Pest County’s biggest cross-arts open-air celebration is back: Mézesvölgyi Nyár, the Veres 1 Színház Summer Festival, returns in summer 2026 with hit shows, star performers, and a relaxed, nature-kissed vibe. Set at Búcsú tér in Veresegyház (Veresegyház), the 10th open-air season promises a crowd-pleasing mix of family theater, musicals, comedies, concerts, and one-off shows—now a staple of the region’s cultural calendar thanks to its 1,900-seat grandstand and greenery-framed stage. The festival runs through July and August, with marquee nights already on sale and fresh surprises expected as the season unfolds.
The program launches on July 8, 2026, with A Pál utcai fiúk (The Paul Street Boys) in a two-part musical staging. It’s one of the most beloved Hungarian stories—classic friendship, rivalry, and heart right in the summer air. Then the festival turns up the charm in August with multiple performances of Anconai szerelmesek (Lovers of Ancona), a musical comedy that reliably sells out and delivers pure feel-good energy. The first Anconai performance lands on August 7 under the Mézesvölgyi Nyár banner, followed by another on August 11 at the Mézesvölgyi Open-Air Stage. Rounding out the highlights, August 15 brings Egy életem (One Life), a biographical stand-up evening with Imre Csuja (Csuja Imre)—an intimate, witty, and unfiltered night that finds the sweet spot between laughter and life story.
Where and how to dive in
The festival grounds are in Veresegyház (Veresegyház), 2112, at Búcsú tér. It’s an easy ride from central Budapest, roughly 20 minutes via the M3 motorway, which makes it a perfect weeknight or weekend escape. The setting is intentionally informal: think warm summer nights, humming audiences, and artists so close you can read their smiles.
As always, the organizers keep the season eclectically curated. Expect top-tier stage productions alongside concerts and unique shows built for the outdoors. Families can lean into the kid-friendly offerings; musical fans will find their favorites; comedy lovers get plenty to laugh at under the stars.
Staying the night
Veresegyház (Veresegyház) makes it easy to turn a show into a mini-break. A standout pick is the Libra Hotel in the heart of town, steps from the lakes and with a laid-back wellness area. Rooms are comfortable, there’s a conference hall for business-minded trips, and the Libra Restaurant (Libra Étterem) faces the main square for proper people-watching. It’s open year-round and well placed for festival-goers driving in off the M3.
For something more restorative, a local fasting house set on a generous 43,055-square-foot garden plot in Veresegyház’s suburban quarter offers a full reset—fasting programs supported by sauna, massage, fitness, and body treatments. It’s designed for those who want to combine culture with wellness: roll out of bed and into an herbal tea, then catch a show by sundown.
Where to eat and linger
The town’s dining scene swings from homestyle Hungarian to breezy lakeside bites. Fans of classic flavors with a modern edge can settle into a restaurant showcasing an eclectic menu: hearty local specialties meet international inspirations, served in a polished, fresh style. The bar runs broad—alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks, well-sourced coffee and tea, house-made lemonades, and an ever-changing signature cocktail list. As soon as spring turns warm, a big sunny terrace opens and the evening ritual becomes simple: a cold premium gin and tonic or a glass of wine before the show.
Craving something simple and soulful? Look for the friendly spot in the heart of Veresegyház (Veresegyház) serving carefully selected, thoughtfully prepared dishes—ideal for a pre-curtain dinner.
If lakeside is your thing, there’s an old-school small inn right on the shore of Lake Ivacsi, checkered tablecloths and all. Fish dominates the menu, but there are plenty of other house favorites to keep everyone happy. For gatherings, the Moonlight Restaurant (Holdfény Étterem) offers a calm setting and a team that handles everything from weddings and birthdays to corporate events, reunions, and more.
Pizza lovers and casual diners will find La Bella Restaurant and Pizzeria (La Bella Étterem és Pizzéria), while Marika’s Kitchen (Marika Konyhája)—beloved in Veresegyház (Veresegyház) for more than two decades—serves daily menus and à la carte staples and also handles catering for family and corporate events, sports happenings, and weddings.
Bowling, banquets, and sweet finishes
The renovated Thermal Restaurant (Termál Étterem) has expanded, air-conditioned dining rooms, a non-smoking section, and even a bowling alley. It’s known for attentive service, fair prices, and clean rooms if you’re staying over. There’s ample parking, including space for buses, and the team can host events for up to 80 guests—wedding menus included at very favorable rates.
And for dessert dreams, a local confectioner boasts an exceptionally wide cake selection tailored to any occasion. Choose from a photo album of designs or bring your own vision—the family behind it includes three master pastry chefs and a medal stash glittering with Olympic and world champion golds earned by Jr. Suly (ifj. Suly). Whether it’s a post-show slice or a custom centerpiece for your celebration, you’re in expert hands.
Tickets and the countdown
With four confirmed dates already set—July 8 for A Pál utcai fiúk (The Paul Street Boys), August 7 and August 11 for Anconai szerelmesek (Lovers of Ancona), and August 15 for Imre Csuja’s (Csuja Imre) Egy életem (One Life)—the 2026 Mézesvölgyi Nyár is shaping up as the go-to summer night out near Budapest. Add the open-air ambiance, the easy access, and the food-and-wellness options, and Veresegyház (Veresegyház) once again looks like the best place to spend a warm evening while the stars come out, on stage and overhead.
