Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, the enchanting town of Balatonfüred is gearing up for an action-packed autumn in 2025. Festivals, concerts, cultural happenings, family events, and more keep both locals and visitors entertained all year round. If you’re planning a fall escape, mark your calendar for these must-see highlights!
Remembering 1956: Commemorations Across Town
October 23 kicks off with multiple ceremonies to mark the anniversary of the 1956 Revolution—a pivotal day in Hungary’s history. Events begin at 9:30 AM at the Tagore Promenade (Tagore sétány, by the Bibó statue), followed by a 10:30 AM ceremony in Kovászna Park, complete with speeches, a festive program, and wreath-laying. In case of rain, activities move to the Christ the King Parish Church (Krisztus Király Plébániatemplom). Late afternoon features another commemoration at Bata Liget (Balatonarács), and the day wraps up with an ecumenical prayer at 6 PM in the town cemetery on Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street.
Set Sail on Lake Balaton
From October 23–26 and again October 27–November 2, enjoy scenic boat cruises departing directly from Balatonfüred’s harbor. It’s the perfect way to savor the brisk autumn air and take in panoramic views of the changing foliage.
Nature for All Ages: The Wonder of Rotting Wood
For families and curious kids, October 24 at 10 AM brings the show “On Beetleback” (Bogárháton) to the Arácsi Community House (Arácsi Népház). Enjoy interactive stories and nature wonders focused on the magic of fallen trees—a treat for anyone who loves autumn’s transformations.
Halloween Fun: Pumpkins, Burgers, and Spooky Creativity
The weekend of October 24–25 sees the Tigris Restaurant transformed for a free pumpkin carving marathon. Choose a pumpkin, sculpt your scary (or silly) face, and reward yourself with a Halloween burger and a pumpkin spice latte. Take home your masterpiece—and maybe a few finger smudges.
Dance and Pedal: Festivals and Bike Tours
Dance comes alive on October 25 with the Balaton Cup Spectacular Dance event at the Leisure & Conference Center (Szabadidő és Konferencia Központ), showcasing lively performances.
Meanwhile, cycling enthusiasts can join the region’s biggest bike tour—the 7th Autumn Balaton Uplands Tour. The epic 40-mile loop winds through the stunning countryside, including Veszprém, on pristine trails suitable for any type of bike. Around 500 cyclists are expected, with full support from organizers and local police. Registration and number collection run from 8:00 to 9:45 AM, then the ride departs at 10:00 and concludes with a raffle at 4 PM.
Raise a Glass: Wine Night at Karolina Coffeehouse
On October 25 at 7 PM, acclaimed winemaker Tamás Riczu pours the best of Villány’s famous reds at Karolina Coffeehouse & Cocktail Bar (Karolina Kávéház & Koktélbár). From lighter, easy-drinking bottles to bold and robust favorites, sample multiple award-winning wines and toast Hungarian viticulture’s global ambitions. No table reservation needed—just good company and great wine.
Classic Literature – with Breakfast and Music
On October 26 at 10:00 AM, Borcsa Restaurant hosts a literary brunch called Krúdy-Jókai “gábli,” where actor Péter Kálloy Molnár reads from beloved Hungarian writers Krúdy and Jókai, while musicians Zoltán Kalló and Ferenc Jehoda perform their favorite tunes. Feast on a multi-course menu and soak in the old-world Hungarian atmosphere.
Half-Term at the Library: Films, Crafts, Lego, Hikes
From October 27–31, the Lipták Gábor Library bustles with “autumn break” programs for kids. Highlights include an 8-km guided hike to Csobánc Hill and Papsapka Rocks (bring snacks and your student ID!), 3D films (“Four Seasons in Our Country”), crafts in the playroom, and a Lego playhouse run by the local Lego Club. Extended playroom hours let families drop in nearly all week—from 10 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday, with various times through Friday at 5 PM.
Halloween Showdown: Bake-Off, Carving, and Family Day
October 31 brings Balatonfüred’s legendary Halloween Bake-Off, part of a festive Family Day at Huray Villa Garden (Huray Villa udvar). Register on site, whip up a tray of your creepiest and tastiest baked goods, and let a professional jury of confectioners judge them for creativity, flavor, and appearance. Sweet or savory, traditional or wild—anything goes, as long as it has a hint of Halloween magic! Winners receive prizes, and leftover treats are shared by all, supporting future events.
The third annual Pumpkin Carving and Painting Family Day offers everything Halloween: crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting, a craft fair, storytelling, rides on a miniature train, and even a pumpkin beauty contest. This year, the new centerpiece is the terror-ific bake-off!
Ring in the New Year (Early) With Retroparty!
Start your end-of-year festivities early on October 30 at the Congress Center’s wild New Year’s Retroparty and “MusiKELL!” show, featuring stars from the Veszprém Petőfi Theater and surprise celebrity guests. Expect music, spectacle, and belly laughs in a performance directed by Pál Oberfrank—a perfect warm-up for New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $19 (6900 HUF) and available soon.
Remembering All Souls’ Day
November 2 marks All Souls’ Day with ecumenical memorials at both the town cemetery (4 PM, featuring the Blue Balaton Folk Choir) and the Balatonarács Heroes’ Memorial (Balatonarácsi Hősi Emlékmű, 5 PM, with the Balatonfüred City Choir). Local clergy lead prayers and remembrance.
Culture, Film, and Even More Events
Regular weekly film screenings run throughout autumn, and November 4 spotlights the Balaton Cinema’s film club, which presents rare and banned films from around the world for true film fans.
Culture lovers won’t want to miss architect Gábor Zoboki’s major lecture on Japan’s World Expo, held November 8 at the Szőcs Géza Literary Salon.
Balatonfüred is ready to make fall 2025 unforgettable, whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, community spirit, or just a great glass of red.
