Kerekdomb (Round Hill) Festival is gearing up to crown the end of the festival season for the tenth time in 2025—and this year it’s truly going all out. From September 19 to 21, the beautiful wine village of Tállya in the Tokaj-Hegyalja (Tokaj Foothills) region transforms into a vibrant playground, blending the energetic vibes of summer with the enchanting colors of autumn. After months of lakeside gatherings, September’s arrival offers a new kind of magic tailor-made for cozy yet electric experiences.
Wine, Music, Theater, and Endless Surprises
Kerekdomb (Round Hill) isn’t just about the music—though, fair warning, there’s plenty of it. The village’s vineyards and cellars come alive with literary events, theater performances, and, not least, unique wine tastings that can win over anyone who claims not to like wine. If you’re after more than just easy listening, you’ll get your fix with an inspiring mix of concerts, spirited discussions, book readings, and thought-provoking workshops. And for those who need to burn off the great food and drink, the festival offers walks through Tállya’s hills, kayaking on the Bodrog River, as well as runs and cycling tours.
Main Acts and Fresh Sounds
On the Vincellér House (Vintner’s House) Main Stage, you’ll find well-known Hungarian music giants. Making a comeback after a break, Elefánt (Elephant) kicks things off, followed by the moody beats of Analog Balaton. Saturday is stacked: Szabó Balázs Bandája (Balázs Szabó’s Band), Péterfy Bori & Love Band, and 30Y are all performing. By Sunday afternoon, the stage gets a makeover and hosts the play “Házastársas” (Marriage Game) featuring Anita Ábel and Simon Szabó.
The Palota Wine House (Palace Wine House) is the hotspot for younger fans, showcasing Sisi, Lil Frakk, Duckshell, Fiúk (Boys), and QJÚB—the creative project of Miklós H. Vecsei. Up-and-coming acts from the Hangfoglaló Program (Sound Occupier Program), such as Kisbetűs Ünnepnapok (Lowercase Holidays), CIBI, and WXLFESS, round out the bill.
From Jazz to Intimate Gigs
At Szűcs Winery, Sunday’s headliner is Áron András, but before that, festival-goers can party to Jazzbois, Sena Dagadub, Swim Swim Naked, Palo Canto, Kale Lulugyi, Gently Da Spittah, and the Slovak band Jóvilágvan. For a cozy change of pace, Bagolyvár (Owl Castle) hosts acoustic sets from Libido, Ádám Beretka, Józsi Hegedűs, egy5egy (One5One), and Géem. Similar vibes are found at Nyerges Udvar (Coachman’s Courtyard), where Zsófi Kemény pairs up with Edina Szirtes, and performances include haidubianka, Villő és a Hűvös (Villő and the Cool), Myrstus Akusztik, and Nosnach!.
Events Off the Beaten Track
Mailloth Castle (Mailloth-kastély) hosts a whirlwind of programs, from charity wine tastings to films from the Malter Wandering Film Festival. Don’t miss the Slovak-Hungarian corner exhibit, a chat about Gen Z’s cultural habits, or the screening and discussion of “Testről és Lélekről” (On Body and Soul). These and more are powered by the Cross-Border Interreg grant, strengthening local culture with help from a partnership between Kerekdomb (Round Hill) Festival and Slovakia’s Gombaszögi Summer Camp. Upstairs, a digital art exhibit and lively discussions about the digital world and AI continue all weekend. Even the littlest festival-goers get shadow plays, musical singalongs, and children’s theater.
Art, Crafts, and Serious Performances
The Makers’ House (Alkotóház) is the place to get hands-on with local crafts and playful activities. Meanwhile, the Tokaj Art Wine Barka Gallery doubles as the home of the “Semmi és végtelen” (Nothing and Infinity) exhibition and the venue for musical-literary performances from Boglárka Csemer Boggie, Zsófi Kemény, and Anna Juhász. János Ávéd and Miklós H. Vecsei perform Visky András’ “Kitelepítés” (Deportation), while Szonja Oroszlán and Steve Hajdu present “Dalversek” (Song Poems).
Tállya goes into full festival mode: the Evangelical Church is filled with classical concerts and the Community House transforms into a theater, showing the Slovak Trepp Theater’s “Szebb, mint Ilona” (Prettier than Ilona), along with performances by János Háy and RS9 Theater’s Hungarian adaptation of Nick Hornby’s “Cicikrisztus” (Titty Christ).
Delicious Wines, Food, and Practical Info
What’s a Tokaj festival without serious wine and food? Dévabor, T3 Winery, Somszög Estate, Rózsa Winery (Rose Winery), Dudovics Winery, Próbakert Apartment Restaurant (Sample Garden Apartment Restaurant), Lindengarten Gastro Porta, and more of the wine passport route partners will have you sipping and sampling nonstop.
Tickets and Pricing
Grab your early-bird tickets before they’re gone, and good luck picking just one day. A three-day pass costs about $52 if you buy early, or $55 at the door, with single-day tickets priced at $9 (Sunday) and $22 (Friday & Saturday). Thirsty for discovery? The wine passport is $27, and camping is an extra $9 per person per night. Trail run entry is just $8 if you hurry. Organizers reserve the right to tweak dates and programs, but one thing’s for sure—Kerekdomb (Round Hill) is the ultimate excuse to stretch out summer just a little bit longer, autumn-style.
