This year, the event combines one of Hungary’s favourite sweet treats with a charitable purpose, as it joins the 'Pink Gasztro' campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention. So all visitors can enjoy delicious flavours while helping support a good cause.

The festival’s theme - “The best thing that can happen to a Chimney Cake…” - takes on new meaning in 2025. A share of proceeds from special raspberry-themed products such as Raspberry Chimney Cake, Raspberry KürtősBON, Raspberry Chimney Cream, and Raspberry Chimney Fondue will be donated to the Mellrákinfó Association, which promotes early breast-cancer screening and education.

“Five years ago, we launched this initiative to encourage more women — and men — to understand that early detection saves lives,” says Borbála Halom, president of Mellrákinfó. “A popular community event like the Chimney Cake Festival is an ideal setting to spread that message.”



In Hungary, one in ten women is affected by breast cancer during their lifetime, and around 2,000 lives are lost each year due to late diagnosis. Festival organiser Tünde András notes that the awareness campaign will appear across at least a dozen festival locations, helping to reach as many visitors as possible in a positive, engaging way.

Beyond the charitable aspect, ten stands will offer different variations of the classic treat, located throughout the grounds - from the main zoo area to the new playground, petting zoo, and parts of the Biodome.

Also, three stages will host live acoustic music and family entertainment, and six separate programme areas will feature interactive activities.

In the Crafts Courtyard, children can enjoy storytelling, hands-on workshops, and animal-themed games, while adults can relax or join in larger-scale attractions like the giant mill game. Face painting and travelling toy libraries will add to the family-friendly atmosphere.

For those coming mainly for the food, there’s plenty to explore. Traditional Chimney Cakes will feature alongside inventive new versions.

The Ízbombák stand offers authentic flavours, while KürtősBON presents stuffed creations such as Walnut-Apricotbon, Cinnamon-Plumbon, and Raspberry-Chocobon.



Gluten-, dairy- and egg-free Chimney Cakes will be available at two spots, and vegan options at another.

Sweet Bear returns with desserts and specialty coffees, while the Kürtős Fondülde invites visitors to dip freshly baked cakes into Belgian chocolate, fruit sauces, or vanilla cream.

A “Do It Yourself” Chimney Cake workshop lets guests try baking their own



Festival founder Gáspár Bálint, from Vitéz Kürtős, notes that his parents — owners of the traditional Székely Lehel Kürtősház — will also be attending as special guests in the main square.

The Chimney Cake Festival is a tasty way to celebrate autumn in Budapest while supporting a meaningful cause. Expect sweet tastes, family-friendly activities, and a warm atmosphere in one of the city’s best outdoor venues.

Dates:
October 10-12

Location:
Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12

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Chimney Cake Festival