It’s time to say goodbye to summer the right way: with the return of the VárLak Festival, Palócland (Palócföld)’s biggest arts blowout, sprawling over five days across the magical courtyard of Fülek Castle (Fiľakovo Castle). Mark your calendars for August 27–31, 2025, when Slovakia’s largest Hungarian multicultural festival bursts into life. With four stages and a lineup packed with stars and surprises, Fülek (Fiľakovo) is going to be the place to be as August fades away.
Lineup: From Rock Legends to Family Fun
Every day comes with its own flavor. Wednesday opens with KalapJakab and Brand Nyúl, plus an all-ages family picnic to ease you into the festival mood, making even the youngest visitors feel welcome.
Thursday shifts gears into hard-hitting Hungarian pop and world music with Desh, Parno Graszt, Dánielfy, and Jóvilágvan lighting up the stage.
Friday turns everything up to 11, welcoming the legendary Tankcsapda and Edda Művek, joined by Tamás Molnár, Gypo Circus, Kingfishers, and the riotous comedy of Péter Janklovics. This is not the night for beauty sleep.
Saturday brings in crowd-pleasers ByeAlex és a Slepp, Beton.Hofi, Magyar Banda, Ritmusa, Fruzsina Ács, and András Nagy Csomor with his band—expect everything from deep lyrics to irresistible dance energy.
Sunday caps the party with a bang: the electrifying 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra (100 Tagú Cigányzenekar) and Generation Dance Workshop (Generáció Táncműhely) promise a musical spectacle you’ll remember all autumn.
And that’s not even a complete list—many more acts are yet to be announced, so every day’s vibe will be totally unmissable.
Tickets: Grab Yours Before They’re Gone
Tickets sell fast—and for good reason. The five-day full festival pass gets you into every event at every stage, no exceptions: $70 for adults, $32 for kids. Snag it early, because these passes won’t be sold at the event itself!
If you want to pick your adventure, day tickets start from $9 for adults and $4 for children on Wednesday, ranging up to $25 for adult day tickets ($14 for kids) on the main event days. Sunday’s grand finale is yours for $23 (adults) or $13 (children).
Special passes let you target select folk or party events at discounted rates—perfect if you want a sampler rather than a marathon.
Where to Stay: Sleep Like a Local
With Fülek (Fiľakovo) filling up for the festival, it’s wise to think ahead about where you’ll crash after an epic day (and night). Choices abound:
– FATOSZ-certified local guesthouses, hosting just one group at a time: up to 8 guests, nestled near farmland with fresh renovations and plenty of leisure options. Horseback riding, cuddling with farm animals, and even carriage tours across forests and villages. In winter, swap the carriage for a horse-drawn sleigh. Learn traditional archery as a family!
– Apoka Guesthouse, just outside Salgótarján in tranquil Bárna: deep in fenced woodland, far from city noise, perfect for true relaxation. There’s also a hunting lodge with 9 suites, a wine cellar, a custom kitchen, and wild game dishes in the restaurant—boar, venison, and mouflon are house specialties.
– Berek Inn in Mátranovák: right in the village center, with a small pool in the garden and a menu that swings between Hungarian classics and global favorites.
Dotted among hills and valleys, guesthouses offer two-room setups for up to eight people, internet, fully-equipped kitchens, kids’ playgrounds, secure parking, and all the grilling or campfire action you want. Some houses are made for big families or groups of friends: choose modular apartments with terraces and a shared outdoor pool.
Fishing, hiking, or hunting more your style? Stay at lakeside retreats near Salgótarján, just 4 miles from town, freshly renovated with room for ten.
Or immerse yourself in tradition at Galcsik Guesthouse & Restaurant (Galcsik Panzió és Étterem), a local legend. There are 30 rooms plus event spaces, and the menu is a tour of Palóc flavors and Hungarian specialties.
Food & Drink: A Culinary Carnival
Unleash your inner foodie: the Corner Restaurant (Sarok Étterem) is a festival highlight, passionate about pure ingredients, creative takes on Hungarian classics, and with a winning track record at the Hungarian Cake of the Year contest.
Plenty of other eateries beckon: cozy taverns in town, riverbank venues in central Salgótarján, or the revived St. James Restaurant (Szent Jakab Étterem) in the idyllic pilgrimage site of Holy Well (Szentkút), where the menu ranges from light lunches to hearty vegetarian and game platters.
For wine lovers, the Tarján Wine House (Tarján Borház) in the old city brings you the best of the Carpathian Basin’s handcrafted wines—try before you buy, all in one place.
Don’t Miss Out
Dates and programs may change, but one thing’s for sure: VárLak Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the region’s ultimate summer finale. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or just the unforgettable atmosphere, Fülek’s (Fiľakovo’s) castle courtyard will be ready for you. See you in August for the wildest five days of the year!
