For four days this September, Budapest will pulse with the energy and flavors of the countryside, thanks to OMÉK 2025—the 82nd National Agriculture and Food Exhibition and Fair. From September 18th to 21st, HUNGEXPO Budapest’s massive Congress and Exhibition Center (HUNGEXPO Budapesti Kongresszusi és Kiállítási Központ) will transform into a vibrant celebration of Hungarian agriculture and food production. Both city dwellers and visitors from across the country can expect a full-scale, family-friendly festival, packed with everything from expert industry seminars to hands-on kids’ activities and a dazzling showcase of life outside the capital.
A Tradition Almost 150 Years Old
This is the biggest event for Hungary’s agriculture and food sector, and it’s no newcomer: OMÉK (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár) started almost 150 years ago and has taken over Budapest every two years since 2011. The 82nd edition brings together every segment of the agri-food world—think of it as Hungary’s rural “ComicCon,” just with more livestock and less cosplay!
But this event isn’t just for farmers, scientists, and food business professionals. OMÉK has become a can’t-miss opportunity for everyone: families, foodies, and culture lovers. Tens of thousands are expected to meet small producers, savor traditional dishes, check out the latest technology, and experience rural heritage up close.
Business Unleashed: The Hungarian Food Summit
A major highlight this year is the internationally focused Hungarian Food Summit (Magyar Élelmiszeripari Csúcstalálkozó). After a blockbuster debut in 2023, the summit now returns with 80–100 Hungarian food exporting companies and around 200 international buyers confirmed. It’s an intense, B2B matchmaking event where local producers can strike lucrative export deals and exchange contacts with foreign buyers eager for authentic Hungarian fare.
For young farmers and entrepreneurs, this is also a golden opportunity to network, share experiences, and find new business partners—all under one bustling roof.
Family Fun and Food Galore
While weekdays focus on business networking and professional conferences, the weekend is all about the crowd. Expect family and kids’ programs, mouthwatering food demonstrations, creative workshops, Central Europe’s largest artisan fair, and even a dedicated “Hungarikum” (Hungarikum) stand, celebrating the trademarks of Hungarian culture. Every generation will find something: interactive exhibits let you step right into daily rural life, learning how food gets from farm to table, and what innovations are shaping tomorrow’s agriculture.
You’ll see the best of Hungarian gastronomy, live music, folk dance, and traditional crafts. Samples, tastings, and hands-on activities ensure nobody leaves hungry (or bored). Highlights range from live cooking shows, concerts, garden workshops with Marcsi Borbás (the Martha Stewart of Hungary), and artisan product fairs featuring the country’s best cheese, sausage, honey, and more.
Smart Farming on the Agenda
One of the exhibition’s hottest topics is the digitalization of agriculture—because, yes, the countryside is going high-tech! On opening day, the Ministry of Agriculture (Agrárminisztérium) will host a special “Smart Tech, Green Future: Modernization Solutions for Agriculture” conference. Experts will tackle how digital innovations are revolutionizing everything from field crops to livestock, and how new technology can create a sustainable, competitive, and multi-generational sector. Fresh research, hands-on examples, and panel discussions will let farmers gain real-world, actionable solutions.
Topics include digital trends in farm management, technology’s role in crop efficiency, climate-friendly livestock practices, and best practices for passing knowledge between generations. It’s unmissable for agriculture professionals hoping to stay ahead of the (technological) curve.
Explore the OMÉK Pavilions
Navigating OMÉK is like wandering through a living map of Hungary’s rural riches. The main pavilions:
A Pavilion: Your go-to for all things industry—food producers, machinery, the Hungarian Food Business Program, and government events.
B Pavilion: Animal shows (fluffy, curious, and educational).
C Pavilion: Conference center—think forums, workshops, and expert talks for industry insiders (September 18–19).
D Pavilion: Small producers, family farms, crafts, and the “MentesFeszt” (dedicated to allergen-free food). The OMÉK Main Stage is also here: music and kids’ concerts, creative workshops, plus educational and entertaining shows.
E Pavilion: The treasures of the Carpathian Basin (Kárpát-medence) and the celebrated Hungarikums—Tokaj Aszú wine (Tokaji aszú), Pálinka, Gyula sausage (Gyulai kolbász), and much more. Expect folk music, dance, fashion, culinary performances, and a full display of traditional crafts and regional specialties.
Passage: A food-lovers’ street with street food stalls, food trucks, drinks, and a lively experience zone connecting the pavilions.
Unmissable Line-up of Programs
Each day, the packed schedule delivers entertainment and learning for visitors of all ages. On Thursday, workshops on seed exchanges, edible herbs, and reliable medicinal plant products run alongside musical performances like the “Smart” band. Friday features gardening with Marcsi Borbás, debunking food myths, eco-gardening tips, folk group “Lajta,” and kids’ favorite “Alma” band. Saturday heats up with concerts from “Buborék” and “Veca Janicsák,” modern folk shows, and dazzling dance troupes. Sunday wraps up with more gardening workshops, live bands, and a roundtable on bread and organic grains.
Tickets and Entry
Regular day ticket: $2.75. Family ticket for 2 adults and children under 18: $5.50. Kids under 6 enter free. Entry through HUNGEXPO Gate I or III. Note: To protect the health of show animals, please leave your pets at home this year. OMÉK aims to prevent the spread of animal diseases and uphold responsible animal welfare standards.
September 18–21. Save the date, bring your appetite, and don’t miss a taste of the countryside right in the heart of Budapest!
