Every August, the city of Szombathely (Hungarian: Szombathely) transforms into trucker heaven. The Truckers’ Meeting and Festival (Hungarian: Kamionos Találkozó és Fesztivál) rolls back into town from August 15 to 17, 2025, promising three turbocharged days of roaring engines, family fun, and a full-throttle celebration of all things trucking.
Engines, Chrome, and Glory
For one weekend, Szombathely (Hungarian: Szombathely) hosts not just truckers, but anyone with a love for big rigs, oil, and all things mechanical. The highlight is undoubtedly the festival’s signature parade—a thunderous convoy of trucks, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and anything else that rolls with attitude. As engines echo through the city streets, the sights and sounds create an unforgettable show, equal parts celebration and spectacle.
The lineup is packed: drag races pit trucks in head-to-head speed battles, while the truck beauty contest dazzles with gleaming, customized entries—vintage classics with timeless lines and the latest models showing off cutting-edge tech. Adrenaline junkies get their fix at the streetfighter show, and fans can get up close to rare vehicles in extensive exhibitions. A bustling marketplace lets visitors grab souvenirs and trucker gear, while families wander between displays and live demonstrations.
All Ages, All Welcome
The festival isn’t just for proud truck owners or industry insiders. The atmosphere is equal parts wild and welcoming—families, groups of friends, hardcore truck fans, and casual visitors all find something to love. Organizers go all-in on entertainment: live shows, concerts, playful and educational activities for kids, and sprawling exhibitions designed to keep everyone engaged, whether you’re six or sixty.
Each year, the organizers up their game, bringing in fresh acts, more interactive zones, and standout surprises to ensure that no two festivals are ever the same. It’s this commitment to raising the bar that makes Truck Fest a must-see summer fixture—and why visitors keep coming back, year after year.
Community, Partners, and Power
Pulling off an event this size takes horsepower. The Wild West Truck Fest has the backing of numerous companies and sponsors, who not only provide financial support but also get into the spirit by hosting their own interactive programs and zones throughout the weekend. For sponsors, it’s a premium chance to get their brands in front of a roaring crowd; for attendees, it means more hands-on activities, giveaways, and extra fun layered throughout the festival grounds.
Where to Stay, Eat, and Recover
Anyone making a weekend of it—and you should—has plenty of comfortable places to stay. Options range from cozy guesthouses in lush, green suburbs (with easy bus access and secure parking for about 30 cars) to the ancient Rome-inspired Forum Hotel & Restaurant (Hungarian: Fórum Hotel és Étterem), boasting two stylish floors of dining with both local Hungarian classics and international favorites. The hotel sits above the restaurant, catering to both tourists and business guests.
Garda Hotel (Hungarian: Garda Hotel), a 3-star option, sits by a scenic lake, close to Szombathely’s (Hungarian: Szombathely) indoor pool and thermal baths, as well as the newly renovated beach. Whether you’re after spacious, air-conditioned luxury or budget-friendly, no-frills charm, there’s a room for everyone. Most city hotels are less than a 5-minute drive from downtown and offer amenities like private bathrooms, cable TV, phone, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Many are family-run, warmly welcoming truckers and festival-goers with classic home cooking and budget rates. Several venues even handle large events like weddings—if you want to get married Truck Fest-style.
Fueling Up: Food and Drink
Nobody’s going hungry in Szombathely (Hungarian: Szombathely). The culinary scene straddles the line between homey comfort food and elevated international cuisine. Leading the pack is the 108 Restaurant (Hungarian: 108 Étterem), inspired by Gábor Király’s 108 appearances for Hungary’s national soccer team, serving up Euro-Mediterranean fare with a focus on flavor and a no-compromise approach to quality.
The city also features creative eateries fusing European, Hungarian, and Asian influences, open kitchens, and modern wine lists. Some venues host live music on weekends, blending classic flavors with the energy of the festival scene. In certain corners of the city, you can find grandmothers’ recipes with a modern twist—think hearty soups and stews reimagined for today’s tastes, plus plenty of craft beer, cocktails, and a little bit of everything else.
Good to Know
As always, organizers warn that the festival program is subject to change—but the party’s thunderous spirit never fades. Whether you’re a die-hard truck enthusiast or just want a weekend of noisy fun, Szombathely’s (Hungarian: Szombathely) Wild West Truck Fest is the summer’s definitive pit stop.
Ready to burn rubber? The engines will be waiting.
