If you’re craving refined entertainment, music, and a dash of lakeside charm, the Central Theater’s 2025 summer season is exactly what you need. Between August 5th and August 20th, this beloved troupe is packing up its costumes and talents to transform the Szigliget Castle Courtyard (Kisfaludy St. 30) into a sizzling cultural hub, continuing its tradition as the heart of summertime theater in Hungary.
The Central Theater is all about top-notch performances that delight audiences, challenge actors, and attract guest stars and directors famous nationwide. The professional team guarantees that each show is not just fun but also meaningful—making sure there’s something for everyone, no matter their tastes in entertainment.
All Eyes on the Stage: Ferenc Molnár (Molnár Ferenc) Masterpieces Return
After a successful run in 2024, the Central Theater returns to Szigliget with a sharp focus on two Ferenc Molnár (Molnár Ferenc) classics. Last year’s audiences saw Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban) for the first time at this venue, alongside the hugely popular Delilah (Delila). This summer, the scene is set for a fresh premiere of Molnár’s biting comedy The Guard (A testőr), while the ever-charming Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban) makes its triumphant return for six showings between August 5th and August 10th.
So whether you’ve already fallen for these plays or are curious to see why they’re legendary, this festival gives you the chance to experience both. The Szigliget program ensures continual activity, theatrical sparkle, and big emotions every night.
The Complete 2025 Theater Calendar
Szigliget transforms into a stage lover’s dream during the summer. Not just limited to August, the region offers an endless stream of events all year round. The schedule kicks off in July, flowing seamlessly from week to week and running straight through the peak season, September’s golden days, and deep into fall and winter. There’s hardly a week without something happening—from lively premieres to long-running hits.
Where Drama Meets Relaxation: Szigliget’s Accommodation Gems
Culture and leisure go hand in hand in Szigliget. Guests seeking an authentic experience can book a room in one of the century-old, fully renovated houses nestled in the middle of local vineyards. These guesthouses offer private bathrooms, shared kitchens, and even a swimming pool in the yard. The best part? Under many of these historic homes lies a traditional wine cellar, where you can sample fine local vintages in an intimate setting after a night at the theater.
If you’re traveling in a group, the northern shores of Lake Balaton (Balaton) are famous for stylish apartments and guesthouses with sprawling shared courtyards, perfect for groups of 13 to 15 friends or family members. The laid-back luxury of Szigliget’s old village seamlessly blends heritage architecture, modern comforts, and soulful relaxation—the kind that soothes both body and mind.
Art and history buffs shouldn’t miss the Creative House (Alkotóház), a neoclassical mansion once owned by Géza Puttyáni and transformed into a creative retreat for authors and artists in 1952. Located in the Tapolca-Keszthely-Badacsony triangle, this literary landmark has recently been renovated and promises a unique experience, complete with a lush (but currently closed) arboretum.
For those seeking breathtaking views, Villa Kabala offers pristine northern vistas over Lake Balaton (Balaton) and six elegant rooms, each named after wines from the family’s own winery. Pet owners, rejoice: your four-legged friends are welcome. Extras like free Wi-Fi and parking make it easy to relax and unwind.
Food, Wine, and Joyful Traditions
It wouldn’t be Szigliget without great food and legendary wine. Folklore and family tradition are celebrated in eateries overflowing with warmth, welcoming guests of all generations as they gather around bountiful tables to share stories and celebrate life.
The historic Eszterházy wine cellar offers not only tastings of the best local wines, but also a quick course in Hungarian wine culture and lively folk programs. In several cellars, only hand-tended, carefully harvested grapes from private five-hectare vineyards are used to craft limited, artisanal bottles—the kind that already rank among Hungary’s iconic Hungaricum (Hungarikum) treasures.
Fancy a taste of the terroir? Visit a family winery next to Castle Hill for a guided tour and a bite of local specialties—oak-aged regional wines and homemade snacks are the highlights! It’s the ideal spot for a relaxed evening after the curtain call.
Beach lovers and partygoers aren’t left out, either. Szigliget’s lakeside Sailor Restaurant (Matróz Étterem) and Plane Tree Pizzeria (Platán Pizzeria) serve wood-fired pizzas, local fish and grilled dishes, ice cream, and snacks. With daily live music and weekend beach parties (all free!)—plus irresistible happy hours—this is the only open-air nightclub in the area.
Mark Your Calendar, But Expect Surprises
With so much on offer, Central Theater’s summer in Szigliget is set to shine brighter than ever. Just remember: event dates and programs might change, so keep an eye on the schedule. Whether you’re here for the drama, the wine, the lakeside magic, or a bit of everything, Szigliget delivers—and then some.
