For four days next September, Budapest will go all-out green and delicious. OMÉK—Hungary’s largest and oldest agricultural and food industry show—is coming to the HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center from September 18 to 21, 2025, promising a genuine rural festival right in the heart of the city. This biennial event, now celebrating its 82nd edition, draws crowds from all walks of life: city-dwellers seeking countryside vibes, rural visitors exploring the metropolis, industry professionals, and families looking for unique and tasty experiences.
A Tradition Nearly 150 Years Old
OMÉK has a legacy stretching back almost 150 years, making it one of Hungary’s longest-running trade fairs. Since 2011, it has been held every two years, bringing together everyone connected to the agricultural scene—from crop growers to food processors to machinery producers. The upcoming event shines a spotlight on farmers’ crucial efforts and also serves as the go-to meeting place for top representatives of the agrarian economy who want to connect with buyers from Hungary and abroad, find business partners, and exchange new ideas.
Hungarian Food Summit: Where Business Gets Serious
A highlight for professionals is the Hungarian Food Summit, an international business gathering introduced just two years ago, returning by popular demand in 2025. Expect between 80 and 100 Hungarian food exporters and around 200 international buyers looking to make deals, network, and boost exports.
The Weekend Belongs to the Public
Families and food lovers, get ready: the public days are packed! OMÉK offers an incredible variety of hands-on workshops, family and kids’ programs, culinary demonstrations, and Central Europe’s largest small-producer market. The “Hungarikum” stand, celebrating uniquely Hungarian treasures, will be a magnet for curious visitors. Tens of thousands are expected, and everyone—young or old—can get a glimpse into the daily life, innovations, and rich history of Hungarian agriculture and food production.
Talking Tech: The Big Push Toward Digital Agriculture
Farming in 2025 isn’t just about tractors and pitchforks. The agricultural world is going digital fast. Keeping up with ever-evolving technology is vital—and that’s why this year OMÉK features a cutting-edge conference titled “Smart Technology, Green Future – Modernization Solutions at the Service of Agriculture.” The conference opens on the first afternoon and offers a deep dive into current and upcoming digital trends in both Hungary and Europe. Pivotal topics are on the agenda: How is agriculture’s digital transformation progressing? What innovations might revolutionize the near future? How can digital solutions drive efficiency, sustainability, competitiveness, and even help bridge generational gaps? The event is also a forum to review experiences with the Common Agricultural Policy in recent years.
Expect lively presentations and roundtables covering everything from crop cultivation and livestock farming to horticulture. Experts will showcase best practices and successful cooperation—delivering ideas attendees can actually take home and use.
Pavilions: Something for Everyone
OMÉK is sprawling. Here’s what to expect and where to find it:
A Pavilion: The main professional hub, where you’ll meet agricultural producers, processors, retailers, distributors, and equipment demonstrations—plus the Hungarian Food Business Program, Food Summit, and Ministry activities.
B Pavilion: Animal exhibition. Think furry and feathered friends!
C Pavilion: Conference center for professional forums and talks, mainly on September 18–19.
D Pavilion: Home to small producers, family farms, and artisans. Also the main stage for concerts, educational shows, kids’ activities, and hands-on crafts. An exclusive “MentesFest” (FreeFromFest) section spotlights food for special diets, and both regional and national labels are celebrated.
E Pavilion: The treasures of the Carpathian Basin (Kárpát-medence). Here, you’ll explore traditions, gastronomy, and culture, thanks to local producers, craftspeople, and artists—including folk music, dance, fashion shows, and demonstrations of age-old skills. The “Hungarikum” area highlights exceptional Hungarian items such as Hévíz (famous spa), Tokaji Aszú wine, Acacia honey, Pálinka brandy, Gyulai sausage, Halas lace, Busó masks, embroidered coats, and whip-cracking displays.
Passageway: The “GastroStreet” (GasztroStreet) zone offers irresistible street food, drinks, and food trucks between the halls.
Daily Programs: From Science Talks to Disney Tunes
Each day, the main stage (Hall D) features family-friendly entertainment, including gardening with TV personality Marcsi Borbás, fun lectures on nutrition myths and eco-gardening, and musical performances by popular Hungarian acts like Alma Band (Alma együttes), Bubble Band (Buborék együttes), and Smart Band. Special traditional dance and folk music groups—such as Lajta Ensemble (Lajta), Dezső Fitos Company (Fitos Dezső Társulat), and ONE Beat—bring culture alive every afternoon. Saturday even features Disney songs with Veca Janicsák and Hagamaki. On Sunday, don’t miss a roundtable on bread and organic grains—turning foes into friends.
Tickets, Rules & Essential Info
A standard daily ticket costs 1,000 HUF (about $3), with a family pass for two adults and children under 18 at 2,000 HUF (about $6). Children under six get in free. Enter via HUNGEXPO gates I or III.
A special note: pets should stay home this year. To safeguard the health of the exhibited animals, organizers are enforcing a strict no-pet policy to minimize disease risk.
OMÉK 2025 is not just a show—it’s a feast for the senses, a chance to connect, learn, taste, and glimpse the ever-innovating future of Hungarian agriculture. Don’t miss it! September 18–21, HUNGEXPO, Budapest.
