As autumn settles over the idyllic town of Szandaszőlős (Szandaszőlős), locals and visitors alike gear up for the vibrant harvest festivities at Antal Lengyel Square (Lengyel Antal tér). On Friday, September 19, 2025, the community comes alive with Mustival (Mustivál), a grape must festival filled with hands-on activities, music, dance, and family-friendly entertainment from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. At the heart of the celebration are craft workshops where both children and adults can get creative, dance lessons perfect for anyone eager to learn traditional steps, and a lively visit from the Máté Bereczki Farmers’ Circle (Bereczki Máté Gazdakör). Families will love the Nefelejcs Folk Playground (Nefelejcs Népi Játszótér), a space where kids can run, play, and explore age-old folk games in a cheerful, safe environment.
The day’s highlight arrives at 5:00 PM when the Laughing Puppet Theatre (Kacagó Bábszínház) takes the stage to perform “Little Red Riding Hood” (“Piroska és a farkas”). With vivid puppets and captivating storytelling, the show promises laughter and excitement for the youngest festivalgoers.
Harvest Dance House Fiesta
When the sun sets, the real party begins. From 7:00 PM until midnight, the harvest dance house opens its doors to anyone ready to dance the night away—no matter their age or skill level. The legendary Naszály Band (Naszály Együttes) will provide irresistible tunes, blending folk rhythms perfect for spinning, stomping, and celebrating long into the night. Entry is just $3.00 USD, making this one of the best-value evenings of live music and dancing in the area.
Rest & Stay: Accommodations for Every Taste
If you’re staying over for the festival or just looking to explore Szolnok (Szolnok) and its surroundings, there’s something for every traveler’s style. Enjoy a winterized house right on the peaceful banks of Dead-Tisza (Holt-Tisza), complete with a private pier and rowboat—ideal for fishing enthusiasts (there’s even a night lamp on the pier for sunset angling). Or opt for the Serimamis Business Hotel (Business Hotel Serimamis), located in the heart of downtown Szolnok, a stone’s throw from the Tisza River, tailored for business travelers and offering a full suite of professional amenities.
For those seeking a slice of nature, the Forest Education House (Erdő Háza Oktatási Központ) sits at the edge of town and serves as a regional hub for environmental education and adventure. Even local children and teachers are often left in awe, remarking that it feels like “being in a completely different world” after a few days at this unique retreat.
Szolnok’s green oasis, Tiszaliget (Tiszaliget), hides several gems—Garden Hotel (Garden Hotel) with its elegant rooms, conference halls, fine dining, and an on-site wellness area; the storied Tisza Hotel and Spa (Hotel Tisza Gyógyfürdő), set in a historic neo-baroque building surrounded by what was once a Versailles-style park, now featuring a Turkish-inspired thermal spa built around a 132°F/55.6°C mineral spring renowned for its healing qualities.
Where to Eat, Drink & Socialize
The food scene is as diverse as the festival activities. Hozam Hotel Restaurant (Hozam Hotel Étterem) has been a favorite for decades, offering top-notch service, hotel comforts, and event hosting. Nearby, Hozam Wellness and Apartment (Hozam Wellness és Apartman) pampers guests in a family atmosphere, boasting 17 rooms and its own wellness section—perfect for solo travelers or business visitors.
If sitting by the river is more your style, the local bistro fuses old-world charm with modern flavors, sourcing top-quality ingredients from local producers to create a menu that’s both traditional and innovative. There’s also an authentic English-style pub below ground—air-conditioned, with a private function room for banquets and business meetings—alongside a classic Hungarian arched cellar restaurant for intimate gatherings.
At Cafe Frei (Cafe Frei), embark on a flavorful trip around the globe: 70 varieties of hand-roasted Arabica coffee, plus fresh cakes, pastries, health drinks, and teas. The bustling Campus Restaurant (Campus Étterem) can host gatherings of up to 300 people, from corporate parties to weddings, with a menu spanning classic Hungarian fare to international delicacies.
Traditional Hungarian cakes, artisanal Italian gelato, and savory treats await at local patisseries, where there’s always something sweet ready, no matter what day you drop by. For riverside dining in downtown Szolnok, the Fisherman’s Tavern (Halászcsárda) serves up family specialties and hearty fish dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Practical Notes
The Tiszaliget (Tiszaliget) region offers free sports facilities, perfect for active travelers, and excellent connections to Szolnok city center via the Tiszavirág Bridge (Tiszavirág Híd). Group accommodations and youth camps are also available, with the sprawling Tourist and Leisure Center (Turisztikai és Szabadidő Központ) able to host up to 320 young adventurers. Just remember—organizers reserve the right to update the program or schedule, so check details before heading out to this unforgettable harvest celebration!
