Once again, the irresistible scent of paprika and sizzling pork will fill the air in Békéscsaba as the city gears up for the 28th Csabai Sausage Festival (Csabai Kolbászfesztivál). From October 23 to 26, 2025, hungry crowds and passionate foodies will descend on the iconic venue at 44 Gyulai Road (Gyulai út 44). Over four days of delicious chaos, Hungary’s most savory festival will offer tastings, lively sausage-stuffing contests, pig slaughters, cooking shows, talks, and concerts.
Festival Schedule and Contests
The festival is home to several signature competitions. Anyone can apply online to participate in the events of their choice, from the chili-fueled “International Dry Sausage Competition” to generational sausage-making showdowns.
On Thursday, October 23, at 10 AM, the Mokry Sámuel tent becomes a playground for young meat artists, as kindergarten and elementary school children roll up their sleeves for the youth sausage-making competition. High school and university students get their chance on Friday, October 24, at 10 AM. Meanwhile, sausage masters from across the borders will mix, stuff, and showcase their skills in the International Sausage-Making Contest on Saturday, October 25, taking place simultaneously at the Mokry Sámuel and Mihály Munkácsy (Munkácsy Mihály) tents, both starting at 10 AM. Sunday, October 26, features both the generational sausage-stuffing showdown (10 AM, Mokry Sámuel tent) and a hearty stuffed cabbage cook-off beginning at 9 AM in the square in front of the open-air stage.
Each contest must be booked via the official online platform, and participants should be sure to reserve the correct date and time.
Tickets and Wristbands
Entry is controlled by wristbands, with tickets sent as vouchers via email after a successful purchase. You’ll need to exchange these vouchers on-site for your festival-access wristband. Payments are accepted by bank card or SZÉP cards (OTP, MKB). Please note: all sales are final—no exchanges or refunds!
Children under age 6 get in free. On Thursday, October 23, if you enter before 2:00 PM and remain inside, admission is free for the whole day.
Multi-day festival passes and single-day tickets are available at gradually increasing prices as the event approaches, so early birds save the most. All ticket prices are converted at 360 HUF to 1 USD for clarity:
- Festival Pass (Thu–Sun): $40 (Aug 1), $44.16 (Sep 1), $47.22 (Oct 1), $47.22 (Oct 12), $50 (from Oct 23)
- Single-Day Tickets (Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun): $18.34 (Aug 1), $20.42 (Sep 1), $21.86 (Oct 1), $25 (from Oct 23)
Festival organizers reserve the right to change the program and schedule.
Where to Crash: Accommodation Options
Booking a stay in Békéscsaba for the festival? Options range from boutique guesthouses in leafy neighborhoods to chic hotels. One guesthouse in Lencsési (Lencsési), on the edge of the city, offers four air-conditioned double rooms with private bathrooms and the option for extra beds. Guests share a simple kitchen equipped with everything needed for making breakfast and snacks, including a stovetop, fridge, coffee machine, and utensils. Garage or covered parking can be arranged.
Craving peace and quiet? The Hotel Arcanum (Arcanum Hotel), nestled in the parkland of Békéscsaba’s garden district, features comfy rooms, gourmet food, and rejuvenating wellness facilities. The staff are experienced, the setting tranquil, and there’s even a hint that guests could “discover the Secret” for themselves.
Right in the city center, next to the Csaba Center (Csaba Center) mall, you’ll find a sleek, two-level luxury apartment with all the bells and whistles, measuring an impressive 1,180 square feet.
In a scenic, natural setting lies the Fenyves Wellness Hotel*** (Fenyves Wellness Hotel). Surrounded by a pine forest and bordered by the city’s winding canal, this family-friendly hotel blends relaxation, wellness, and nature. Each peaceful room has a view of the woods, and the grounds are perfect for strolls.
The Hotel Fiume (Fiume Hotel), with its fin-de-siècle ambiance, offers 39 rooms (76 beds) overlooking Békéscsaba’s newly renovated grand square.
A value-oriented spot, Meteor Guesthouse (Meteor Vendégház), provides double and triple rooms with unlimited WiFi and TVs with a variety of channels. Shared kitchens and dedicated space in the fridge for guest groceries make self-catering easy. There’s even a grill area in the nearby greenspace—perfect for a post-festival cookout. One room is accessible for guests with disabilities.
In the heart of Békéscsaba, a 4-star wellness and conference hotel stands proudly by Széchenyi park (Széchenyi park), occupying a lavishly restored historic brewery and a new modern wing. Whether for business, leisure, or wellness, this fully renovated, ultra-modern hotel offers a swanky home base for festival-goers.
Looking for an intimate guesthouse? Reti Guesthouse (Réti Panzió) has 11 rooms for up to 34 people, tucked behind the imposing Great Lutheran Church (Nagy Evangélikus Templom), and is open around the clock after a fresh renovation with three-star quality.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!
When hunger strikes beyond sausage, festival-goers can explore a wide array of culinary delights—from hand-crafted burgers and nachos to cocktails, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and much more.
Whatever you do, snag your ticket early, reserve your spot for the competitions, and get ready for four festive days packed with flavor, fun, and plenty of paprika!
