Balaton Pétanque & Mölkky Festival

More than just a race—an unforgettable experience at Lake Balaton!

From September 2–6, 2026, Badacsonytomaj and Keszthely will host the 4th Balaton Pétanque & Mölkky Festival, where sports, recreation, culture, and the magical atmosphere of Lake Balaton come together over five days.

Whether you’re an experienced competitor or just getting started in the world of petanque or mölkky, you’re guaranteed to find the most exciting program for you here.

🏆 International petanque and mölkky tournaments await players from Hungary and abroad, while the shores of Lake Balaton, family activities, skill challenges, and recreational sports will provide entertainment all day long.

During the festival, anyone can try their hand at pétanque and mölkky, take part in skill competitions, family relay races, beach volleyball, a basketball shooting contest, Frisbee, disc golf, and soft archery programs, and can also try out water sports equipment with the help of activity leaders.

🎯 “Give it a try!” At our stations, people of all ages have the opportunity to &discover new sports, complete fun challenges, and win valuable prizes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The festival placed special emphasis on families, children, and inclusive sports, so that everyone can experience the joy of physical activity together, regardless of age or athletic background.

🌅 The days are filled with cultural programs, traditional performances, evening concerts, and community events, while the unparalleled panorama of Lake Balaton ensures the perfect festival atmosphere.

🚢 The highlight of the event is the Triplet Final, which we’ll hold in the middle of Lake Balaton on a special course set up on a BAHART ferry. Spectators can follow the match live on giant screens set up on the shore— a one-of-a-kind sporting experience in Hungary.

Schedule:

Day 0 – Wednesday, September 2
Location: Badacsonytomaj, József Egry Beach
6:00 p.m. – Arrival and registration
8:00 p.m.– Technical meeting and international premiere of the Hungarian-developed Pluspetanque.hu app

Day 1 – September 3, Thursday
Doubles tournament and official opening ceremony
Location: Badacsonytomaj
8:00 a.m. – Registration confirmation
9:00 a.m. – Doubles petanque tournament, mixed field
10:00 – “Initiation Double Challenge” – Rapid pétanque and Mölkky tournament for players under 18
7:00 PM – Official opening ceremony and traditional folk performance

Day 2 – Friday, September 4
Individual pétanque, Mölkky No Stress Cup, and family sports day
Location: Keszthely, Badacsonytomaj
9:00 a.m. – Individual petanque tournament – Festetics Castle, Keszthely
10:00 – Mölkky No Stress Cup – Badacsonytomaj
10:00 – Balaton Attraction Pétanque and Mölkky Challenge Cup – School Competition
11:00–16:00 – Family relay races and “Give It a Try!” sports stations
Pétanque, Mölkky, beach volleyball, basketball, Frisbee, disc golf, soft archery, coordination challenges, and water activities
8:00 PM – Cultural event – Badacsonytomaj

Day 3 – Saturday, September 5
Mixed doubles, imitation tournament, triples, and Mölkky doubles
Venues: Badacsonytomaj, Keszthely
9:00 a.m. – Mixed Doubles Pétanque Mini-Tournament – Badacsonytomaj
9:30 a.m. – National Pétanque Doubles Championship for Children, Adolescents, and Youth
10:00 a.m. – 4th Balaton International Mölkky Doubles Tournament – Festetics Palace, Keszthely
11:00–16:00 – “Give It a Try!” sports stations and family programs
15:00 – Triples Petanque Tournament – Qualifying Round
8:00 p.m.– Evening Show – Badacsonytomaj

Day 4 – September 6, Sunday
Triples Tournament – single-elimination round and finals
Location: Badacsonytomaj
9:00 a.m. – Triples pétanque tournament – single-elimination round
11:00–16:00 – Family skill competitions and “Try It Out!„” stations
3:00 p.m.– Triples final on the ferry, with live broadcast on the beach’s big screen
5:00 p.m.– Ceremonial announcement of results and closing program

Sports. Recreation. Culture. Friendship. Lake Balaton.

Let’s meet between September 2–6, 2026, at Lake Balaton’s most unique sports festival!