The fall in Hajdúsámson (Hajdúsámson) is kicking off in style on October 11, 2025. The town’s bustling Marketplace (Piactér) and the can’t-miss Epreskerti Event Grounds (Epreskerti Rendezvénytér) are transformed into a vibrant swirl of color, music, local food, and happiness for the annual Grape Harvest Festival (Szüreti Mulatság). This lively celebration attracts both locals and visitors, each eager to enjoy a uniquely Hungarian harvest parade and indulge in a small-town fiesta with a big heart.
Parade, Pageantry, and Community Fun
From early morning, the streets of Hajdúsámson (Hajdúsámson) pulse with excitement. Locals dress up in traditional folk costumes, and horse-drawn carriages decorated with grapevine branches wind through the town, echoing customs that date back centuries. The highlight is always the lively parade featuring dancers, musicians, and the all-important harvest queen, all followed by villages in colorful attire. The entire community comes together to celebrate the end of grape harvesting—a symbol of abundance, gratitude, and hard work rewarded.
After the parade wraps up, the festival zone becomes a playground packed with entertainment for all ages. Kids can join folk games and try their hand at grape pressing, while adults taste the latest local wines and test their luck in quirky contests. Don’t expect a quiet afternoon: the chorus of laughter, chatter, and traditional music fills the air until late evening.
Rest Your Head: Lodging for Every Taste
If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll find accommodation options to suit every taste and budget in Hajdúsámson (Hajdúsámson) and nearby Debrecen (Debrecen)—a 20-minute drive away. In Debrecen’s historic center, cozy guesthouses cluster close to the city’s biggest venues: Lovarda (Lovarda), Főnix Hall (Főnix Csarnok), and the famous Sports Swimming Complex (Sportuszoda). These B&Bs combine quiet rooms with hometown charm, making them ideal for families or travelers who just want to unwind after a day of celebration.
Travelers seeking more luxury can escape to the Aquaticum Hotel (Aquaticum Hotel), situated in Debrecen’s lush Great Forest (Nagyerdő) nature reserve. Here, city comfort and leafy tranquility meet, with activities for kids and adults. Think pools, spa services, and a host of family-friendly amenities—perfect for recharging before heading back to the festival action.
For longer stays, the Auguszta Apartment Hotel and Student Lodge (Auguszta Apartman Hotel és Diákszálló) is a standout. Originally built for foreign medical students, this complex now offers year-round hotel service in peaceful, green surroundings by the university’s medical campus.
If it’s a family-run atmosphere you want, local pensions and mini-hotels scattered across Debrecen (Debrecen) deliver homey touches. Many feature only a handful of rooms, ensuring a friendly welcome just a walk or a quick car ride from the festival. These small hotels are easily reachable by public transport, too.
Those seeking wellness can slip away to Borostyán Med-Hotel (Borostyán Med-Hotel), on the outskirts of Debrecen (Debrecen). Here, unique spa services within the EU and distinctive architecture invite guests to relax and unwind, far from the city’s noise—a combination that’s always in demand after festival parties.
Food? Entertainment? No One Goes Hungry
At the Grape Harvest Festival (Szüreti Mulatság), no one goes hungry. Food stalls dot the festival, serving comforting classics to fuel all the dancing and walking. Debrecen’s eateries join in: from family-owned restaurants with friendly service and hearty traditional dishes, to modern bistros serving pizza, gyros, and burgers for less adventurous eaters.
Bistro (Bistro), by Debrecen’s main railway station, offers a lively menu packed with international and local flavors. Grab a snack, then head upstairs to try your luck at bowling, billiards, snooker, or even virtual car racing—there’s a reason locals love hanging out here before and after the festival.
Agrár Restaurant (Agrár Étterem) stands out for large groups, serving set menus and daily specials in a bright, glass-walled room that lets the sun in. It’s perfect for meeting fellow festival-goers over a leisurely lunch.
Debrecen (Debrecen): The Region’s Beating Heart
Hajdúsámson’s Grape Harvest Festival (Szüreti Mulatság) is made all the better by its neighbor, Debrecen (Debrecen). Hungary’s second-largest city, famous for its massive Great Church (Nagytemplom), sprawling university campuses, and over 4,900 student dorm beds (with nearly a thousand in the cutting-edge Campus Hotel), buzzes throughout festival week. Take a tram from the train station, stroll two minutes to the center, and you’ll find yourself at another festival—because in October, this region simply refuses to sleep.
So if you’re looking for an authentically Hungarian harvest festival with more food, more dance, and more fun than you ever expected, make plans for Hajdúsámson (Hajdúsámson). From grape stomping to spa lounging, it’s the ultimate fall escape.
