Looking for things to do in Keszthely in 2025? Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) and its impressive exhibition halls are pulling out all the stops to offer a jam-packed calendar of programs for both locals and visitors. With events stretching through summer, fall, and well into November, there’s something for everyone—art lovers, families, car enthusiasts, kids, and culture enthusiasts.
Kids’ Paradise: Creativity and Adventure All Week
From August 25 to August 31, the palace and its grounds transform into a children’s wonderland. Get ready for the “World of Blocks” Exhibition at the Amazon House Visitor Center (Amazon Ház Látogatóközpont): here, fairytales and dreams built from tiny blocks come alive as whimsical dioramas. You’ll wander through Pirate Island, explore both summer and winter Friends worlds, check out custom sailboats, meet Wild West heroes, and even witness an iconic Star Wars battle set on the icy planet Hoth.
At the same time, a series of hands-on theme days spices things up even further. August 28 brings a family-friendly historical playhouse filled with animal quizzes and mind-bending games, challenging visitors (young and old) on how much they really know about our furry and feathered friends. The next day, on August 29, there’s an indoor and outdoor treasure hunt, inviting everyone to unleash their inner explorer. Things stay lively on August 30, which offers a triple highlight: an UNO party to test your card skills; a “Green Day” dedicated to creative upcycling projects like napkin decoupage and rock painting; and, for the grown-ups, a sold-out palace whodunit—an interactive detective game searching for Hungary’s 50 best amateur sleuths.
Shows, Exhibitions, and Lakeside Escapes
September is packed with activities. Early in the month (September 6–7), the Festetics Concours d’Elegance brings classic automotive beauty to the palace gardens—a jaw-dropping car show and competition featuring pre-1960 vehicles brimming with vintage elegance.
If nighttime is your time, don’t miss Museums’ Autumn Night (Múzeumok Őszi Éjszakája) on September 20, when palace halls and exhibitions stay open after dark, offering a magical cultural experience.
Looking for something with a different rhythm? The town’s event calendar includes the Keszthely Dance Panorama (Keszthelyi Táncpanorama, September 11–14), with tickets from $9.50 to $16.20, along with special performances such as Transylvania Express (Erdély Expressz, September 12, $9.50–$15.50) and a contemporary ballet, Scenes from a Marriage (Jelenetek egy házasságból, September 14, $12.20–$16.20). September 13 brings Café Brasil, and on September 15, you can embark on a journey to “Colorful Africa” with a world traveler’s talk.
Outdoor Fun: Nature, Boats, and Stargazing
There are endless ways to get outdoors. Every week, guided canoe tours set off from the Little Balaton Visitor Center (Kis-Balaton Látogatóközpont), winding through serene wetlands (dates are scheduled throughout late August, September, and October). You can also join guided hikes to the István Fekete Memorial Site (Fekete István Emlékhely) and Uncle Matula’s Hut (Matula bácsi kunyhója) on Diás Island—perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful getaway and local storytelling.
If water is calling your name, hop aboard nostalgic excursion boats departing from the Balaton (Lake Balaton) harbor—a recurring weekly treat throughout the fall. For astronomy aficionados, don’t miss the full lunar eclipse observation event on the shore on September 7.
Workshops, Art, and Comedy for Grown-ups
September and October see the palace and town host a packed lineup of performances, workshops, and exhibitions. Try a one-day upholstery workshop on September 27, or catch the opening of the “On a Roll” photo exhibition, inspired by Transylvania Express (Erdély Expressz), on September 12. The Flow Balaton creative community launches a major interdisciplinary art show on September 5, and theater lovers can enjoy everything from children’s musicals like Peter Pan (October 20 and 21) to sharp-witted stand-up nights: Péter Janklovics’s “Life Is Different” (Az élet más, September 25, $14.80–$17.20) and Dr. Kitti Almássy’s thought-provoking talk on October 8.
Don’t overlook the science crowd—László Mérő will give a humorous deep-dive into artificial intelligence on November 5 ($21.30–$22.10). Music lovers are covered, too, with concerts such as Zorán’s 2025 tour ($40.30) and the popular Lovasi Trio (November 7, $15.90–$21.30).
Something for Every Season
It’s not just about the big events. Every week, you’ll find open-air play sessions for kids, guided tours, creative days, and interactive palace experiences. The message is clear: whether you’re heading to Keszthely or already living nearby, Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) is the place to be—no matter your age or interests.
Expect more than just a palace: expect hands-on fun, cultural treasures, and the kind of magical surprises that only happen by the lake.
