When it comes to unforgettable cultural experiences, Festetics Palace in Keszthely isn’t holding anything back in 2025. From the height of summer well into autumn, this stunning Hungarian Baroque monument and its picturesque grounds are absolutely packed with events for everyone—kids, adults, families, and devoted hobbyists alike.
Hands-On Fun, All Summer Long
From August 25 to 31, creativity takes center stage at the Amazon House Visitor Center with the “World of Bricks” (“Kockák Világa”) exhibition. This LEGO-powered fantasyland is where childhood dreams come to life. On display are intricate dioramas, from Pirate Islands to both wintry and summery Friends worlds, custom-built sailboats, Wild West adventures, and legendary Star Wars battle scenes—including the icy battle on the planet Hoth.
If the kids prefer action over aesthetics, they can dive into themed playhouse days throughout the week. Test animal knowledge with tricky quizzes (what’s a male cat called, anyway?), join a thrilling treasure hunt winding through palace rooms and gardens, or show off strategy skills at the ever-popular UNO Party. There’s even a “Green Day,” where creative hands give new life to old items, painting pebbles and mastering the napkin technique in the name of upcycling.
Meanwhile, older mystery lovers can compete for detective glory at the sold-out Castle Crime interactive investigation. The challenge: to discover who will emerge as one of Hungary’s top 50 private investigators, all in the palace’s grand halls.
The Balaton Beckons: Adventure Awaits
Not everything happens within the palace walls. Throughout late August and September, the shimmering waters of Lake Balaton (Balaton) invite everyone to get away from it all, with daily pleasure boat rides departing from the harbor. Guided canoe tours from the Little Balaton Visitor Center (Kis-Balaton Látogatóközpont) offer up-close encounters with unspoiled nature, while hikers can join expert-led excursions to the István Fekete Memorial Site (Fekete István Emlékhely) and Uncle Matula’s Hut (Matula bácsi kunyhója) on Diás Island (Diás-sziget)—classic touchstones for lovers of Hungarian literature.
Outdoors enthusiasts of all ages will love the “Outdoor Play” (“Játék a szabadban”) weeks, featuring games and activities under the open sky from late August through the crisp days of fall.
Classic Cars, Art, and Stars
September 6–7 brings a touch of old-school glamour as the Festetics Concours d’Elegance parks its parade of beautiful vintage cars (all pre-1960) on the estate. For art lovers, September’s calendar is packed: the “Between Heaven and Earth” (“Ég és föld között”) group art exhibit opens September 5 courtesy of the Flow Balaton collective, followed by themed photography at “In Motion” (“Lendületben”) and all-genre performances from the 23rd edition of the Keszthely Dance Panorama (Keszthelyi Táncpanorama). Shows like “Transylvania Express,” “Café Brasil,” and “Scenes from a Marriage” (“Jelenetek a házasságról”) round out the lineup, with tickets priced between $9.50 and $16.20.
September 7 offers something cosmic—a chance to see a full lunar eclipse through telescopes by the lake, a true bucket-list evening.
Theater, Comedy, and More
Around mid-September, the famous Zorán Tour lights up the stage, with tickets at $41. Multigenerational tales like “Hansel and Gretel” (“Jancsi és Juliska”), stand-up shows from veterans like Péter Aranyosi (Aranyosi Péter) and Péter Janklovics (Janklovics Péter), and impressive lectures (don’t miss Dr. Kitti Almássy’s “Unfinished Threads” (“Elvarratlan szálak”) on October 8) promise thought-provoking entertainment.
October and November keep the excitement going: murder mysteries like “The Ackroyd Murder” (“Az Ackroyd-gyilkosság”), science-inspired stand-up by LászlĂł MĂ©rĹ‘ on artificial intelligence ($21.80+), concerts from the Lovasi Trio, and the ever-popular DumaszĂnház (DumaszĂnház) comedy nights.
Workshops, Musicals & Good Old-Fashioned Fun
Skill-seekers can get hands-on with unique workshops, including a one-day upholstery class, while music fans can sing along to hits at “Peter Pan – The Fairy Tale Musical in One Act” (“Pán Péter – Mesemusical egy részben”). New exhibitions, lively lectures, and creative events fill up the weeks, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Even as the leaves turn, outdoor games continue, boat cruises set sail, and tours venture out into Little Balaton’s (Kis-Balaton) timeless landscapes, right up until early November.
Festetics Palace in Keszthely is making 2025 a year where history, creativity, and fun blend seamlessly. Whether you’re hunting pirate treasure, solving a crime, strolling among vintage cars, or gazing at the moon, there’s a seat with your name on it—just be sure to book early.
