This September, the Hungarian capital will transform into a rural spectacle unlike any other. OMÉK—the National Agriculture and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár)—returns for its 82nd edition, captivating Budapest and its visitors from September 18 to 21, 2025. Hosted at the vast HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center, OMÉK offers a comprehensive celebration of the Hungarian countryside, innovation, and everything edible.
The Country Moves to the City
OMÉK isn’t just any agricultural expo—it boasts a 150-year tradition and remains Hungary’s largest event of its kind, held biennially since 2011. The fair is equally a paradise for industry professionals looking to network and make deals as it is a thrilling outing for families and day-trippers. For 2025, the spotlight is on the tireless work of farmers: big machinery, fresh ideas, and homegrown flavors stealing the show.
International Business Meets Traditional Farming
Business gets serious with the Hungarian Food Summit, an international meeting of buyers and exporters. Following its spectacular debut two years ago, the summit is expected to host 80 to 100 Hungarian food exporters and around 200 international procurement professionals. It’s a powerful arena for forging partnerships, boosting exports, and showcasing Hungarian excellence on the global stage.
A Festival for Families and Foodies
While business thrives during the week, the weekend is dedicated to the public. Tens of thousands are expected, eager to explore family programs, hands-on workshops, gastronomic shows, Central Europe’s largest small-producer marketplace, and the celebrated Hungarikum (Hungarikum) stand. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone can experience rural life, new food trends, and a taste of tradition.
The Digital Revolution in Farming
Agriculture is having a tech moment, and OMÉK is at the cutting edge. On opening day, the Ministry of Agriculture (Agrárminisztérium) is hosting a unique conference: “Smart Technology, Green Future—Modern Solutions Serving Agriculture.” Front and center are agro-digitalization, innovation, and sustainability: practical talks, roundtables, and networking opportunities abound. Discussions cover everything from digital tools in crop production, livestock, and horticulture to strategies for knowledge transfer between generations. The hands-on approach aims to help future-proof farms and shape Europe’s Common Agricultural Policy in the years ahead.
Explore OMÉK: Pavilion by Pavilion
Not sure where to start? OMÉK is a sprawling festival divided into themed pavilions for maximum discovery:
Pavilion A: Meet key players from all parts of the food supply chain—farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers. Industrial presentations, Hungarian food business exhibitors, the Food Summit’s meeting space, and special ministry-run programs await.
Pavilion B: See the stars of the show up close—cows, pigs, sheep, and more—in this animal exhibition zone.
Pavilion C: The conference center hosts professional events, specialist days, forums, and lectures from September 18–19.
Pavilion D: This is the hub for smallholders, artisanal producers, and family farms. MentesFeszt (MentesFeszt) features allergen-free foods, while the National Park (Nemzeti Park) and HÍR “Certified Product” (Hagyományok-Ízek-Régiók) areas highlight treasures from various regions. The OMÉK main stage offers children’s concerts, educational shows, and craft activities.
Pavilion E: Explore the Carpathian Basin’s culinary and cultural heritage. Civil agrarian organizations bring local delicacies, while music, dance, and even fashion shows transport you to rural heartlands. Iconic Hungarikums—uniquely Hungarian products like Tokaj Aszú (Tokaji aszú) wine, Black Locust Honey (Akácméz), Pálinka (Pálinka) schnapps, Gyula Sausage (Gyulai kolbász), Halas Lacework (Halasi csipke), Busó Mask (Busó álarc), Cifraszűr Cloak (Cifraszűr), and Karikás Whip (Karikás ostor)—are all on display.
The Passzázs (Passage): The “gastronomy street” tempts with street food, unique drinks, and food trucks set among the pavilions for those eager to try something new.
Must-See Programs and Stage Shows
Each day on the main D Stage offers a packed schedule: talks on gardening, sustainability, and nutrition; cooking demos; workshops; and performances by popular bands like Smart, Alma, Buborék, Zabszalma, and folk groups such as the Fitos Dezső Company (Fitos Dezső Társulat) and Lajta. Special discussion sessions include topics such as “Grain and Organic Bread,” and there’s plenty for kids—including Disney songs and craft sessions.
Practical Information
Tickets are available in two types—$2.75 for a regular day pass (on-site or online), and $5.50 for a family pass covering two adults plus all children under 18. Kids under six enter free. You can enter via HUNGEXPO’s Gate I or III.
To protect the livestock, visitors are kindly asked to leave their pets at home this year—an essential precaution after a rise in animal diseases. The organizers thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.
From September 18 to 21, 2025, Budapest becomes Hungary’s agricultural heart. OMÉK is shaping the future of farming, one family visit (and one delicious bite) at a time.
