HBSFest Season 7
2026November 5-6., Pápa
The event is getting closer
Register now!
WELCOME TO HBSFEST
Hungary’s unique international English language festival for secondary school students
Students from different countries. Different schools. Different backgrounds. One common language: English.
HBSFest brings together secondary school students and teachers from Hungary, international schools and communities beyond the borders for an unforgettable shared experience in Pápa.
For two days, English becomes much more than a school subject.
It becomes the language of creativity, performance, competition, friendship and connection.
HBSFest is a place where students can show what they can do, discover new talents, meet people they would never otherwise meet and experience what it feels like to be part of a truly international community.
You can perform.
You can create.
You can compete.
You can sing, act, make films, present your ideas and challenge yourself.
But most importantly, you can use English for what languages are really meant for.
To understand each other.
To connect.
To belong.
Read the official competition announcement (PDF)
*The programme is subject to change.
MORE THAN A COMPETITION
HBSFest is much more than an English language competition.
It is an international student festival built around creativity, talent, culture, community and real life communication.
Every year, students and teachers arrive in Pápa from different parts of Hungary and from abroad. Participants also join us from international schools in Hungary and from Hungarian communities beyond the country’s borders.
They may come from different educational systems.
They may speak different native languages.
They may have completely different backgrounds.
At HBSFest, none of that separates them.
Because everyone has one language in common.
ENGLISH
This is what makes HBSFest special.
English is not simply the language of the competitions.
It is the common language of the whole festival.
Students use it to perform, communicate, make friends, share ideas and experience something together.
HBSFest creates a space where young people can step outside the classroom and discover that English is not only something they learn.
It is something they can live.
HBSFEST GOES INTERNATIONAL
HBSFest welcomes secondary school students and teachers from Hungary and abroad.
Our participants include students from Hungarian secondary schools, international schools in Hungary, schools in neighbouring countries and Hungarian communities beyond the borders.
The international atmosphere is not an extra part of the festival.
It is one of its most important foundations.
HBSFest gives students the opportunity to meet people from different countries in a completely natural way through shared programmes, performances, competitions and experiences.
New friendships can begin here.
New school partnerships can begin here.
New ideas can begin here.
And sometimes all it takes is one common language.
FREE TO JOIN. FREE TO EXPERIENCE.
Participation in HBSFest is free of charge.
Entry to the competitions is free, and many festival programmes and services are also provided free of charge with advance registration.
Our goal is simple.
We want as many students as possible to have access to an inspiring international experience, regardless of where they come from or what school they attend.
COME TO PÁPA. BRING YOUR TALENT. SPEAK ENGLISH.
Some participants travel only a few kilometres to get here.
Others cross borders.
Some come from Hungarian schools.
Others come from international schools.
They may arrive from different countries and speak different languages at home.
At HBSFest, they meet in one place and communicate in one language.
ENGLISH.
Different countries. Different schools. One common language.
HBSFest. More than a competition.
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9:00 - 18:00 Cultural and Community programs
Discover Pápa, meet students from Hungary and abroad, and enjoy a full day of cultural and community experiences.
Choose from a variety of programmes throughout the day:
- MH 47 Pápa Air Base visit
- Sightseeing programmes in the historic city centre
- Museum visits
- Esterházy Palace visits
- Free admission to Pápai Várkertfürdő
- Other cultural and community activities
Advance registration is required. Places are limited for some programmes.
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14:00 English language competition, C1 level
Ready to put your English to the test?
Take part in our international C1 level English language competition and challenge yourself alongside students from Hungary and abroad.
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18:00 Dinner at Edvy Malom
After a full day of exploring Pápa, it is time for everyone to come together.
Join us for dinner at the Edvy Mill Restaurant, followed by an evening of music, dancing and meeting new people.
Advance registration is required for dinner.
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19:00 - 22:00 Vin Hart
Competitions can wait until tomorrow.
Tonight, we party.
Vin Hart takes over the music at Edvy Mill for the HBSFest Thursday night party.
Music. Dancing. International crowd.
See you on the dance floor!
10:00-14:00 - "PáPá - Pályaválasztás Pápán 2026" Career Orientation in Pápa – Bye-bye Secondary School, Hello University!
(A national and international career orientation day for secondary school students. The event can be visited during the lunch break at the neighbouring Sports Hall ("Városi Sportcsarnok"). Registration for the event is required at www.bestcontest.hu.)
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9:00 Official Opening Ceremony
Let the competition begin!
Join us for the official opening of HBSFest 2026 before hundreds of students take over competition venues across Pápa.
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10:00 - 16:00 Competitions across Pápa
This is what you came for.
Throughout the day, HBSFest competitions will take place simultaneously at several venues across the city.
Poetry and prose, visual arts, choir, drama, short films, solo singing, bands and classical music.
Different talents. Different stages. One common language.
English.
Exact starting times and detailed schedules may vary by category.
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12:00 - 13:00 Lunch break
Time to recharge!
Free lunch is provided for registered HBSFest participants at several locations close to the competition venues.
Advance meal registration is required.
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16:30 Award Ceremony
One festival. Hundreds of students. Countless performances and experiences.
Now it is time to celebrate them.
Join us for the official HBSFest 2026 Award Ceremony as we announce the winners and bring two unforgettable days together to a close.
Who will take home the HBSFest awards this year?
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course. During registration, you need to indicate which day you will arrive, which day you will leave, and which programmes you would like to attend.
We are very sorry, but at the moment we are unable to provide several different menu options. We are working to improve this.
Remember that you can still modify your registration until the specified deadline. After the deadline has passed, please contact us through one of our contact channels.
At the entrance of Petőfi Sándor Secondary School of Pápa.
So that you can receive your gift package.
We will be happy to send them to you by email.
The car parks of Petőfi Sándor Secondary School of Pápa and the neighbouring Sports Hall are large and free of charge. Everywhere else in the city, parking is subject to a fee.
