the highlights: a Pirate Island, both summer and winter Friends worlds, custom-built sailboats, Wild West heroes, and the unmissable Star Wars battle scene on the frozen planet of Hoth.
Interactive Fun for Young Detectives and Adventurers
August 28 is quiz day in the historical playhouse. Kids and adults can test their animal knowledge with brainteasers like, “What do you call a male cat?” The following day, the palace transforms into a playground for a treasure hunt, taking enthusiasts through the rooms and out into the gardens for a day of active exploration.
Castle Mystery and Parties: August’s Big Weekend
On August 30, all eyes are on the highly anticipated Castle Crime—an immersive interactive investigation. All tickets are sold out as amateur sleuths vie for the title of Hungary’s top private detective amidst the palace’s grandeur. Elsewhere that same day, the playhouse keeps the good times rolling with an UNO Party—whoever runs out of cards first wins. Also featured is Green Day, a recycling-inspired creative session where guests repurpose everyday objects and try their hand at techniques like napkin art and pebble painting.
Classic Cars Take Center Stage: Festetics Concours d’Elegance
On September 6-7, automotive nostalgia returns as pre-1960 cars gleam at the Festetics Concours d’Elegance. This beauty contest for vintage vehicles channels the style and sophistication of a bygone era. Car buffs can admire rare gems and maybe even chat with passionate owners about their lovingly restored rides.
Museum Night and Autumn Adventures
On September 20, the Museums’ Night of Autumn brings after-hours excitement to Keszthely. Guided canoe tours and nature walks run regularly from the Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton) Visitor Center, taking groups to memorial sites like the István Fekete shrine and Uncle Matula’s hut (Matula bácsi kunyhója) on Diás Island. The list of adventures even includes stargazing during the total lunar eclipse at Lake Balaton’s shore on September 7.
Outdoor Escapes and Boat Tours on Lake Balaton
Throughout late summer and fall, open-air games for kids and families brighten the lakeside, while nostalgia-seekers can hop aboard Lake Balaton’s vintage cruise ships for relaxing excursions. Paddle trips and guided hikes around the lush Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton) area remain a constant thrill, especially for fans of nature and photography.
Stage, Dance, and Stand-Up: Keszthely’s Showstopper Lineup
Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) isn’t just about exhibitions and outdoor activities—it’s a hotspot for entertainment. September 11–14 brings the 23rd Keszthely Dance Panorama (Keszthelyi Táncpanorama), showcasing choreography from Hungary’s finest, with tickets ranging from $9.50 to $16.20. Musicals like Hansel and Gretel (Jancsi és Juliska), and standout performances such as Scenes from a Marriage (Jelenetek a házasságból), spice up the calendar. Mark your diaries for concerts including the Zorán tour (from $41; September 16) and Lovasi Trio (Lovasi Trió, $16.20–$21.70; November 7).
Workshops, Talks, and Quirky Experiences
Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) isn’t skipping unique workshops and thought-provoking talks, either. Get hands-on at a one-day upholstery workshop or catch lectures like Dr. Kitti Almássy’s (Dr. Almássy Kitti) “Unfinished Threads.” For comedy fans, notable stand-up gigs await, including performances by Péter Aranyosi (Peter Aranyosi), and science-meets-standup sessions with László Mérő, focused on artificial intelligence, with admission starting at $21.70.
Keep the Fun Rolling: Festetics Palace All Autumn Long
Every week unveils something new, from outdoor kids’ activities and creative programming at the palace, to guided nature trips and lake cruises. October and November stick to the fun formula, promising events such as the ACKROYD murder mystery, performances for children like Peter Pan (Pán Péter), and engaging evenings at the Comedy Theater (Dumaszínház).
Keszthely’s Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) refuses to let the seasons slow it down. From LEGO universes and vintage automobiles to comedy, concerts, boating, and creative workshops, 2025 is shaping up to be one unforgettable carousel of culture on Lake Balaton’s western shore.
