From October 23 to November 2, the Historical Playhouse transforms autumn break into an adventure for families and kids. Every day offers something completely different, so try them all if you can!
Every Day a New Thrill at the Historical Playhouse
Mondays kick off with retro storybook slide projections at 10:00 and 15:00. Forget Netflix—curl up for your favorite fairy tales, vintage-style. Tuesdays are for board game showdowns; bring family and friends and compete for bragging rights as Queen or King of Games. Wednesdays let you unleash your inner hero—choose your favorite story character for a glitter tattoo or face painting by enthusiastic entertainers. On Thursday, it’s quiz time! Test your knowledge with animal, fairy tale, and playful trivia, with prizes up for grabs. Fridays challenge your detective skills with a scavenger hunt full of surprises and clues—will you find them all?
Saturdays are UNO party days—who will be the fastest to clear their cards? Sundays are “Green Days:” get hands-on with upcycling projects, napkin art, and rock painting. Instead of more screen time, kids enjoy real-life laughter, genuine experiences, and new friendships. Families are welcome, and every child is a guest of honor!
Autumn Adventures in the Castle: Exhibits, Sleep-Ins, and Halloween Scares
Between October 24 and November 2, Festetics Castle (Festetics-kastély) throws open its grand doors to its permanent exhibitions (closed Nov 1). Every day from 10:00 to 17:00, enjoy unique guided tours. At 11:00, explore carriages, coaches, and automobiles, discovering the aristocratic lifestyle on the exclusive Carriage Exhibition (Hintókiállítás) tour. At 13:00, a special tour of the Hunting Exhibition explains why “hunting is vital for conservation.” By 14:30, check out the “Night Lights in the Historic Model Train Exhibition.” Meanwhile, the castle’s north wing, including the ballrooms, suites, and the Venetian Mirror Hall, is open to the public.
Sleep-In Theater: Magic Under the Covers
On October 25, the Sleep-In Theater with Angéla Eke (Eke Angéla) promises stories told from plush bed-like installations, not stiff chairs. Pre-register and arrive at 16:00 for Act 1 or 20:00 for Act 2. Once tucked in, Angéla Eke herself reads aloud a special story, giving you space to unwind, relax, and enjoy the enchantment. All this magic happens on dreamy bedding hand-painted by Anna Amélie in the castle’s most peaceful room.
Get Creative with the Family
Also on October 25, from 14:30–17:30, the Playhouse becomes a design workshop. Parents and kids work together to create custom shirt prints—bring a blank shirt, bring your best ideas, and leave with a one-of-a-kind fashion statement. The workshop is led by Zsolt Bankó, art teacher and graphic artist.
Model Train Magic and Detective Challenges
October 26 is all about autumn diorama crafting in the Model Train Exhibition. Meet the exhibition builders, learn model train basics, and create your own scene to amaze your friends.
On November 15 and December 20, a full-day “Detective Train Challenge” puts kids’ observation skills to the test: discover hidden scenes on the model railway, use your phone as a magnifying glass, and earn a reward for every sharp-eyed sleuth who cracks the code. When you’re done, hop on the miniature train, then relax at the Playhouse with crafts and board games.
Things that Go Bump: Halloween Nights at the Castle
From October 28 to 30, with group entries at 18:00 and 19:30 (max 25 per group; tickets available at the castle or online), Festetics Castle (Festetics-kastély) reveals its darker side. Night settles over centuries-old walls as shadows flit down haunted corridors and the secrets of the past come alive. These exclusive Halloween Nights are for brave visitors aged 14 and up!
Track Down Nature’s Clues
On October 30, join the Hunting Exhibition to learn how to track animals in the wild. Discover footprints, signs, and other telltale marks in fields, meadows, and deep reeds—nature detective work at its finest.
Halasi Lace & Santa’s Day Festivities
From November 30 to December 31, marvel at the intricate art of Halasi Lace (Halasi Csipke) in the North Wing’s special exhibition.
December 6 brings a magical Santa’s Day from 10:00–18:00 at the Playhouse. Build treats for the reindeer, bake buttery cookies for Santa, write your wish-list letters, hop on the Santa Train (ticket included), and at 16:00, gather together to sing so that Santa is sure to find you!
Castle Crime! Interactive Murder-Mystery Evenings
On December 27 and 28 at 18:00 in Festetics Castle (Festetics-kastély), dive into a Castle Crime event—a real-life whodunit for up to 50 amateur sleuths (14+ only; $52 per person, includes welcome drink and sweet/savory bites). Work alone or team up with friends to solve a fiendish murder with clues, evidence, and sharp reasoning. The winning team walks away with a surprise!
Whether you’re after fairy tales, hands-on crafts, spine-tingling fright nights, or captivating mysteries, Festetics Castle and the Historical Playhouse have autumn and early winter covered for kids, teens, and adults alike. Get out, unplug, and make memories in Keszthely!
