It’s back again: the Nature’s Opera House Festival at Lake Tisza (Természet Operaháza Tisza-tavi Fesztivál) celebrates its twelfth year from August 1 to 3, 2025, promising its signature dose of open-air “music therapy.” Sun, song, cycling, rowing, running—this festival blends live culture with the wild and wind in your hair. With everyone glued to screens and boxed into four walls, the chance to pedal, jog, or paddle your way between lakeside concerts might be just the remedy you need.
Music Under the Open Sky
Things kick off Friday night (August 1) in the main square of Tiszafüred at 7 pm, with the To’Pera Gala Concert lighting up the outdoor stage. Legendary Hungarian soprano Erika Miklósa (recipient of the Kossuth, Franz Liszt, and St. Stephen Awards, as well as a lifetime member of the Society of Immortals) headlines, joined by students from the Quintessence Master School. The show is directed by actor-musician-songwriter Péter Novák (Jászai Mari Prize) and hosted by Bea Csete. The best part? The entire grand gala is completely free, though expect the unexpected—lineup changes are possible.
Cycle, Eat, Listen, Repeat
Saturday (August 2) is all about wheels and music. For $16, cyclists can join a tour around Lake Tisza, starting from the Cycling Center in Tiszafüred (registration from 8–9 am, rollout at 9 am). At each stop, a new artist performs: accordionist Zoltán Orosz at the Dolphin Dock in Poroszló, actor-singer duo Mátyás Dósa and Péter Harna at Sarud, Harmónia Award-winner Imre Vadkerti at Tiszanána, and more. Midday brings lunch at the Lépcső Bistro by the Kisköre Fish Ladder, with performances from Fonogram Award-winner Attila László and Sylvia Agárdi, who holds the Golden Bell (Aranyharang) and Iván Szenes awards. There’s a whirlwind of acts—pop, folk, opera, jazz—at every stop: from Linda Király at the Abádszalók beach, to opera’s Zoltán Nyári and the Tavirózsa Folk Choir at Tiszaderzs; the Kurul Drummers, Antal Gábor Szűcs, and Kormorán’s Péter Gál top it all off. Cyclists return around 6:55 pm.
Picnic and Paddle for the Finale
Sunday (August 3) is pure family fun. At Kisköre’s Fish Ladder, beside the specialties at Lépcső Bistro, the Family Lake Picnic and Boat Day launches at 10 am. Local groups delight: the Hungarian Kayak-Canoe Federation puts on rafting demonstrations, there’s a crafts market, fishing for kids, dog training shows, and horse-drawn rides. Kids and parents can bounce on inflatables or dance to the Alma Band—all while jazz, blues, and musical theatre stars provide entertainment. Again, hosted by Bea Csete. No ticket is needed—just show up and soak it in.
Organizers remind everyone: dates and performers may still change, so watch for updates before lacing up your shoes or laying out your picnic blanket.
