Ready to bid farewell to summer in style? VárLak Festival, the largest multidisciplinary festival in Palócföld (Land of the Palóc), returns in 2025, bringing five days of concerts, culture, food, and fun to the enchanting courtyard of Fülek Castle (Fiľakovo Castle) from August 27 to 31. With four venues offering non-stop entertainment, this event stands out as the hottest ticket of the season for music lovers, culture enthusiasts, and families alike.
Lineup Highlights: Who’s Bringing the Beats?
The festival doesn’t skimp on star power, featuring a mix of Hungary’s most beloved bands and up-and-coming performers. This year’s headliners include explosive rock group Tankcsapda, the legendary Edda (Edda Művek), cult favorite ByeAlex and the Slepp (ByeAlex és a Slepp), MC sensation Beton.Hofi, and folk powerhouse Parno Graszt. Also hitting the stage: Desh, the world-renowned 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra (100 Tagú Cigányzenekar), Dánielfy, Tamás Molnár (Molnár Tamás), Gypo Circus, Ritmusa, Magyar Banda, András Nagy Csomor (Nagy Csomor András) and his band, Generáció Dance Workshop (Generáció Táncműhely) dance troupe, Jóvilágvan, Kingfishers, Fruzsi Ács (Ács Fruzsi), comedian Péter Janklovics (Janklovics Péter), and many more surprises.
The daily schedule ensures that every musical taste gets its moment. Wednesday warms up with KalapJakab, Brand Nyúl, and a family picnic. Thursday brings Desh, Parno Graszt, Dánielfy, and Jóvilágvan. Friday turns up the excitement with Tankcsapda, Edda, Tamás Molnár, Péter Janklovics, Kingfishers, and Gypo Circus. Saturday delivers ByeAlex and the Slepp, Beton.Hofi, Magyar Banda, Ritmusa, Fruzsi Ács, and András Nagy Csomor with his band. Sunday closes with breathtaking performances from the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra and the Generáció Dance Workshop.
Tickets and Passes: Plan Your Fest
For those wanting it all, the full five-day festival pass is about $71 for adults and $33 for children, allowing entry to every venue and show. But plan ahead: five-day passes can’t be bought during the festival or at the gate, so secure yours early!
Prefer to be selective? Daily tickets vary by lineup:
- Wednesday: $8.70 for adults, $4.40 for kids
- Thursday and Friday: $25 for adults, $14 for kids
- Friday Pajta pass: $8.70 for adults, $4.40 for kids (for Tamás Molnár, Gypo Circus, Kingfishers, Péter Janklovics only)
- Saturday: $25 for adults, $14 for kids
- Saturday Folk+Pajta: $8.70 for adults, $4.40 for kids
- Sunday: $23 for adults, $13 for kids
Buy early, plan your weekend, and avoid disappointment!
Stay Close: Accommodation Options
There’s no shortage of unique places to stay near the festival. For large groups seeking privacy, consider a FATOSZ-certified guesthouse—accommodating up to eight guests in two cozy rooms. After recent renovations, their rural ranch offers horseback rides, cuddly animals, and even horse-drawn carriage tours of nearby forests and villages. In winter, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Budding archers, young and old, can test their skills with traditional bows.
Apoka Guesthouse (Apoka Vendégház) in Bárna, near Salgótarján, is another top pick. Quiet and surrounded by forest, it’s perfect for escaping city life. Their hunting lodge, on private grounds, offers nine suites for up to 27 guests, with a communal dining room, kitchen, and its own wine cellar. After a day of adventure, guests savor specialties like wild boar, venison, and the chef’s signature dishes.
If you prefer a homier vibe, head to Berek Inn (Berek Fogadó) in Mátranovák, right in the village center. The garden pool cools you off after sun-filled days, and both international and home-style cuisine are served in the restaurant.
The Family-Friendly Factor
Many guesthouses in the region cater to families, featuring playgrounds with sandpits and slides, fenced yards for peace of mind, and grilling stations for cookouts. Most offer multiple independent apartments with two bedrooms each, equipped kitchens, covered terraces, and even a shared pool. Some are nestled right on the edge of forests, offering fishing, hiking, and tranquil vistas—one spot even boasts a 320-square-foot terrace overlooking a little stream.
For larger events or just a hearty meal, visit the celebrated Galcsik Pension and Restaurant (Galcsik Panzió és Étterem) in Salgótarján. Their 30 rooms and traditional Palóc flavors pair perfectly with attentive service, separate event halls, and a charming summer terrace.
The family-friendly inn in Karancsberény comes fully equipped for all seasons: radiator heating, AC, a wood-burning fireplace, and a garden designed for hot tubs, grilling, and fire pits.
Food, Drinks, and More
Festival vendors and local restaurants go above and beyond with their food and drink selections. The renowned CORNER offers a modern spin on classic Hungarian cuisine, celebrated for creativity and flavor—plus, their pizzas are a hit from Wednesday to Sunday. Don’t miss out on desserts; their creations have twice won Hungary’s Cake of the Year contest.
For bites in town, try the riverside bistro in Salgótarján, seating 80 inside and 20 more on the terrace. Their menu mixes regional, Hungarian, and international classics—perfect for a pre-show feast. St. James Restaurant (Szent Jakab Étterem) at Saint Well (Szentkút) is open daily with Hungarian favorites, game meats, and plenty of vegetarian options, ideal for family gatherings or corporate events.
And for wine lovers, Tarján Wine House (Tarján Borház) is the best local spot to sample Carpathian Basin handcrafted wines—combine a tasting session with festival nights for the ultimate summer sendoff.
Key Info and Pro Tips
Organizers reserve the right to make changes to the program or timing, so always double-check before you go. VárLak Festival’s legendary blend of culture, music, and community spirit makes it the can’t-miss event to cap off your summer—not just for locals, but for anyone eager to experience the magic of Palócföld (Land of the Palóc) in full swing.
