Great festivals and markets in 2024 in the Tokaj Wine Region
Wondering about the best time to visit the Tokaj Wine Region? Hope this helps you choose when to come to this beautiful volcanic land of fine wines and intimate venues. Artists and winemakers, culinary wizards and performers spice the Tokaj Wine Region with the great events and festivals that form the calendar every year. Below are some favourites – but first the wonderful markets, the heartbeat of the region, that give the rhythm.
At the Tokaj-Hegalja Piac artisan market, on the second Sunday of every month farmers, cheese and sausagemakers, beekeepers, jammakers and more gather with a range of talented and imaginative craftspeople at the Sárga Borház Restaurant on the Disznókő estate. Another artisan with antiques/flea market is held on the third Saturday of the month at Buffalo Bill Restaurant in Szerencs. Plus the traditional weekly town markets in Sárospatak, Sátoraljaújhely and Szerencs and regular concerts at Henye Wine Bar, Bodrogkeresztúr.
Throughout the year we’ll be adding details of the main events as they are released – from wine tastings and culinary tours to concerts, bike, boat and running races. The main ones are up already! So, take a look! Get out your diary. Here’s a selection of the very best.
January – Start the year on chilly days to celebrate patron saint of vincellers St Vincent in Mád, Sátoraljaújhely and Tokaj.
February
Furmint February a month of celebrating the Furmint, region’s principal grape variety – in the Tokaj Wine Region, Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc and London.
Fülöp a különc run in Bodrogkeresztúr
Carneval balls in Bodrogkeresztúr, Hercegkút, Tarcal and Tokaj
March
A new date on the calendar with the animal and flea market, Tokaj
April
Witchy Weekend (Bűbájos Hétvége), the Tarcal spring celebration of tastings, open cellars and interesting talks and culinary experiences. Date for 2024 not yet available.
May
Saint Urban’s Day (Szent Orbán-nap), Mád:
Often a collaberation between Tokaj Women and Wine Association (Tokaji Borbarátnők) joins the Mád Circle (Mádi Kör), this is a celebration and veneration of St Urban, patron saint of vinegrowers, whose relics lie in nearby Monok.
May is becoming a celebration of bubbles with fizzing events in both Mád and Tokaj.
Tokaj Wine Festival Popular, more mainstream and simply larger, the quality winemakers of Tokaji Borászok Asztaltársasága arrange good wine extra events and tastings at interesting extra venues including Himesudvar Winery, Tokaj Roasting Company Café, the Museum. Good market along the main street of Tokaj.
June
Mád: Jó éjszakát! – Good Night Mád is a classy music festival in the winemakers’ gardens the whole night long
Abaújszántó Drinking Day (Ivó Nap) is a lively village celebration in the wonderful cellars tucked into the hillside at the edge of the village. Date for 2024 not yet available.
Boldogkisfalud Fest in Bodrogkisfalud is a celebration of wine, music and happiness with a great atmosphere, set in various interesting courtyards of wineries, restaurants and other local businesses. This is perhaps the festival where the local caterers are performing at their very best.
July
Crescendo is a wonderful classical music gathering for young musicians in Tokaj
August
The brilliant Zemplén Festival (jazz, folk, classical) – the original festival in the region and often late to publish dates – is bringing great live music to incredible venues including Sárospatak Castle, tiny hillside churches, hunting lodges by lakes in the forest. Now in its third decade! Date for 2024 not yet available.
Bor, Mármor, Bénye great wines, food, culture in the gardens of the winemakers of Erdőbénye
Tolcsva Wine Festival is a more mainstream village wine festival draws people from near and far with big concerts, open cellars. A rather wide range in wineries and wine quality. Date for 2024 not yet released.
September
Mád Furmint Ünnep main village harvest festival meets top Mád Circle tasting around classic wine region grape variety Furmint. Date for 2024 not yet available.
Kerékdomb theatre and arts festival in Tállya organised by group of Művészetek Völgye
Street music festival in Tokaj
Popular harvest run by Miskolc Marathon through the harvest vineyards at Disznókő, usually on the Tokaj-Hegyalja Artisan Market weekend
October
Bodrogkeresztúr/Bodrogkisfalud: All Saints Merriment Picnic (Mindszenthavi Mulatság) with open wineries, often in gorgeous autumn warmth as people explore the wineries of the village. Date usually given late. Usually main day is Saturday, the same weekend as the Tokaj-Hegyalja Piac artisan market on the Sunday.
Harvest Days in Tokaj sees the village street packed with stands housing winemakers and a plethora of artisans. Usually great for handcrafts.
December
Various advent markets and traditions around the region
