The legendary Csaba Sausage Festival (Csabai Kolbászfesztivál) returns for its 28th edition from October 23 to 26, 2025, lighting up Békéscsaba (Békéscsaba) with a hearty four-day extravaganza dedicated to sausages, local traditions, and plenty of revelry. Promising the nation’s tastiest sausage (kolbász), sausage kneading competitions, pig slaughters, mouthwatering food, and concerts all in one, this massive Hungarian event is not just for foodies—it’s a social highlight that draws crowds from across the country and the world.
Festival Competitions: From Kneaders to Cabbage Kings
The action starts even before opening day, with the International Dry Sausage Competition on October 9 at the Csaba Event Barn (Csabai Rendezvénypajta). Once the festival officially kicks off on October 23, the Sámuel Mokry (Mokry Sámuel) tent becomes the battleground for aspiring young sausage makers—kindergarten and elementary kids compete in the sausage kneading contest first, followed by high schoolers and university students on Friday.
Saturday is when things get truly global, as the International Sausage Kneading Competition takes over both the Sámuel Mokry (Mokry Sámuel) and Mihály Munkácsy (Munkácsy Mihály) tents. Then, on Sunday, it’s time for families in the Generations Kneading Competition, and, for those who know their cabbage, the Cabbage Roll Cooking Contest takes place at 9:00 AM in front of the open-air stage.
You can sign up for any of these contests online, and if you’re eyeing a table for your team, reserve it online along with your entry. With multiple events at different times, be sure to check the schedule to find your perfect sausage battle.
Getting In: Tickets and Pricing
Ticket sales are all digital, and after your purchase, you’ll receive email vouchers. Exchange these at the gate for your all-important wristband that gets you into the festival. Payment options include bank cards and SZÉP cards from OTP or MKB. Heads up: Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can’t change or rebook—so choose wisely!
Children under 6 get in free. The festival reserves the right to adjust the schedule, so keep an eye out for updates, but the party is always on.
Four-day passes and daily tickets go up in price the closer you get to the festival. Here’s the financial breakdown (approximate, converting HUF to USD at 369 HUF = 1 USD):
– **Full Festival Pass (Thursday–Sunday):**
– Aug 1: $39
– Sep 1: $43
– Oct 1–12: $46
– Oct 23: $49
– **Day Tickets (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday):**
– Aug 1: $19.50
– Sep 1: $21.50
– Oct 1: $23
– Oct 23: $24.50
Thursday entry is free before 2:00 PM. If you enter early and stay, you don’t pay for that day at all!
Where to Stay: Sleep Off Your Sausage
Whether you crave luxury or just a comfy bed after all that sausage, Békéscsaba (Békéscsaba) is ready for you:
– **Guesthouses Near the Action:** The Lencsési housing estate offers a two-story guesthouse with four air-conditioned double rooms, private bathrooms, and a communal kitchenette. Extras like garage or covered parking are available.
– **Arcanum Hotel:** Set in parkland, this spot promises a peaceful escape with wellness facilities, gourmet dining, and expert staff if you need a break from the crowds.
– **Downtown Luxury Apartment:** For those seeking city vibes, a third-floor, double-level, 1,184-square-foot (110 m²) luxury suite next to the Csaba Center (Csaba Center) offers top-tier comfort.
– **Fenyves Wellness Hotel:** Out in the garden district, surrounded by pine forests and bordered by the river canal, the hotel offers a family atmosphere, wellness facilities, and plenty of nature.
– **Fiume Hotel:** Step back into the elegance of the 1900s, with 39 rooms overlooking the impressively restored city square.
– **Meteor Guesthouse:** Features two double and two triple rooms (one accessible for wheelchair users), unlimited Wi-Fi, TV with extra channels, and a shared kitchen with grilling facilities.
– **Four-Star Conference and Wellness Hotel:** Housed partly in a historic brewery beside Széchenyi Park (Széchenyi liget), this brand-new blend of old and new is ideal for relaxation, business, or an indulgent wellness escape.
– **Réti Inn and Restaurant (Réti Panzió):** For peace just behind the famous Lutheran church, this freshly renovated inn can host 34 guests and offers a 24-hour front desk.
– **Craft Burger Bar:** When you want a break from sausage, try unique burgers, plates, cocktails, hot chocolate, nachos, and more.
Food, Drink, and More Fun
Expect traditional sausage dishes, local wines, fantastic street food, and all the flavors of rural Hungary. And it’s not just about filling your stomach; concerts, performances, and the comforting chaos of a true fall festival ensure everyone finds their groove, young or old.
One thing is certain—the organizers aren’t afraid to shake up the program for maximum enjoyment, so flexibility is part of the fun. The only real rule: bring your appetite—and maybe an umbrella, just in case.
