There’s something truly magical about autumn in Siófok. The shores of Lake Balaton get quieter, but golden sunlight still shimmers, and the air smells fresh and crisp. Wandering the pier, watching boats gently sway, and seeing the colorful leaves mirrored on the water is pure relaxation. This autumn, Siófok tempts culture-lovers with a line-up bursting with events and experiences. If you love calm, nature, and sweater-weather sunsets, Siófok is the place to be this fall. The city welcomes visitors with open arms to discover beauty and adventure at every turn.
Hot Jazz Band’s 40th Anniversary Concert
On October 22 at 7:30 pm, the Hot Jazz Band celebrates its 40th birthday at the Imre Kálmán Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Művelődési Központ). Known for reviving the jazz and Hungarian pop music of the interwar years—think music from classic Karády, Kabos, Jávor, and Latabár films—they’re a favorite among locals. They have notched up four first-place wins at international competitions in France, including the prestigious St. Raphael International New Orleans Jazz Competition (taking first among 54 bands), and have made six trips to jazz’s US birthplace, earning huge festival popularity in Sacramento. Their 14th album, “egy kis malac” (“a little pig”), was released last year with songs for children. The band has received the eMeRTon Prize twice, the Lyra Prize, the Louis Armstrong Memorial Prize, the Silver Life Tree Award, and the 2015 Kossuth Prize. Expect hits like “Az én babám egy fekete nő” (“My Babe is a Black Woman”), “A bankban nincsen betétem” (“I Have No Deposit in the Bank”), “Halló Baby,” and “Odavagyok magáért” (“Crazy About You”).
18th Imre Kálmán Memorial Days (XVIII. Kálmán Imre Emléknapok)
A five-day festival from October 22-26 honors legendary composer Imre Kálmán with operetta nights, concerts, and exclusive talks. Look out for a musical operetta on the 24th, live chamber music with well-known guests on the 25th, and “Jávor hajnalai” (“Jávor’s Dawns”), a two-act musical play, that evening. On the 26th, enjoy a cabaret-style show, “Asszonykám, adj egy kis kimenőt” (“Darling, Give Me a Little Leave”). The Imre Kálmán Memorial House (Kálmán Imre Emlékház) offers free guided tours all day on October 24. Tickets for program events run from $9 to $17.
Festivals, Family Activities & Outdoor Fun
October 23 has two standout events: the “Anyakör – Motherhood on the Map” meeting at the children’s library and a public festival at Millennium Park to commemorate Hungary’s 1956 Revolution.
From October 23 to November 2, daily sightseeing boat rides run four times a day between Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Tihany. For kids aged 6-11, presenting a Kajla passport and student ID gets them free rides during school break.
The straw bale labyrinth returns to Big Beach (Nagystrand) on October 24, open 10 am to 7 pm. Alongside it, the Autumn BalaParty—AppleFest dazzles visitors on October 24-25 with skill games, market stalls, apple sweets, magic shows, and crafts. The popular ALMA EGYÜTTES band will play live on the 25th (11 am-noon), and don’t miss the building of a grand apple pyramid. Entry to these events is free.
On October 25, don’t miss Péter Janklovics’ comedic solo show at Dumaszínház in Hotel Azúr, tickets $13. There’s also the Balaton Gastro Market at Piroska Inn (Piroska Csárda) on October 26 and November 2, every Sunday morning from 9 am to noon—local farmers and artisans offer beautiful goods, and the inn serves those who work up an appetite.
More to Discover: Quizzes, Authors & Games
Celebrate Siófok’s City Day on November 27 with a lively quiz night at Lógó Üveg Kult Pub at 7 pm. Gather a team of 4–6 and test your knowledge of Siófok’s secrets, with prizes for the winning team. It’s free, but reserve a table!
Try one of the exhilarating outdoor city adventure games running October 20-26, October 27-November 2, and again November 3-9. Perfect for friends or family, these quests get you exploring Siófok’s landmarks together.
Literature, Parenting, Halloween & More
On October 29, meet renowned author Bán Mór (János Bán) of the Hunyadi series at the BRTK Library. Chat with Siófok’s mayor, Dr. Róbert Lengyel, at this free event.
October 30 marks the first session of the Gen21 Parent Academy, exploring the effects of digital screens on childhood brain development and life skills. Topics range from the loss of eye contact to the importance of analog experiences and practical tips for families navigating childhood screen time.
On Halloween, October 31, the library children’s section hosts a free, registration-only costume party and craft session from 3-5 pm. Big Beach (Nagystrand) holds its annual pumpkin carving contest at 11 am, awarding prizes to the best creations.
Win & Celebrate: Siófok Style
From November 1-15, the GasztroFok Stamp Game challenges foodies to collect five stamps across autumn weekends for a chance to win gourmet prizes. The deadline for entries is November 15, with the prize draw on November 18.
For school history buffs, Siófok’s Mór Perczel High School (Perczel Mór Gimnázium) celebrates its 75th anniversary with public lectures starting November 7. Guests include noted journalist Krisztina Máté and Professor Dr. Lénárd Darázs (times to be announced).
With this packed calendar, Siófok offers the best of autumn—from music and apples to mystery and memory. Whether you crave cultural treats or cozy family fun, the city promises something extraordinary every crisp, golden day.
