On the evening of 20 August – Hungary’s national holiday – the whole shore of Fonyód heads for the harbour. The fireworks are one of the most anticipated moments of the summer: rockets burst above the harbour, the light reflects off Lake Balaton, and lights flare up one after another across the lake. Here is what is worth knowing year after year: when it starts, where to watch, what to look out for, and where to stay if you don’t want to drive home at night.
Fonyód on 20 August at a glance
| Fireworks | around 22:00, about half an hour (in 2026: 22:00–22:30) |
|---|---|
| Location | Fonyód, the harbour and around Vigadó Square |
| Entry | free |
| 2027 | 20 August falls on a Friday: a three-day weekend |
| This year’s programme | Events in Fonyód |
Where to watch the Fonyód fireworks
The best experience is at the harbour and around Vigadó Square: the rockets burst right above you and the water multiplies the colours. It is also the busiest spot, so arrive at least 30–45 minutes early if you want a good place. With children, stay at the edge of the crowd, where it is easier to get out afterwards.
Parking near the shore that evening is almost hopeless. If you are staying in Fonyód, walk down, and take a torch or your phone for the way back.
Fireworks across the lake
Lake Balaton is special on 20 August: every lakeside town celebrates on the same evening, and in clear weather you can see the lights from across the water. From Fonyód’s higher points, such as Sipos Hill, the fireworks of Badacsony, Szigliget and the Keszthely shore light up too. If you don’t fancy the crowds, this is a lovely way to spend the evening.
With a dog on 20 August
The fireworks are definitely not dog-friendly: the bangs are very loud and the harbour is crowded. If you are on holiday with a dog, keep it at your accommodation that evening, with the windows closed and familiar things around. Our dog tips are collected on the Fonyód with a dog page.
Where to stay in Fonyód for 20 August
The 20 August weekend is one of the busiest of the summer, and in 2027 it falls on a Friday, making a three-day weekend. If you don’t want to drive after the fireworks, book early.
- Hilltop Apartments, Fonyód – on Sipos Hill. From the terrace you can see the fireworks across the lake, and the harbour is about an 8-minute walk downhill, so no need to hunt for parking. The way back is uphill, about a quarter of an hour.
- Ciao Bambino! and Judit’s Guest House, Fonyód – quiet houses with gardens about a kilometre from the water: you can walk home after the fireworks, and the noise of the crowd doesn’t reach you.
- Centrum Apartment, Balatonfenyves – in the neighbouring village, with a private heated pool for the rest of the long weekend if you’d rather relax in the garden.
Which one suits you? See our Where to stay in Fonyód? összehasonlító. Ha inkább August 20. után jönnétek, olvassátok el, why Fonyód is great in Lake Balaton’s ‘second summer’.
Common questions
What time do the fireworks start in Fonyód on 20 August?
Usually at 22:00, lasting about half an hour. In 2026 they ran from 22:00 to 22:30. The town announces the exact time every year, and we add it to our events list too.
Where is the best place to watch?
From the harbour and around Vigadó Square, as the rockets burst above the harbour and the light reflects off the water. Arrive well before the start.
Do you have to pay for the fireworks?
No, the fireworks are a free outdoor event.
When are the 20 August fireworks in 2027?
In 2027, 20 August falls on a Friday, so it’s a three-day weekend. The town announces the programme; as soon as it is out, we add it to our events.
Can you see other towns’ fireworks from Fonyód?
Yes, in clear weather. From Fonyód’s high points, such as Sipos Hill, you can see the fireworks of the towns on the north shore.
Can I take my dog to the fireworks?
We don’t recommend it. The bangs are very loud and the crowd is big – serious stress for most dogs. Better leave them somewhere quiet at your accommodation.