In 2025, the Hungarian Lakes Festival (Magyar Tavak Fesztiválja) around Lake Tisza returns for its twelfth edition, blending uplifting musical experiences with the joy of outdoor activity. It promises a unique form of “music therapy” under the open skies—an antidote to the sedentary, stressful, and often isolating modern lifestyle. Whether you’re cycling, running, or paddling, the festival invites you to move for culture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere by the lake.
A Weekend Immersion in Music and Nature
From August 1 to 3 next summer, Tiszafüred and the towns around Lake Tisza become the bustling epicenter of music and outdoor adventure. The event opens on Friday evening with the To’pera Gala Concert on the main square of Tiszafüred at 7 pm. Attendees can enjoy a free performance by star soprano Erika Miklósa—celebrated as a permanent member of the Immortals Company and honored with the Order of Saint Stephen (Szent István-rend), Kossuth Prize, and Liszt Prize—alongside young talents from the Kvintesszencia Master School. The show is directed by Péter Novák, a multi-award-winning actor and musician, and hosted by Bea Csete.
Saturday: Cycling Tour with Concert Stops
Saturday is all about active culture: join the “Cycle Around Lake Tisza” adventure, starting from the Tiszafüred Bicycle Center. Registration opens at 8 am, and the tour starts at 9 am, with tickets priced at $16.50. Riders stop along the route to enjoy open-air concerts by renowned performers at stunning lakeside venues.
The musical journey includes:
– 9:40 am, Poroszló’s Dolphin Harbor (Delfin Kikötő): accordionist Zoltán Orosz (Emerton Prize, Artisjus Prize).
– 10:50 am, Sarud Adventure Village: actors and singers Mátyás Dósa (Prima Prize) and Péter Harna.
– 12:10 pm, Tiszanána-Dinnyéshát: Harmónia Prize-winning singer Imre Vadkerti of Kormorán.
– 1:30 pm, Kisköre Fish Ladder & Lépcső Bistro (lunch stop): Attila László (Fonogram Prize) and Szilvia Agárdi (Golden Bell Prize (Aranyharang), Iván Szenes Prize).
– 3:20 pm, Abádszalók Beach: singer-songwriter Linda Király (Glamour Singer of the Year nominee).
– 4:25 pm, Tiszaderzs Camping: opera singer Zoltán Nyári (Jászai Mari Prize) with the Tiszaderzs Waterlily Folk Choir.
– 5:25 pm, Tiszaszőlős: traditional Kurul Drummers group (Kurul Dobosok).
– 6:15 pm, Tiszaörvény Kormorán Harbor: guitarist-singer Antal Gábor Szűcs (Emerton Prize), violinist-singer Péter Gál (founding member of Kormorán).
– 6:55 pm, return to the Bicycle Center.
Each stop brings a unique genre and fresh energy, turning the cycling tour into a lakeside soundscape.
Sunday: Family Picnic and Boating Day
Sunday begins at 10 am at the Kisköre Fish Ladder, with free admission to a Family Picnic and Boaters’ Day surrounded by the lake’s unrivaled natural beauty. The Lépcső Bistro offers regional culinary specialties, while families can enjoy:
– Rafting demonstrations with the Hungarian Kayak-Canoe Association
– Local craft fair
– Kids’ fishing with the National Anglers’ Association
– Dog training shows by Unidog Sports Center
– Horse-drawn carriage rides
– Inflatable castles for children
Music throughout the day is provided by Mátyás Dósa and Nikolett Molnár (Jászai Mari Prize, Junior Prima Prize), Géza Egyházi (Gundel Prize), Andrea Mahó (multiple award-winning singer-actor), jazz and blues legends including Norbert Nikodém, László Halper, Péter Román, János Sramkó, and the family-friendly Alma Band. Bea Csete hosts the day, keeping the atmosphere lively and interactive.
Staying and Eating by Lake Tisza
Lake Tisza is renowned for its tranquility, vibrant wildlife, and natural seclusion, making it a perfect escape. Kormorán Harbor (Kormorán Kikötő) is just steps from the main river and lake, offering floating houses, stilted lodges, and treehouses—accommodating guests on the water, on land, or nestled above ground.
Dieter’s Camping, located directly opposite the Tiszafüred beach, is a small family retreat popular with regulars and now features renovated kitchens and improved cleaning protocols. Overwater family suites (900 square feet) offer two double bedrooms, a convertible living room, terraces, minibars, and air conditioning—perfect for groups or families.
Nature lovers will appreciate the Tisza Balneum Hotel: a four-star eco-friendly lakeside hotel with a wide range of wellness services. Szabics Harbor’s (Szabics Kikötő) new guesthouses cater to families and groups, comfortably accommodating up to six guests and offering a relaxed environment right on the water.
For campers, the Szabics Camping area welcomes up to 150 guests with full facilities, while Albatrosz Harbor (Albatrosz Kikötő) offers a well-equipped 22,000-square-foot site including beach access, water sports rentals, and an onsite restaurant.
From the cozy Boró Apartment to the green surroundings of Diófa Apartments and the regional cuisine of Platán Restaurant or the NOPARA Healing Brewpub and Inn (NOPARA GyógySERtár), there’s no shortage of flavor, comfort, and atmosphere. Across restaurants and guesthouses, the focus is always on local flavors, friendly service, and the area’s incredible sunsets.
Organizers note that event dates and program details may change—so check ahead and get ready for an unforgettable, music-filled lakeside weekend.
