For the 82nd time, Budapest transforms into Hungary’s largest rural fairground as OMÉK—the National Agriculture and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár)—returns to the HUNGEXPO Congress and Exhibition Center from September 18 to 21, 2025. This vibrant, multi-day festival bridges city and countryside, giving urbanites a chance to immerse themselves in the flavors, crafts, and innovations of the Hungarian agricultural world, while providing producers and business professionals a stage to showcase the full breadth of the country’s agri-food sector.
A Tradition of Farming Meets Family Fun
With a history stretching back nearly 150 years and held every two years since 2011, OMÉK has become Hungary’s flagship event for agricultural professionals and the general public alike. The 82nd edition promises everything from business matchmaking to family-friendly fun.
The program draws thousands with its appealing mix of children’s activities, gastronomy shows, hands-on workshops, the region’s largest artisan market, and the distinctly Hungarian Hungarikum (Hungarikum) pavilion spotlighting national treasures. Regardless of age, visitors get an in-depth look at what’s new and everyday in Hungarian farming and food production.
Where Agribusiness Meets Innovation
Professionals won’t want to miss the Hungarian Food Summit, an international platform for deal-making and knowledge-sharing. Since its debut in 2023, the Summit has become a key export-development meeting point: This year, 80 to 100 Hungarian food exporters will connect with around 200 international buyers, building bridges between Hungarian producers and global markets.
One of this year’s showstoppers is agricultural digitalization—arguably the most rapidly evolving field in farming. A special professional conference, “Smart Technology, Green Future—Modernization Solutions Serving Agriculture” (“Okos Technológia, Zöld Jövő—Modernizációs Megoldások a Mezőgazdaság Szolgálatában”), organized by the Ministry of Agriculture on opening day, dives into digital agriculture trends and best practices across Hungary and Europe. Topics will include the future of farm digitization and innovations reshaping the sector in the near future.
Discussions will focus on how to align digital and practical innovations to boost efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in Hungarian farming—ensuring the next generation is ready to take the reins. The agenda will also review Hungary’s experience under the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy, while practical case studies and roundtables offer field-ready tips across crops, livestock, and horticulture.
Passing the Torch
Beyond technology, the conference addresses ways to facilitate generational renewal—sharing know-how and digital skills to keep tradition alive while adapting to new challenges. The aim: to provide farmers with guidance to direct their development and shape their long-term plans.
What’s Where? Your Guide to OMÉK’s Pavilions
– Pavilion A: The professional hub, featuring agricultural associations, the food industry, and farm machinery on display. Producers, processors, and retailers exhibit products and innovations. Also hosts the main Food Business Program and the Hungarian Food Summit.
– Pavilion B: Livestock show—meet Hungary’s farm animals up close.
– Pavilion C: Conference center for professional days (Sept 18–19), forums, talks, and networking.
– Pavilion D: Stands for small farmers, family producers, and artisans—plus the main stage for children’s concerts, educational talks, and crafts. Includes FreeFrom Fest (MentesFeszt) for food allergies/intolerances, and certified National Park and HÍR (Tradition and Reputation) producers from across the regions.
– Pavilion E: Treasures of the Carpathian Basin (Kárpát-medence) and Hungarikums—traditional civic organizations and local gourmet products, plus folk music, dance, fashion shows, and traditional crafts.
Between pavilions, the Passageway (Passzázs) offers a street food zone—wooden huts, food trucks, and a lively, central hub for tasting, mingling, and relaxing.
Entertainment: Four Days on the Main Stage
Each day from 9 or 10 am to 6 pm, Pavilion D’s stage hosts events ranging from gardening workshops with TV personalities to children’s bands, dance troupes, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Highlights include:
– Guided gardening with Marcsi Borbás (Borbás Marcsi, Sept 19 & 21)
– Performances by children’s favorites such as The Bubble Band (Buborék együttes) and The Apple Band (Alma együttes)
– FolkTrend! by the Dezső Fitos Troupe (Fitos Dezső Társulat) and traditional Lajta folk dance (Lajta néptánc)
– Pop concerts (Bálint Gájer), Disney music, craft workshops, and ecological roundtables
Look out for entertaining and educational presentations on topics from Mediterranean herbs in backyard gardens to food myths and sustainable gardening.
Tickets, Entry, and Important Information
Daily tickets cost about $2.75 (1,000 HUF), family tickets (2 adults plus children under 18) are $5.50 (2,000 HUF), and children under 6 enter free. Doors open at both HUNGEXPO Gates I and III.
Please note: For animal health and safety reasons, OMÉK asks all visitors to leave their pets at home this year—an increase in animal-borne diseases makes this precaution essential.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Hungary’s biggest agricultural celebration—see you at OMÉK (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár) in Budapest, September 18 to 21, 2025!
