Rural Hungary is going all out for autumn again with the 21st Pumpkin Festival of Őrség (Őrségi Tökfesztivál), happening from September 19 to 21, 2025. The event is spread across the scenic villages of Őriszentpéter, Szalafő, Magyarszombatfa, and Nagyrákos, putting the spotlight squarely on the region’s obsession: the oil pumpkin. Get ready for pumpkin seed oil pressing, all kinds of pumpkin-based dishes, and tons of creative pumpkin-themed events.
Where Pumpkin Rules
The Pumpkin Festival is considered the biggest culinary and heritage tourism event in western Hungary’s Őrség (Őrség) region. Expect three days packed with hearty local food, regional drinks, warm hospitality, and the festive atmosphere that has kept this celebration alive for more than two decades. The festival centers on the local superfood—the oil pumpkin. Guests can watch traditional pumpkin seed oil being pressed, sample everything from pumpkin soup to pumpkin pie, and even take part in cooking workshops or wacky competitions, all centered around the humble pumpkin.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re staying for the whole weekend or just dropping by, finding accommodation won’t be a problem. Choices range from renovated guesthouses tucked into peaceful corners of the villages to rustic apartments surrounded by woods. For example, one restored guesthouse on the outskirts of Őriszentpéter sleeps ten guests in five bedrooms and comes with three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lovely garden.
For smaller groups, the Akácméz Apartment (Akácméz Apartman), just a five-minute walk from the center of Őriszentpéter, accommodates up to five guests in its cozy, 430-square-foot space. It offers everything you need, including a well-stocked kitchen and a spacious lounge. For travelers seeking total tranquility, there are houses nestled between streams and forests, ideal for relaxing, hiking, or even a bit of hunting. Some accommodations feature barbecue pits, outdoor oven areas, deck chairs, and beautiful courtyards.
Fans of traditional log houses will find a gem at Egésszer, surrounded by woodland at the edge of the forest with large yards perfect for sunbathing or grilling. For a truly nostalgic experience, the 115-year-old Farkasdombi Guesthouse (Farkasdombi Vendégház) is a peaceful retreat under century-old oak trees. Larger groups can stay at places like the twelve-person Fazekas Guesthouse (Fazekas Vendégház), where families or friends enjoy spacious common areas and convenient parking.
Food & Drink Locales
Local gastronomy is a highlight. For lunch or dinner, try the village’s family-style restaurant located just 765 yards from the heart of Őriszentpéter, serving seasonal, hearty dishes year-round. For a unique taste of Őrség, the Pajta Bistro (Pajta Bisztró) stands out. Housed in an old barn perched above the Szala stream—just outside Őriszentpéter—Pajta is both a culinary destination and a cultural landmark. Whether you stop by on a cycling trip for coffee, bring your kids, or celebrate a family occasion with a special menu, you’ll find a warm welcome.
More Festivals and Events
If one festival isn’t enough, Őrség (Őrség) becomes an event hotspot in late summer and fall 2025. The Hétrétország Festival (Hétrétország Fesztivál, August 9–17), the International Vintage Vehicle Meetup (Nemzetközi Veteránjármű Találkozó, September 6), and the Őrség Half Marathon (Őrségi Félmaraton, October 25) are just a few of the highlights alongside the pumpkin extravaganza.
Festival details and programs may change—after all, even pumpkins can be unpredictable!
