Balatonfüred lights up July 21–26 with the 14th Anna Festival, the lively companion to the storied Anna Ball. Across multiple city venues, summer romance meets high culture: opera galas on the main stage at Gyógy tér (Spa Square), folk dance and classical concerts, moonlit serenades for debutantes, and the city’s favorite, the whimsical “Heart Fishing” (Szívhalászat) boat tradition. For a week, the resort hums with elegance and community spirit, wrapping up with a showstopping closing concert driven by Roma virtuosity.
Opera, Folk, and Night Serenades
The Hungarian State Opera brings Operafüred to the grand stage at Gyógy tér, with its chorus and later the full orchestra performing highlights from world-famous works. The night of serenades sets a unique mood: Balatonfüred’s 18-year-old first-time ballgoers receive string-led evening serenades, while a Roma orchestra led by Zoltán Kalló delivers a heartfelt Tuesday-night tribute on the former Post Office terrace on Blaha Street at 20:00.
Program Highlights and Timings
Wednesday 20:00: Hagyományok Háza (House of Traditions) Gala at Gyógy tér. Thursday 20:00: Operafüred with the Hungarian State Opera Chorus. Friday ignites tradition: 18:00 “Heart Fishing” (Szívhalászat) from the Pier aboard the Jókai boat; 19:30 the ceremonial wreath-laying at the Christina Szentgyörgyi Horváth “Anna” plaque at the Horváth House; 20:00 Operafüred – Opera Gala with the State Opera Orchestra at Gyógy tér.
The 201st Anna Ball
Saturday crowns the week with the 201st Anna Ball. From 18:30 to 20:00, horse-drawn carriages glide through downtown Balatonfüred, featuring Lipizzaners from the State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad and Arabian thoroughbreds from the Bábolna National Stud. Rides depart from the Jókai Street bus stop, priced at 20,000 HUF per carriage for 2–4 people, about 54 USD. Dress code: summer evening elegance. At 20:15, the official opening streams live on the Kisfaludy Stage, followed by a 21:00–23:00 gala program and a 23:30 live broadcast of the results.
Sunday’s Folk Finale
Sunday morning on the Kisfaludy Stage: 10:00 Balatonfüred Folk Dance Ensemble; 10:45 the official presentation of the 201st Anna Ball winner and her ladies-in-waiting. At 11:00, carriage rides along Tagore Promenade. Then five stages host 200 Roma musicians giving serenades, peaking at 12:00 with a closing concert and a one-of-a-kind Roma music flash mob on Tagore Promenade. Rain venue: Balatonfüred Congress Center.
