From late August through November 2025, the beautiful Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) in Keszthely isn’t just a stunning façade—it’s the heart of an entire festival season. With its lavish gardens and opulent halls as the backdrop, there’s a seemingly endless list of programs and adventures for all ages and tastes.
Brick Wonders and Childhood Dreams
Between August 25 and 31, the Amazon House Visitor Center (Amazon Ház Látogatóközpont) hosts the World of Bricks Exhibition (Kockák Világa Kiállítás). Tiny plastic bricks are transformed into intricate dioramas that bridge the gap between fantasy and memory. Kids and nostalgic adults alike can explore displays featuring Pirate Island, both the winter and summer versions of the Friends universe, custom-built sailboats, Wild West heroes, and that legendary Star Wars battle on the icy planet Hoth.
Playful History, Puzzles, and More
Delve into “historical playhouse” days throughout the week. On August 28, quiz buffs can test their knowledge with animal trivia—do you know what a male cat is called? On August 29, everyone can become treasure hunters, searching for hidden “gold” both indoors and in the grand gardens of the palace.
On August 30, the always-popular Castle Crime (Kastély-krimi) event takes over. But if you don’t already have a ticket, you’re out of luck: it’s sold out once again! Aspiring detectives can solve mysteries in a setting worthy of an Agatha Christie novel, as Festetics Palace searches for Hungary’s top fifty private investigators.
That same day, the UNO Party brings competitive card games to life, followed by a Green Day focused on upcycling. Try your hand at napkin decoupage and pebble painting—think of it as the Olympics for eco-friendly crafters.
Vintage Cars and Night at the Museums
Car enthusiasts should mark their calendars for September 6–7, when the Festetics Concours d’Elegance brings classic car competitions to the palace lawns, featuring pre-1960 vehicles in a “beauty pageant” style showcase. The appeal isn’t just in the chrome—it’s about reliving the elegance of a bygone era.
Later in September, Keszthely grows mysterious and enchanting with the Autumn Night of Museums (Múzeumok Őszi Éjszakája), a once-a-year opportunity to explore exhibitions and artifacts by moonlight.
Active Adventures Around Lake Balaton
The palace is hardly the only attraction in town. From June all the way through November, a parade of summer and autumn activities awaits. Guided hikes begin at the Little Balaton Visitor Center (Kis-Balaton Látogatóközpont), leading to the memorial for author István Fekete and the quirky Matula Uncle’s Hut (Matula bácsi kunyhója) on Diás Island. If you prefer water, canoe tours across the reed-lined wetlands of Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton) are available nearly every week.
For those who enjoy cruising, nostalgic steamboats depart from the harbor for relaxing round-trips on the sparkling waters of Lake Balaton (Balaton), offering a new perspective on Hungary’s beloved summer playground.
Outdoor enthusiasts can “play in the open air” with a rotating selection of nature and sports programs, while boat trips let you relax right in the middle of Hungary’s largest lake. And on September 7, telescopes line the shore for group viewing of the total lunar eclipse.
Theatrical Treats and Dance Spectacles
Keszthely doesn’t hide its passion for drama and dance. September brings the renowned Keszthely Dance Panorama (Keszthelyi Táncpanoráma) festival, featuring shows such as Transylvania Express (Erdély Expressz) and Café Brasil, with ticket prices from USD 10 to USD 23.
Fans of music and theater can enjoy the Szeged Contemporary Ballet’s Scenes from a Marriage (Jelenetek a házasságról) and the Zorán 2025 concert tour—expect to pay around USD 40. There’s even a dedicated children’s performance with Peter Pan – Fairy Tale Musical (Mesemusical).
Those interested in local history and architecture won’t be left out, with lectures on the city’s famous triple-towered church and exhibitions like In Momentum (Lendületben), a photo show featuring the Fitos Dezső Troupe.
Comedy, Carpentry, and Creative Outings
Comedians such as András Aranyosi and Péter Janklovics take the stage for solo nights, with tickets ranging from USD 15–18, while hands-on visitors can join one-day upholstery workshops or artistic evenings.
Each week, Festetics Palace presents special programs—perfect for returning guests. In October and November, all the themes continue: outdoor play, boating trips, paddle tours, interactive art workshops, and literary lectures, wrapping up the season with energy and creativity.
One summer and fall in Keszthely offer enough intrigue, artistry, excitement, and whimsy to make an ordinary calendar seem dull by comparison. Festetics Palace is not just a monument; it’s the main character in a season-long adventure.
