Every September, the city of Szekszárd in southern Hungary comes alive for its largest and most cherished event: Harvest Days in Szekszárd (Szekszárdi Szüreti Napok). In 2025, this vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and world-class wine will run from September 18 to 21, centered around Saint Stephen’s Square (Szent István Square) and radiating out across the whole town.
Concerts and Nightlife: Party All Weekend
The festival’s line-up shows why it’s such a magnet for both visitors and locals. The long weekend kicks off on Thursday night and keeps the music pumping until Sunday. Main acts include T. DANNY taking the stage on Friday at 8 PM, followed by a high-energy outdoor party at 11 PM featuring Regan Lili and Hundred Sins. Saturday brings Hungarian rock icons Tankcsapda, also at 8 PM, with the party continuing late into the night at The Placc Outdoor Retro Edition, starring a mix of pop legends: B. Tóth László, Happy Gang, and Cory.
Harvest Parade and All-Around Festivities
But it’s not all about the music. The legendary harvest parade brings together locals in colorful costumes, wagons, folk bands, and dance troupes, joining the winemakers to create a dazzling spectacle. Stages pop up around the city for everything from live painting to folk dancing and cooking shows. Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore lively exhibitions, a sprawling artisan market, and family-friendly programs that add color and energy to every street.
Wines: Taste the Best of the Region
Of course, the true pride of Szekszárd is its wine. The festival is an open invitation to sample the full range, from deep, spicy Kadarka to velvety Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos), fruity Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and crisp whites like Rhine Riesling (Rajnai rizling) and Cserszegi Fűszeres. Wineries across the region pull out all the stops. Attila Estate (Attila Birtok) cultivates 35 acres of vines and offers a spectrum of reds; Bodri Winery (Bodri Pincészet), with its 247-acre estate on the city’s southern edge, offers immersive cellar and vineyard tours along with tastings in a sprawling, domed wine temple.
Feasts and Fine Dining
Eating well is half the enjoyment. The festival buzzes with food stalls and pop-up bistros serving everything from rustic pogácsa (savory pastries) and cheese platters to heartier Hungarian classics, reimagined for a new generation. At Optimus Restaurant and Main Street Bistro, chefs prepare local ingredients matched perfectly with the estate’s own wines, fusing traditional flavors with a modern touch. Expect sausage platters, rich game dishes, and roasts to enjoy with your glass—or three.
Where to Stay: Sleep and Sip
Szekszárd is ready for comfort-seeking visitors. In the city center, Hotel Merops offers four-star luxury right next to Mészáros Winery, with eight rooms and two apartments wrapped in wine-country tranquility. The staff provide personalized service and can help you tailor a full culinary tour—don’t skip the in-house wine tastings. On the outskirts, Sió Motel sits by the road between Szekszárd and the Tolna Wine Region, convenient for nature trips to the Gemenc Forest or fishing at Szálka. For those who prefer a contemporary vibe, Hotel Zodiaco is the town’s sleekest three-star hotel, priding itself on comfort and innovation for both business and leisure travelers.
Historically Rooted, Future-Focused
The deep bond with wine is no accident: since 1988, the Alisca Wine Order (Alisca Borrend) has promoted Szekszárd’s vineyard culture, hosting tastings, lectures, and events highlighting the region’s finest wines. Family businesses like Borfaragó Winery (Borfaragó Pince) and Eszterbauer are steeped in Swabian and Serbian heritage. They host tastings for small and large groups in atmospheric cellars, serve award-winning wines, and provide traditional feasts.
The Art of the Craft
Many Szekszárd winemakers stick to small-batch, minimalist methods. In places like Porkoláb Valley (Porkoláb-völgy), only estate-grown grapes go into the bottle—no industrial yeasts, additives, or processing shortcuts. The reds and rosés win praise at home and abroad, and the spirit of experimentation keeps the local wine scene fresh. Each sip captures the terroir of Szekszárd, seamlessly blending classic Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos) and Kadarka with international favorites like Merlot and Pinot Noir.
One Warning: It’s a Moving Feast
Organizers reserve the right to adjust dates or the entertainment schedule, so double-check before you make your plans. One thing is certain, though: no matter what, the heart of Szekszárd will be beating louder than ever this autumn.
