This weekend is going to be merciless like winter heating bills: each outdoor event comes with the word "IF" (written in capital letters), because the monster that weather is has completely abandoned us. The cold wave and the blanket of clouds over the country will probably continue soaking us, turning all the harvest feasts into wet t-shirt contests (folk version. But never fear! We brought you some indoor events as well.

FRIDAY

Hungarian Song Day - Hévíz (12-14.09.)

This year, it's Hévíz's turn to be the capital of Hungarian Song, which means Back II Black and Beatrice concerts, talent show finals and a Trabant meeting. The Trabant meeting is no joke, it's part of the When the Iron Curtain was lifted… event that starts at 3 PM on Saturday. The weekend will revolve around Hungarian music and songs, which includes the premier of the new Hungarian movie Swing, the screening of another Hungarian musical production Made in Hungária, trips aboard the Boat of Hungarian Song with tunes from the 1960ies and meet and greet with instrument makers.

The Great Sports Selector - Siófok (12-13.09.)

Families had better be prepared for Saturday, as Friday is mostly for kindergarten groups in the nationwide Great Sports Selector. Don't worry, you won't have to hold the umbrella above the head of your kid while he learns how to properly pass the ball, as the gym of the Beszédes József Elementary School will shelter everyone if needed.

Balatonman Triathlon Festival - Balatonkenese (12-14.09.)

At the beginning of summer, there were Balatonman competitions in Balatonfüred, and now people who'd like to run a marathon after having swum about 4 km and ridden about 180 km will gather in Balatonkenese. There will of course be light distances as well, so beginners have to tackle 1 km swimming, 32.5 km cycling and 7 km running. One would believe that the competitors at such events followed some extremely crazy diet, but no: the menu of the weekend starts with a Friday pasta party (with e.g. smoked salmon pasta), continues with bogrács goulash or Hungarian-stlye lecsó on Saturday, and ends with teh Balatonman Cake and Somlói noodles on Sunday..

Irie Maffia concert - Veszprém (12.09.)

Nothing can be cooler than having Irie Maffia as your alternative programme in case of rain, but one of the best live acts of Hungary will neither disappoint you in case it's bright and shiny. At their Friday show in Hangvilla Expresszó, Veszprém, they will be accompanied by Mary Popkids.

SATURDAY

Harvest Festivals - Badacsony, Gyenesdiás, Szentbékkálla and Mindszentkálla, Zalakaros (13-14.09.)

One of our favourite spots, Pegazus will also participate in the harvest parade of Szentbékkálla and Mindszentkálla, and we are pretty curious how the rain will go together with the Őszülő Halánték Choir, the local wines, the bogrács dishes and the Auguszt scones at Pegazus. The Badacsonyi Circle presents a must celebration in the cooperation of four wonderful cellars (Váli Pince, Istvándy Borműhely, Szeremley Winehouse and the host, Laposa Winery), with the Csík band on the 50th anniversary of the harvest parade. Gyenesdiás celebrates with folk dance and a fair, and a bit farther away, Zalakaros has the same plans, under the title grab-the-grape.

SEHA League - MKB-MVM Veszprém - RK Vardar Skopje (13.09.)

Saturday also comes with a bunch of great indoor programmes - if you can still get hold of a ticket, that is. This season, MKB Veszprém will not play in the Hungarian league, but in the SEHA League that brings together Central European and Balkan handball teams, and is sponsored by Gazprom. The strength of the MKB is apparent from the fact that after three rounds and three victories it is top of the table. This Saturday however brings a real test of strength: Veszprém is up against the also unbeaten Vardar Skopje.

PackBeach - Balatonfűzfő (13.09.)

PackBeach is a great initiative: Saturday in Fűzfő "goes to the dogs", as they will be allowed to bathe in the Balaton. The beach transforms into a kind of dog wellness department for a day with swimming contests, physiotherapy consultations, beauty contests and canine IQ tests. But hold your dogs for a moment! This all depends on the weather.

Bio-Gardening Weekends in the Krishna Valley - Somogyvámos (13-14.09.)

We have already discussed why the Krishna Valley was an island of peace and hospitality. They have come up with weekends on which they teach you the ropes of setting up and cultivating a fully organic garden. Arrive on Friday afternoon, attend lectures Saturday and Sunday morning, and immerse yourself into practice in the afternoons. The price of 14 500 HUF includes the accommodation, the catering and the tutoring. Check beforehand whether or not places are still available, and if you cannot make it this time, register for 20-21 or 27-28 September.