Valentine's Day weekend (14 and 15 Febr)
There are luckily a number of Balaton options for celebrating Valentine's Day, some of which we discussed in this article, plus here you can find additional events. Magashegyi Underground concert, a carnival ball, or an aspic beauty contest? It's impossible to choose!
Fat Tuesday doughnut party in Gyenesdiás (17 Febr)
Doughnuts on Fat Tuesday are no novelty: this is a tradition that is pleasant to preserve. In Gyenesdiás, the related event will be held at the József Attila LIbrary - and if neither the doughnut queen, nor the wine king title seem inspiring, you can still follow the footsteps of Homer Simpson and go after the doughnuts.
Fat Thursday (19 Febr)
So far, 32 Balaton restaurants signalled its participation in the large-scale feast, including spots we also recommend, like Kistücsök, Mala Garden, or Tóth Vendéglő. It is simple: you'll have to eat the places out of what they have, and you can do it at half price on Thursday, 19 February,
3rd Budapest Fish Festival - Budapest, Vajdahunyad Castle (19 - 22 Febr)
We now direct everyone to Budapest, since the 3rd Budapest Fish Festival will focus on the Balaton region and the pike-perch. You can enjoy various specialities from Fat Thursday through Sunday, continue debating the question whether the fish soup of Szeged or Baja is better, taste BBQ spiced salmon or roast catfish. The entry is free, and you are also encouraged to joint the Saturday cooking contest.
Bin-Jip album première - Veszprém and Anna & The Barbies - Kaposvár (21 Febr)
We have already mentioned that concerts do not stop for the winter, although you might have to drive a bit farther from the Lake at this time of the year. In February, head to Veszprém for the Bin-Jip album première or to Kaposvár for the Anna & the Barbies night. It's a pity they are n the same day.
Winter aconite phytogeography tour - Balatonfüred and Treading on Dolomite: a hike to the Berzsenyi lookout tower - Gyenesdiás (21 Febr)
Strolling is always pleasant,e specially if you happen to meet Gaia on the way. Such encounters are literally unavoidable at Lake Balaton. You can enjoy a somewhat early end-of-winter tour in Füred (6-8 km) or join those treading on dolomite near Gyenesdiás, right up the Berzsenyi lookout tower.
Wine dinner at the Laposa Winery - Badacsonytomaj (21 Febr)
Laposa wines need no introduction, and just imagine the additional stove-baked duck legs and the Welschriesling cake. These plus a 9-wine flight constitute the wine dinner of the Laposa Winery. Booking an accommodation or a car is highly recommended.
Here, you shouldn't expect fancy dishes, but great wines by a bunch of important wineries, from Légli through Szent Donát to Kreinbacher. The venue this time is not a cellar, but the Balaton Museum full of interactive gadgets.
BFO Chamber Orchestra - Veszprém (23 Febr)
One of the best examples of non-light music concerts by Lake Balaton is the concert of the Chamber Orchestra of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Although the conductor is someone other than Iván Fischer this time, having György Kurtág Jr. play certainly helps with performing György Kurtág Sr. pieces.
Good news is Balatonfüred has made it to the best 16 of the men's handball EHF Cup, but this also means that it has to play in larger venues than its own sports hall. The larger capacity of the Veszprém Arena means more fans and discount tickets.
Picasso and Jean Cocteau exhibition - Balatonfüred (beginning of March)
According to the diary, Picasso will arrive to Balatonfüred in the spring. There is no fixed date yet for the opening of the exhibition at the Vaszary Gallery, but it will include pieces from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts and objcts never seen before. The Spanish master will also appear on photographs taken by Jean Cocteau in WWI.