The Festetics Palace (Festetics Kastély) in Keszthely is turning up the excitement for 2025, filling its elegant halls and sprawling gardens with a packed calendar of events, exhibitions, and open-air experiences. Whether you’re five or eighty-five, there’s something magical to draw you in, from art and games to mystery and motor shows.
Kockák Világa (World of Bricks) Exhibit: Where Imagination Has No Limits
All week from August 25 to 31, the Amazon House Visitor Center (Amazon Ház Látogatóközpont) hosts the Kockák Világa (World of Bricks) Exhibit. It’s a world where dreams and fairy tales are built before your eyes—in miniature. Dioramas made of tiny bricks bring favorite childhood worlds (and a few for grown-ups) to life: Pirate Island, Friends scenes in winter and summer, custom sailboats, Wild West adventures, and the icy Star Wars battle from the planet Hoth all appear in brick form. Kids and adults alike will revel in the nostalgia and creativity on display.
History, Games, and Outdoor Fun: Themed Kids’ Days
On August 28, a series of lively historical playhouse days for kids kicks off. There’s a quiz on animal trivia—learn fun facts about male cats and more while solving playful puzzles. On August 29, it’s Treasure Hunt Day, letting families roam the palace halls and gardens in search of clues, making for an active and memorable outing.
Then, August 30 offers plenty of variety: an UNO PARTY challenges participants to shed their cards the fastest, while the Green Day event focuses on upcycling and creativity, where napkin art and stone painting encourage new uses for old things. That same day, the sold-out Palace Crime event brings 50 of Hungary’s top private detectives to the scene, creating an interactive whodunit in the grand setting.
The Automobile Takes the Stage: Festetics Concours d’Elegance
On the weekend of September 6-7, vintage elegance and horsepower rule the scene at the Festetics Concours d’Elegance. This classic car beauty contest welcomes only vehicles made before 1960, showcasing the unique lines and craftsmanship of each model. The palace grounds provide the perfect backdrop to step back into the golden age of motoring.
Nightlife and Cultural Highlights
Culture-seekers won’t be left out. September 20 marks the Autumn Night of Museums, when Keszthely’s institutions open their doors after dark, offering a rare, atmospheric glimpse into Hungary’s heritage. The city’s events calendar heats up through September with performances like Hansel and Gretel (Jancsi és Juliska) by the Bozsik Yvette Company, “Transylvania Express” and Café Brasil by acclaimed dance troupes, and a photo exhibition launch titled In Motion (Lendületben), capturing the visual drama of the Transylvania Express performance.
Families can gather for outdoor games week after week, while those craving the water can escape on nostalgic BAHART Helka steamboat cruises that regularly depart for relaxing trips on Lake Balaton—often as part of the “Culture Ship” (Kulthajó) program.
Guided Nature Adventures: Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton) Tours and Canoe Trips
The Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton) Visitor Center offers tailored guided excursions almost every week from late August well into autumn. Knowledgeable guides lead trips to the István Fekete Memorial (Fekete István Emlékhely) and Matula Uncle’s (Matula bácsi) iconic hut on Diás Island, made famous by beloved Hungarian literature. For the more adventurous, there are guided canoe tours across the Little Balaton’s (Kis-Balaton) waterways—an up-close way to soak in the region’s stunning wetland landscapes.
Concerts, Theater, and More Throughout Autumn
Big names appear too. In September, Zorán brings his national tour, while Dumaszínház delivers comedy with Péter Janklovics, Dániel Mogács, and others. Ballet lovers can enjoy “Scenes from a Marriage” performed by the Szeged Contemporary Ballet, and on October 20-21, the musical Peter Pan (Pán Péter) delights families.
Saturdays often feature Carpentry workshops for the crafty, while astronomers will love the opportunity to view the lunar eclipse by telescope at Lake Balaton on September 7.
Something for Every Interest and Age
No matter when you’re in town, Festetics Palace (Festetics Kastély) and Keszthely keep the options wide open: outdoor play weeks continue into November; exhibitions rotate; and the palace recommends regular breaks with a Balaton boat ride. And for those who love music, November brings the Lovasi Trio—Lovasi András, Róbert Farkas, and György Heidl—performing in concert. No need to worry about missing out—there’s always something next on the list.
In 2025, Keszthely’s Festetics Palace (Festetics Kastély) isn’t just for sightseeing—it’s a dazzling hub where history, creativity, and community come together all year long.
