Discover Hungarian Cheese at Cheese Budapest

If you’re visiting Budapest in October and love trying local food, save room for cheese. The first Cheese Budapest festival comes to Rákóczi Market Hall on 17–18 October 2026, bringing Hungarian cheesemakers together for two days of tastings, demonstrations and conversations about their craft.

Event Details

• When: Saturday and Sunday, 17–18 October 2026
• Where: Rákóczi Market Hall, Budapest
• Saturday: An evening of cheese and drink tastings; advance ticket required
• Sunday: A producers’ cheese market from 10:00 to 18:00, with demonstrations, talks and activities
• Tickets: Sunday workshops require separate tickets; check the available ticket options before visiting

Start with an Evening Tasting

Saturday’s programme is designed for anyone who enjoys discovering how flavours work together. The evening begins with cheese and fermented drinks, followed by a wine and cheese tasting featuring a selection by gastronomy experts Csaba Harmath and Emese Domián. You’ll also have the chance to meet cheesemakers and other food professionals. The event takes place in a separate hall and is open only to visitors with pre-purchased tickets.

Meet the Makers on Sunday

On Sunday, the market hall fills with stands from 24 Hungarian cheesemakers. Take your time browsing and tasting, or join a guided cheese walk to hear more about the makers and their products. You can also watch parenyica cheese being stretched and mozzarella being made—an opportunity to see the work behind what’s on your plate.

There’s plenty to enjoy between tastings, including music, a cheese quiz, a cheese-recognition contest and talks on cheese culture. Families can visit the children’s corner, while visitors keen to explore flavour pairings can book separate workshops featuring tea, craft beer or whisky. The festival closes with the ceremonial cutting of the 2026 Cheese of the Year.