Where Food Dances: Szombathely’s Carnival Market Awaits!

Step into a whirlwind of flavors and fun at Szombathely’s Producer Market during the Savaria Historical Carnival (Savaria Történelmi Karnevál), running August 21–24, 2025. For four vibrant days, the city’s market hall transforms into a buzzing fiesta, offering unforgettable tastes, scents, and carnival vibes you won’t soon forget.

A Day at the Carnival Market

Kicking off on August 21, join a behind-the-scenes market tour starting at 10:00 AM from the Market Supervisor’s desk. Have you always wondered how things work behind the counters? Now’s your chance to catch a glimpse into the world of mushrooms, the daily lives of farmers, and the hustle of market traders. The tour ends on a delicious note: a tasting of lángos (savory fried bread). It’s free, but make sure to register by August 15 via email.

From 11:00 AM, at the Szent Martin Street (Szent Márton utca) tables, get ready for Grill & Chill. Savor crispy grilled dishes, fresh salads, tangy pickles, and summer’s finest bites—sample everything with your tasting ticket. The air is filled with music and the lively buzz from beloved local vendors.

Also at 11:00 AM, the market’s 50th anniversary is celebrated with a new book, “The Heart of Szombathely: The Market (Szombathely Szíve, A PIAC),” bringing history and its unforgettable producers and sellers to life. Collect 10 signatures from featured personalities to win a collectible tote bag! Plus, find out who wins the “Favorite Vendor” and “Favorite Producer” awards—announced in the morning and afternoon, respectively.

Carnival Marketplace Fun

From 1:00–5:00 PM, meet market vendors dressed in colorful costumes and togas. Local treat tasting stations are everywhere, and the outdoor area bursts with life: music, face painting, a smoothie station, prosecco bar, selfie wall—the party never stops.

At 1:00 PM, join a Producer Market Tour for stories and flavors straight from the region. This program is free but requires email registration by August 15. From 2:00 PM, enjoy live acoustic music from Zénó.

Carnival Mornings: Eat, Dance, Repeat

On August 23 (Saturday), from 8:00 AM to noon, the city’s best breakfast—think coffee, artisan cheese, homemade yogurt, roasted meat, crispy lángos (savory fried bread), and prosecco—kicks off the day, all while DJ Stefi spins summer beats at the Carnival Meeting Point.

August 24 continues with the same fantastic spirit. Start your morning with great food, coffee, friends, and the lively market atmosphere. The Small Hall on Hunyadi Street (Hunyadi utca) comes alive with a vinyl fair (7:30 AM–4:00 PM) and the Alexandra Book Fair (10:00 AM–4:00 PM), featuring culinary books, local history, and contemporary literature, while DJ Stefi keeps the energy high.

Taste Your Way Through Szombathely

On Sunday, August 24 at 10:00 AM, join Erzsébett Soósné Hesztera’s guided city walk—one highlight being a stop (and taste) at the market. Registration is free but required by August 15 via email.

Kick off your carnival mornings at the Market Hall—where Szombathely’s true heart beats—with breakfast, music, local flavors, good company, and a dash of history. Carnival weekend has never tasted so good!

2025, adminboss