18–27 July, Valley of Arts, Balaton Uplands

The 34th edition of the largest all-art festival of Hungary is unique in many ways. It is a legendary event: it was the first to transform village yards and barns into exhibition areas and concert halls. It offers the widest selection of programmes in the country with nearly 3500 events in 40 locations, last year with 100 000 people! And it is situated in a wine region, of course, in the stunning Balaton Uplands wine region! Whether you are an expat in Budapest or a tourist wandering around, this festival will add a lot to your stayin Hungary, do not miss it!
Photos: @muveszetekvolgye

Hide in a barn or dance at a grand stage

The festival offers the most diverse programmes for adults and kids, young and old. Environment and dog friendly, and every site is available for people with wheel chairs.
As the organisers point out, “English-speaking Valley staff are available at information points to assist you with any questions. You can also seek help from the security staff stationed at each venue.”
There is an official Valley shuttle called ‘Csigabusz’ (Snail Bus’), it operates throughout the day between the Valley and nearby villages. Wristband holders can use the bus free of charge.
The detailed bus schedule is available on page 98 of the event brochure, and you can track the real time bus schedule via the Művészetek Völgye app.
There are several types of tickets, a daily ticket is 13 500 HUF (around 34 EUR).
Festival goers can pay by cards.
Most of the performers are Hungarian, but foreign stars will also participate, for example the band Franz Ferdinand from the UK on the 20th of July. If you like folk and world music, Bohemian Betyárs and Aurovoir are highly recommended.
Find more information on the website of the event

Stones all around

Balaton Uplands or in other texts Balaton Highlands is one of the regions around Lake Balaton, with the main focus on white varieties, most of all Olaszrizling. The Valley of Arts festival takes place in three villages: Kapolcs, Taljándörögd and Vigándpetend. Earlier, Monostorapáti was part of the festival as well. Kapolcs, the “capital of the festival” is the door of the wine region on the east border, a border to cross: you will find picturesque villages of small wineries and restaurants offering local food and wine. Köveskál is one the most charming ones, and as the name suggests, (‘köves’ means ‘stony’), you will find buildings made of stone, and restaurants with a name including the word ‘kő’ (‘stone1).

Pálffy Cellar is one of the estates not to miss with great Olaszrizling wines and the bottle fermented sparkling wine made of Furmint is a must. Our favourite restaurant is Kővirág (meaning ‘Stone Flower’), they have a great selection of wines from the North Shore of Balaton.

Read more about the wine region