Programme guide: Best summer festivals around Lake Balaton in 2024

Now that summer is here and the festival season is upon us, in addition to the most famous Hungarian festival, Sziget, the area around Lake Balaton is also home to many festivals. There’s an event almost every week where you can recharge your batteries or let off some steam dancing to good music. From jazz to folk music and techno, almost every genre is on the list, as well as theatre and cultural events.

Heineken Balaton Sound (3-6 July)

Heineken Balaton Sound is one the most anticipated party festivals in Hungary and all over Europe in summer, with the stunning panoramic view of Lake Balaton and the sunset during the evening parties, but the daytime activities are just as attractive as the festival’s vibrant scenery and range of services. Marshmello, Paul Kalkbrenner, Timmy Trumpet, James Hype, the Lost Frequencies, John Newman and Purple Disco Machine are among the list of the festival’s performers. For more information, visit the event’s website here.

INOTA Focus (12-13 July)

After last year’s success, this year techno fans can return to Inota, the town near Veszprém on 12 and 13 July, which will once again be filled with new-wave techno and boundary-pushing electronic music. According to the organisers, this time the event will not be held in the entire Inota Power Plant area, but in the cosy Turbina Hall, a 6,000-square-metre glass-brick-lined venue. Performers include Ben Frost: Scope Neglect AV show ft. Greg Kubacki & Tarik Barri, Khidi Showcase: Schwefelgelb, Ancient Methods, Neux, Boston 168 (BPitch Control) and DJ Hyperdrive (BCCO). For more information, click here.

Veszprém Fest (16-20 July)

Photo: FB / VeszprémFest

VeszprémFest is an annual festival held in Veszprém every July that brings together stars of jazz, soul, blues, world music and opera from Hungary and abroad. Its aim is to gather performers who have confidently taken to the stages of Europe and the world. Fortunately, this has been successfully accomplished every year since 2002. This year’s acts include Milky Chance, José Cura, Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter and Toto. For more information, visit the event’s website here.

Valley of Arts (19-28 July)

Between 19-28 July 2024, the 33rd Valley of Arts Festival (Művészetek Völgye) will take place in Kapolcs, Vigántpetend and Taliándörögd, the largest and oldest all-arts event in the Balaton Highlands. The ten-day festival offers nearly 2200 special programmes. Among other things, the organisers welcome guests with concerts of popular music, jazz, world music, folk music and classical music, theatre performances, literary evenings, a full day of colourful children’s programmes, green programmes, community programmes, and interactive games. For more information, visit the festival’s website here.

Street Music Festival Veszprém (24-27 July)

The Utcazene Festival (Street Music Festival) is the time when the city of Veszprém comes to life the most, because walking through the city centre, at any corner or passage, you can meet a performer who will captivate you with their music or unusual performance. In the last few years, many foreign street musicians have been visiting Veszprém, so those in the town in July during Utcazene will be treated to an unforgettable world music experience. For more information, click here.

Paloznaki Jazzpiknik (1-3 August)

Photo: FB / Paloznaki Jazzpiknik

From 1-3 August 2024, an event for jazz, funk, pop and soul will take place on the side of the Paloznak vineyard. In addition to concerts by international stars of jazz, funk and soul, as well as local artists, the picturesque Balaton Highlands will offer a special gastronomic experience. On 2 August The Brand New Heavies, the uncrowned king of funk, and Tony Hadley, former lead singer of the Spandau Ballet, will be among the acts. On 3 August, the Dutch pop group Son Mieux will perform, followed by Morcheeba. For more information, visit Jazzpiknik’s website here.

Strand Festival (22-24 August)

Between 22-24 August, the Strand Festival will be back in Zamárdi. This year’s line-up includes Chase & Status, Elderbrook, and Hungarian acts such as Azahriah, Beton.Hofi, Krúbi, Pogány Induló, Carson Coma, Dzsúdló, Analog Balaton, Hiperkarma and Platon Karataev. The proximity of the lake and the beautiful setting add to the experience. For more information and tickets, click here.

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