This October, Békéscsaba (Békéscsaba) is rolling out the red carpet (or should we say, butcher’s paper) for sausage fans, foodies, and partygoers alike. From October 23 to 26, the city transforms into the Hungarian capital of sausage, hosting the 28th annual Csaba Sausage Festival (Csabai Kolbászfesztivál)—a four-day marathon of spicy flavors, lively competitions, and late-night concerts. If you’re hungry for authentic Hungarian sausage (kolbász), want to watch sausage-stuffing showdowns, or just crave a good time, this festival is your ticket.
Competitions for Every Age — and Appetite
The festival isn’t just about eating—though you’ll have plenty of chances to do that. The main events revolve around a series of sausage-making competitions, each with its own flavor. On October 9, the festivities kick off with the International Dry Sausage Competition at 11 a.m. in the Event Barn (Rendezvénypajta). Head over to the Sámuel Mokry tent (Mokry Sámuel sátor) on October 23 at 10 a.m., where preschoolers and elementary school kids try their tiny hands at sausage-mixing. The following day, on October 24, high school and university students get their turn to flex their skills—think less “Masterchef,” more “Junior Sausage King (Kolbász Király Junior).”
Saturday, October 25, brings out the big guns: two parallel International Sausage-Mixing Championships begin at 10 a.m., one in the Sámuel Mokry tent (Mokry Sámuel sátor) and one in the Mihály Munkácsy tent (Munkácsy Mihály sátor). Sunday isn’t for sleeping in—starting at 9 a.m. on the forecourt stage, the Stuffed Cabbage Cooking Competition draws hungry crowds and hopeful chefs. At 10 a.m., there’s a multigenerational sausage-making showdown back in the main tent.
Entering these contests is simple: choose your competition online, reserve your table, and provide your details—just don’t mix up your dates, or you might end up competing against kids instead of adults.
How to Get In – Tickets and Pricing
Festival passes and daily tickets go on sale starting August 1, with prices increasing each month as the event approaches. All tickets are digital: buy online, receive your coupons via email, and exchange them at the venue for entry wristbands. Payment is easy, whether you use bank cards or SZÉP cards (OTP, MKB). Kids under six get free admission, and all events reserve the right to change times or programs.
Here’s what to expect:
– Festival Pass (Thursday–Sunday)
– From August 1: $39
– From September 1: $43
– From October 1: $46
– From October 12: $46
– From October 23: $49
– Single-Day Tickets (Thurs–Sun)
– From August 1: $20 each
– From September 1: $22
– From October 1: $24
– From October 23: $25
If you arrive before 2 p.m. on Thursday, you can get in for free—just don’t leave the grounds, or you’ll need a ticket to re-enter.
Where to Stay: Békéscsaba (Békéscsaba) Accommodations
All that sausage and fruit brandy (pálinka) calls for a comfortable bed at night. Békéscsaba (Békéscsaba) has options for every taste and budget. For cozy, homey vibes, check out the four-room family guesthouse near the Lencsési residential park—with air-conditioned twin rooms, private bathrooms, and a shared kitchenette. Need safe parking? Covered spaces and a garage are available.
If you’re after woodland calm, the Arcanum Hotel (Arcanum Hotel) sits in a sprawling park just outside the city, promising wellness facilities, gourmet dining, and what it mysteriously calls “the Secret.” Meanwhile, the Pine Forest Wellness Hotel (Fenyves Wellness Hotel) is surrounded by pines and bordered by the city’s Live Water Canal (Élővíz-csatorna). Here, families relax while nature lovers wake to birdsong.
A luxury apartment awaits in the city center, towering above the lively Csaba Center (Csaba Center)—110 square meters (about 1,184 square feet) of plush comfort. Prefer old-world charm? The Fiume Hotel (Fiume Hotel) captures the elegance of the last century, with 39 rooms overlooking Békéscsaba’s grandest square.
Those looking for a guesthouse atmosphere can book Meteor Guesthouse (Meteor Vendégház): it has two double and two triple rooms, high-speed WiFi, expanded TV channel lists, and an accessible room for guests with limited mobility. Outdoor barbecue facilities let you keep the sausage party going, even away from the festival grounds.
There’s even a four-star wellness and conference hotel built in one of Békéscsaba’s most iconic historic buildings, now modernized for a restful retreat or business trip.
Want something even more tranquil? Meadow Guesthouse and Restaurant (Réti Panzió és Étterem), freshly renovated, sits in the city center behind the grand Lutheran church. With 11 rooms for up to 34 guests and a 24-hour front desk, peace and quiet are guaranteed.
Beyond Sausage: Eating, Drinking, and Having Fun
It’s not just about sausage (kolbász). From artisan hamburgers to salad bowls, nachos, and creative cocktails, food stalls cater to every craving. Hot chocolate and local wines round out the indulgence. Whether you’re grooving to a concert or learning the secrets of sausage-making, there’s never a dull moment.
Just remember: organizers reserve the right to adjust dates and programs as needed. Come hungry, come ready for fun, and don’t forget to loosen your belt—October in Békéscsaba (Békéscsaba) is about eating, drinking, and celebrating everything sausage!
