For the 82nd time, one of Hungary’s most beloved traditions returns: the National Agriculture and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár, OMÉK). From September 18-21, 2025, the HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center transforms into a rural extravaganza, giving both city dwellers and visitors from across the country a taste of everything Hungarian agriculture and food production have to offer. From industry professionals to families looking for an unforgettable day out, OMÉK promises four vibrant days packed with events, innovation, and celebration.
A 150-Year Tradition with a Modern Twist
OMÉK isn’t just a fair—it’s a piece of Hungarian heritage. With a history stretching back almost 150 years, and held every two years since 2011, OMÉK gathers everyone involved in the agriculture and food sectors under one roof. For insiders, it’s a golden opportunity to connect with local and international buyers, strike business deals, and share expertise. For the wider public, it’s an immersive showcase of rural life—where the city gets a delicious, hands-on taste of the countryside. This year shines a special spotlight on the daily work and achievements of Hungarian farmers.
Business, Cuisine, and Culture Collide
Among the highlights is the Hungarian Food Summit—a prestigious international business matchmaking event. After its blockbuster debut two years ago, this year it expects 80-100 Hungarian food export companies and around 200 international buyers. But don’t worry, the weekend is all about the general public. Expect thrilling family and kids’ activities, live cooking shows, workshops, and Central Europe’s largest marketplace for small-scale producers, plus a dedicated Hungarikum stand (showcasing Hungary’s unique treasures). Whether you’re 7 or 77, everyone can get up close with the farms, foods, and innovations shaping Hungary’s agricultural future.
The Digital Revolution in Farming
Rapid change is redefining the world of agriculture—digital tools and new technologies are transforming how farmers work. To keep everyone up to speed, OMÉK 2025 features a groundbreaking conference: “Smart Technology, Green Future—Modernization Solutions in Agriculture,” organized by the Ministry of Agriculture (Agrárminisztérium) on the opening day. The event focuses on the latest trends in digital agriculture, with case studies from Hungary and Europe, the future direction of digitalization, and real-life innovations that are reshaping the industry for productivity, sustainability, and new generations. There’s a special look at the experiences gained under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2027).
Workshops, lectures, and roundtables cover everything from crop farming and livestock to horticulture. Attendees get practical, hands-on ideas to take home—and there’s a real emphasis on knowledge sharing between generations, looking at how digitalization can bring about generational renewal in farming.
What’s Where? The Pavilion Guide
The sprawling HUNGEXPO grounds are divided into pavilions, each with its own flair:
PAVILION A: Home to professional organizations, the food industry, and ag-tech. Here you’ll find agricultural machine demonstrations, about 80-100 food industry exhibitors, the Hungarian Food Business Program, the Food Summit, Ministry programs, and more.
PAVILION B: Animal show. Expect to meet every variety of farm animal from across Hungary.
PAVILION C: Conference hub, hosting forums, lectures, and professional days (September 18-19).
PAVILION D: The beating heart for small producers and families. Handcrafted foods, family farms, workshops, crafts, and performances on the big stage, plus the Mentes Festival (MentesFeszt) section for allergen-free food sectors.
PAVILION E: “Treasures of the Carpathian Basin”—tastes and traditions from civil agricultural organizations, local farmers, and craft producers. There’ll be ongoing cultural programs with bands, folk dancers, fashion shows, and displays of traditional crafts.
On top of that, there’s the PASSAGE—a buzzing “gastro street” filled with food trucks, unique snacks, specialty drinks, and a lively experience zone connecting all the pavilions.
Stage Shows and Family Fun
Each day brings a packed program of stage events, from live folk music and dance to kid-friendly concerts and educational talks. Noteworthy headliners include kid favorites like the Smart (Okos) and Bubble (Buborék) bands, folk dance performances by Lajta and the Fitos Dezső (Fitos Dezső) troupes, gardening tips with celebrity horticulturists like Marcsi Borbás (Borbás Marcsi), and food science talks about nutrition myths and new technologies. There are fun, interactive workshops—on everything from home gardening and eco-friendly practices to effective use of medicinal herbs and the ins and outs of community-supported agriculture.
Entry, Tickets, and Practical Info
Admission is a steal: $2.70 for a standard day ticket (purchase online or at the door), or $5.40 for a family ticket (two adults and children under 18). Children under six get in free. Enter via the HUNGEXPO Gates I or III. One note for animal lovers: Please leave your four-legged friends at home this year. To protect the participating animals from the increasing risk of infectious diseases, organizers ask all visitors not to bring pets.
Mark Your Calendar!
Whether you’re a dedicated agricultural professional, an entrepreneur, or just looking for family fun with a rural twist, OMÉK 2025 in Budapest is the place to be. Four days, countless experiences, and a one-of-a-kind peek into the best of Hungary’s agricultural and food scene—don’t miss it!
