The event series activating the entire Balaton returns on 2 May. Listing all the events would take up most of the internet, so we picked a few from cycling to theatre.
Bringamánia Tour de Balaton, Balatonföldvár
The largest cycling event of Lake Balaton starts yet again from Balatonföldvár on 2 May. The McDonald's Bringamánia Tour de Balaton is not a race, but a true Balaton critical mass ride for all. COmpleting the whole loop around the lake (206 km) is not compulsory, you can even opt for a 6-km route. Since there is no bike transport on trains from Lepsény due to the railway reconstruction on the south shore, the organizers provide free bike transfer from the Lepsény train station. If you're done biking, check out the Balaton Boat Show in the marina or the open paddle day at the Viharsarok Sailing Centre, offering free SUP and kayaking a corner away, held simultaneously.
Culture shock: Wine & Theatre, Keszthely
The programme of the Balaton Museum wishes to dig beyond traditional museum stuff. The events of the „Előnyári kalandok a Balaton Kultúrpalotában” (Pre-summer adventures at the Balaton Culture Palace) series combine various genres: on 2 May, theatre is mixed with wine. This doesn't mean some kind of an operetta with drinking songs. After numerous appearances abroad, Esztella Levkó will perform the monodrama Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, and the also well-travelled sommellier-vintner, Péter Gajdics presents a wine tasting titled 'Pop, rock, rosé'. Tickets are only sold in advance. In case the previous shows are sold out, pop over to the Balaton Theatre for a Félix Lajkó concert.
24th Jókai Days, Balatonfüred
Balatonfüred charms mainly with cultural events this weekend. The Jókai Days will be held for the 24th time in memoriam the most famous summer home owner of the city, novelist Mór Jókai. The programme starting on 29 April includes a guided tour of the Jókai Memorial House and a bean soup cooking contest in the Koloska Valley on Staurday, but our favourite is the talk by literary historian MIhály Praznovszky aboard the Jókai boat on 1 May. Mr. Praznovszky enchanted the participants of We Love Balaton's torch-lit tour of the city with wonderful stories last year.
Ganxsta Zolee és a Kartel, Balatonszárszó
Ganxsta Zolee has been rapping his mind for 20 years now, and has lifted the 8th District's rude rap to a canonized piece of Hungarian pop. The anniversary deserves a tour, so Zolee and his cartel will take the stage of Ssárszó's Csukás Theatre on 2 May. Before the show, check out the memorial house of another important lyrics writing giant, poet Attila József, it's close by.
Geotour of the peninsula of volcanoes and fiery wine, Tihany
What do the Tihany Peninsula and the tropical volcanic islands have in common? Pretty much everything. The geotour on 2 May will explain this in detail, while you walk from the boat stop far beyond the Abbey and the old town. The tour by the Balaton-felvidéki National Park ends at the Levendula Ház Visitor Centre. You can register by 4 pm on 1 May. As a warm-up, visit the Tihany PIAC marketplace, where producers, a bistro, live music and catfish paprikasch will help you prepare for the 4-hour walk.
Pancake Festival, Balatongyörök
There is nothing to add, really. A gigantic amount of pancakes will be cooked in the courtyard of the community centre in Balatongyörök from 1 PM on 2 May. The event is a contest as well, for the King and Queen of Pancake titles. Children programmes will make sure your kids would get rid off the consumed pancake calories. Before the festival, visit the workshop of crystal grinder Imre Kajdi to learn about his craft.
