October is bursting with energy in Siófok, with celebrations, festivals, and quirky events popping up everywhere. Whether you’re looking for gourmet treats, traditional operettas, or want to get lost in a straw bale maze, Siófok has you covered all autumn long.
Commemorations and Family Fun for October 23
The city marks the national holiday on October 23 with a festive gathering in Millennium Park—an event for all ages. Parents and kids can also head over to “Anyakör – Motherhood on the Map” at the BRTKK’s children’s department, offering engaging family programs.
Lake Cruises for Kids – Free with Kajla!
From October 23 to November 2, children aged 6-11 can cruise on Lake Balaton for free with their Kajla passport and student ID. Boats depart daily from Siófok at 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, and 15:30, following the picturesque Siófok–Balatonfüred–Tihany route. Parents, check your kids’ travel gear for those beige or white Kajla booklets and enjoy generous BAHART discounts.
Straw Bale Maze Takes Over the Beach
Back by popular demand, the Straw Bale Maze reopens October 24 at Siófok’s Grand Beach (Nagystrand). Open from 10:00 to 19:00, it’s your chance for some rustic fun as you weave through giant hay corridors.
Autumn Apple Party – Apple Festival Extravaganza
October 24–25 means apples, games, crafts, and the region’s favorite band, Alma Együttes, hitting the Grand Beach (Nagystrand) stage. Friday’s line-up includes skill contests, a magic show, craft workshops, and a mouthwatering apple market open late from 14:00 to 22:00. Saturday (10:00–15:00) features the band’s concert at 11:00 and an apple pyramid competition. Try apple desserts and browse the artisan marketplace as the afternoon wraps up.
Comedy, Markets, and Operetta: A Cultural Smorgasbord
October 25 brings “The Flat is Compulsory – Life Is Different” (“A bér kötelez – Az élet máshogy van”), a one-man comedy act by Péter Janklovics at Dumaszínház, Hotel Azúr, with tickets from $14.10. On October 26, the “Balaton Gastro Market” (Balatoni Gasztropiac) at Piroska Inn (Piroska Csárda) beckons Sunday foodies to sample local produce and fine bites from 9:00 to 12:00—repeat visits are a must for anyone near Zamárdi Street!
From October 22–26, the 18th Imre Kálmán Memorial Days (Kálmán Imre Emléknapok) liven up the city with musical theater, live operetta, and exclusive artist talks, including performances like “The Csárdás Princess” (Csárdáskirálynő) and Zsolt Pozsgai’s “Mornings of Jávor” (“Jávor hajnalai”). Guided tours at the Imre Kálmán House (Kálmán Imre Ház) run all day for free on Friday (10:00–16:00), with ticketed events from $9.50–$17.50.
Quiz Nights, Adventure Games & River Cruises
Got brains and know-how about Siófok? Gather a team and join the City Day Quiz Night at Lógó Üveg Kult Pub (Kult Kocsma) on October 27 at 19:00 (limited seats, so book early). Winners receive a special city gift package.
Throughout October and November, you can tackle the outdoor sightseeing adventure game, uncovering local secrets with friends or family—choose your dates to see the city from a whole new perspective.
If water calls, relax with scenic pleasure cruises departing daily from October 27 to November 2.
Book Events, Parenting Talks, and Spooky Fun
Meet bestselling author Bán Mór (János Bán), creator of the “Hunyadi” series, in person at the BRTK Library on October 29 for a discussion with Mayor Dr. Róbert Lengyel—admission is free.
Parents, mark your calendars for the Gen21 Parents’ Academy on October 30 (5 p.m.). “Alpha Crisis—The Stakes of the First Six Years” offers insights on the impact of screens in early childhood, along with practical family tips and why analog experiences really matter.
Halloween on October 31 brings “Hull-a-jó Halloween” at the library (15:00–17:00)—come in costume, then join themed crafts, contests, and pumpkin carving at the Grand Beach (Nagystrand) at 11:00 (best pumpkins win prizes!).
Foodie Trail and More November Highlights
Food enthusiasts can join the GasztroFok Stamp Collecting Prize Game from November 1–15 by collecting five unique stamps while sampling Siófok’s best eats. Drop your completed card at the Tourinform office by November 15 or email a photo to siofokguide@gmail.com for a chance to win delicious foodie prizes (winners drawn November 18).
The GasztroFok Fall Festival (November 8–9) returns with special tasting menus created by Siófok’s culinary stars—from Széplak to Sóstó, Kiliti to Szabadi—perfect for discovering the best of lakeside cuisine.
Every Sunday until November 9, the Balaton Gastro Market (Balatoni Gasztropiac) at Piroska Inn (Piroska Csárda) will satisfy your market cravings with local treats.
Community and School Celebrations Roll On
Perczel Mór High School (Perczel Mór Gimnázium) celebrates its 75th anniversary with lectures featuring journalists, university leaders, and scientists—dates coming soon. Meanwhile, community music-making and the city’s adventure games keep the fun rolling for all ages into mid-November.
This fall, Siófok proves that Lake Balaton’s good vibes don’t stop when the beach towels are put away. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t miss out on the flavors, laughter, and surprises waiting around every October–November corner.
