As autumn paints the Tokaj wine region in golden hues, Tállya welcomes the Kerekdomb Festival, a vibrant celebration of music, wine, theatre, and community. Set for September 19 to 21, 2025, this festival invites visitors to enjoy Hungary’s finest wines, heartfelt performances, and the charm of a small village surrounded by vineyards. Held across historic wineries and open spaces, Kerekdomb offers a warm, immersive experience that blends culture with the beauty of the season.
A Celebration of Wine and Art
Since its start, Kerekdomb Festival has grown into a beloved event in Hungary’s Tokaj region. Organized by Művészetek Völgye Nonprofit Kft. and Tállyáért Egyesület, it combines the area’s rich winemaking tradition with a love for music, theatre, and literature. The 2025 edition, marking the festival’s 10th year, promises to bring thousands together for a weekend of connection, creativity, and autumnal joy.
In 2024, the festival drew crowds with its mix of concerts, wine tastings, and cultural events. The 2025 edition will build on this, offering a program that feels both festive and intimate. Set in Tállya’s vineyards, historic buildings, and open fields, the festival creates a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can soak in the moment.
The Site: Vineyards, Wineries, and Village Charm
Kerekdomb Festival unfolds across Tállya, a picturesque village in the Tokaj wine region. Multiple venues, from the Vincellér Ház main stage to the Palota Borház and Szűcs Pincészet, host performances surrounded by rolling vineyards. Smaller stages, like the Bagolyvár and Nyerges Udvar, offer cozy settings for acoustic sets and literary talks, while the Mailloth-kastély features film screenings and art exhibits.
Visitors can wander between venues, sip Tokaj wines at local wineries, or enjoy food stalls serving Hungarian specialties. The layout encourages exploration, with events spilling into public squares, gardens, and even the banks of the Bodrog River. It’s a setting that feels like a step back in time, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings adding to the magic.
A Line-up of Music and Stories
Kerekdomb Festival shines with its diverse lineup of music, theatre, and literary events. In 2025, the Vincellér Ház main stage will host well-known Hungarian acts like Elefánt, returning after a break, alongside Analog Balaton, Szabó Balázs Bandája, Péterfy Bori & Love Band, and 30Y. On Sunday, the stage transforms for a theatre performance of Házastársas, featuring Ábel Anita and Szabó Simon.
The Palota Borház will showcase younger artists like Sisi, Lil Frakk, Duckshell, and QJÚB, a project led by Vecsei H. Miklós. Emerging talents from the Hangfoglaló Program, including Kisbetűs Ünnepnapok, CIBI, and WXLFESS, will also perform here. At Szűcs Pincészet, the weekend closes with Áron András, following sets by Jazzbois, Sena Dagadub, and the Slovak band Jóvilágvan. For a quieter vibe, Bagolyvár and Nyerges Udvar host intimate performances by artists like Beretka Ádám, Hegedűs Józsi, and Nosnach.
Theatre and literature are just as central. The Mailloth-kastély will feature film screenings from the Malter Vándor Filmfesztivál, discussions on topics like the Z generation’s cultural habits, and a Slovak-Hungarian art exhibition. These events, supported by the Kisprojekt Alap and Interreg, highlight the festival’s commitment to cross-border cultural exchange.
Days and Nights in Tállya
Mornings at Kerekdomb start gently, with local crafts, children’s programs, and winery tours. Visitors can join dűlőtúrák (vineyard walks), taste Tokaj wines at places like Zsadányi Pincészet or Homoky Pincészet, or enjoy coffee in Tállya’s quaint squares. Food stalls offer hearty Hungarian dishes, from goulash to lángos, alongside vegetarian options.
As evening falls, the music takes over. The main stage at Vincellér Ház lights up with energetic performances, while smaller venues host soulful acoustic sets. After dark, late-night jams and storytelling sessions create a sense of closeness between artists and audiences. Wine tastings continue into the evening, with local winemakers sharing stories of Tokaj’s legendary vintages.
For active visitors, Kerekdomb offers e-bike tours, kayaking on the Bodrog River, and running events. These activities let you explore the region’s beauty while balancing the festival’s cultural focus.
A Festival Built on Shared Values
Kerekdomb is more than music and wine, it’s about community and creativity. The festival works with local wineries and farmers to source food and drinks, keeping the event sustainable and supportive of Tállya’s economy. Programs like literary talks, folk dance workshops, and open-mic sessions encourage everyone to join in, whether you’re a performer or a visitor.
The schedule leaves room for spontaneous moments, like chatting with a winemaker or joining an impromptu jam. This balance of planned events and free-flowing connection gives Kerekdomb its warm, welcoming spirit.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for Kerekdomb 2025 are affordable, with day passes starting at around 5,000 HUF (about 12 euros) and weekend passes at 12,000 HUF. HungaryCard holders can get 50% off day tickets for up to two people. Tickets often sell out, so check www.kerekdombfeszt.hu for updates and purchases. Family discounts and free children’s programs make it a great option for all ages.
Tállya is about two hours from Budapest by car or train. Visitors can camp near the festival or stay in local guesthouses, small hotels, or the Oroszlános Wine Restaurant and Hotel. Arriving early lets you settle in and enjoy Tállya’s quiet charm before the festival begins.
Why Kerekdomb Festival Stands Out
In a world of crowded, commercial festivals, Kerekdomb feels like a hidden gem. There are no flashy billboards or exclusive VIP areas, just vineyards, music, and people coming together to celebrate. It’s a place where you might sip wine with a local, dance to a new band, or listen to a poet under the stars. The festival is about feeling connected, not standing out.
The mix of music, theatre, literature, and wine creates a rich, layered experience. Whether you’re a music fan, a wine lover, or someone seeking a meaningful weekend, Kerekdomb offers something special.
Explore Tállya and Tokaj
Outside festival hours, Tállya and the Tokaj region offer plenty to discover. Visit local wineries like Szóló Pincészet, explore hiking trails through vineyards, or paddle along the Bodrog River. Tállya’s historic streets, with their old churches and cozy cafes, are perfect for a morning walk. Nearby towns like Tokaj offer markets and museums that deepen your connection to the region.
Kerekdomb Festival 2025 is more than an event, it’s a chance to slow down and savor life’s simple joys. With its music, wine, and warm community spirit, it invites you to make memories that linger long after the last note fades.
Follow Kerekdomb Festival online for updates on tickets, artists, and more:
Website: www.kerekdombfeszt.hu
Instagram: @kerekdombfeszt
Zond