It’s official: Soponya’s (Soponya) International Wild Gastronomy Festival is turning 18, and on September 6, 2025, things are set to get wilder than ever in this tranquil Hungarian village. What started as a celebration for wild meat lovers, nature fans, and hunting culture enthusiasts now bursts into adulthood with a jam-packed lineup, zesty flavors, and a hefty dose of outdoor fun.
This year’s edition raises the stakes. Not only does it mark the 18th birthday of the festival—making the leap into “adulthood”—but it also brings together the prestigious Fejér County (Fejér megye) Hunters’ Day and the adrenaline-pumped STIHL Timbersports Hungarian National Championship on the same day. You read that right: between gourmet venison stew and fragrant wild sausages, you’ll see chainsaw-wielding athletes and the best local hunters, all cheered on by celebrity host Zoltán Szujó. Known for electrifying both TV shows and sports events, Szujó will keep things fast-paced and fun all day long.
Action-Packed Program From Dawn Till Dusk
Gates open at 8:30am and events won’t stop until 6:00pm, with music, dance, cooking, and contests happening throughout the leafy grounds of the Eco-tourism Center. The marching band from the Székesfehérvár (Székesfehérvár) soldiers’ garrison kicks off the show before the official opening ceremonies for the Wild Gastronomy Festival and Hunters’ Day begin at 10am. Traditional folk dances light up the main stage, along with crowd-pleasers like Ernő Mága’s band (Mága Ernő Zenekara) and the quirky comedy group Irigy Hónaljmirigy, plus classic rock from Dynamite Dudes and Bon-Bon Band (Bon-Bon Együttes). There’s even a demonstration by top Hungarian hunting dogs and an exciting prize raffle for puzzle-solvers.
That’s just the main stage. Offstage, early birds can watch the start of the cooking contest at 7:30am, where teams compete for the best wild game dish. Ernő Mága’s band strolls among the cooking teams, making sure the aroma of campfire cooking mixes with good vibes. Kids and adults can take on the “Gilice 7 Challenges” puzzle course for a shot at prizes, or check out the Animal Academy’s live demos alongside experts from Budakeszi Game Park (Budakeszi Vadaspark), where everyone meets rescued wild animals and learns about their habits.
The highlight for thrill-seekers comes at noon, as the STIHL Timbersports National Championship transforms part of the venue into an axe-throwing, chainsaw-wielding showdown. For motorheads, the Rally World exhibition brings shiny rally and rallycross cars front and center.
Fun for All Ages
This isn’t just for hardcore carnivores or enthusiastic hunters. Families will find a huge kids’ zone with wood-turning workshops, eco-playgrounds, creative clay and felting projects, and hands-on animal demos. Children can become “junior hunters,” make crafts, or enjoy a wildlife-themed book launch. Local artisans display their work, from wooden toys and hunting knives to traditional leather goods.
The Gastro Court tempts everyone with the heady aroma of wild stew and creative dishes—from wild boar pâté to venison sausages, truffle specialties, honey, jams, and plenty of sweet treats. All the food is rooted in local flavors, with tasting tickets costing about $11 (4000 HUF). Entry for adults is $8.40 (3000 HUF), and tickets are only sold on-site, payable in cash or by SZÉP card (widely used for recreational spending in Hungary).
A Showcase of Rural Life
Stroll past outdoor exhibitions like a trophy display, hunting museum, photography and painting showcases, and a custom furniture gallery. Local businesses, artists, and makers promote their best, from “forest delicacies” jams to specialty cheeses. If you’re keen on shopping, browse the large hunting equipment market or stock up on edible gifts at the crafts market.
Leaders and major supporters will make appearances too, ranging from Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén to top officials from the National Hunting Association and Ministry of Agriculture, reflecting just how seriously Hungarians take their countryside heritage.
All in the Heart of Nature
The setting is unbeatable: Soponya (Soponya) lies on the Sárvíz River (Sárvíz) in southwestern Fejér County, right at the edge of a thousand-hectare (2,471-acre) nature reserve full of woods, lakes, and winding trails. The Eco-tourism Center (Ökoturisztikai Központ) is not just home to the festival; year-round, it offers a hunting lodge, conference hall, petting zoo, museum, hiking and biking routes, and a tranquil retreat for anglers. The Gilice Forest School (Gilice Erdészeti Iskola) shares the grounds and, together with a nearby arboretum and wildlife park, ensures kids and adults alike leave both educated and entertained.
Whether you’re looking to sample game cuisine, thrill your kids with hands-on forest activities, or just relax to folk music in an epic setting, Soponya’s big festival has something for everyone—hunters, foodies, families, and anyone in search of a taste of the wild.
