Have you ever wanted to find the sport that truly suits you, but haven’t had the chance to try them all? Or maybe you’re drawn to music and wish you could finally get your hands on those concert instruments you’ve only admired from afar? This September, Budapest’s massive Choose Your Sport and Choose Your Instrument event throws open its doors to thousands, offering hands-on experiences with a dizzying range of sports and musical instruments—not to mention the chance to collect selfies (and autographs) from Olympic, World, and European champions.
What, Where, and When?
Taking over the Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont) at 12/A Maglódi Road (Maglódi út 12/A) on September 12 and 13, from 9 AM to 5 PM both days, the event turns 18 this year—officially reaching “adulthood.” Launched in 2007 with only 10-15 sports and 300 visitors, the festival now boasts more than 100 sports, 25 musical instruments, and over 20,000 attendees. Participation is free for all, but you’ll need to register either online in advance or on-site at the entrance.
The Full Experience: Sports, Music, and Stars
This is not just “watch and learn”—it’s “try it, love it, maybe even stick with it.” The event’s focus isn’t only on training future Olympians (though it’s happened), but on helping kids—and adults—find enjoyment and confidence in moving, discovering, and creating. With interactive stations run by professional coaches and music teachers, you’ll see and try both the nation’s most popular sports and a host of less mainstream activities you might never have considered.
During the two days, the stages will feature exciting sports demonstrations, open practices, and live music concerts. At each sports booth, expert trainers will help you get hands-on. Expect Hungary’s most popular sports—soccer (football), swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, kayaking and canoeing—and fresh options like ballet, weightlifting, breakdancing, “triple games” (triplajáték), and OCR (Obstacle Course Racing).
The country’s sporting elite will be in attendance, ready for photos and autograph sessions—don’t miss your chance to meet stars like Dr. Gergely Kiss, Áron Szilágyi, Gréta Gurisatti, Ádám Varga, Máté Koch, Ajna Késely, Márk Opavszky, László Cseh, Márton Kövér, Nándor Németh, Zsombor Tamási, Andrea Molnár, Zoltán Kósz, Izabella Ujvári, Gergely Balogh, Botond Mester, Bence Fodor, and Ferenc Novák, to name just a few.
Musical Playground for All Ages
The instrument section is equally interactive. Guided by skilled instructors, beginners and pros alike can try violin, viola, cello, double bass; wind instruments like flute, recorder, clarinet, and various saxophones; brass—trumpet, horn, trombone; all sorts of percussion, from classic drums to xylophone to handpan; and even piano and cimbalom (Hungarian hammered dulcimer). The ‘Music Grove’ (Zeneliget) area adds in classical and folk dance programs, completing the immersive art experience.
Friday morning is mostly reserved for pre-registered school and kindergarten groups, but from 2 PM Friday and all day Saturday, everyone is welcome—families, solo adventurers, anyone who is curious.
Unusual Sports—And Why You Should Try Them
Think the world of sport is full? Think again. New activities keep popping up, blurring the lines between play, exercise, and family fun. Here are just a few highlights you can experience:
– Spikeball: A round-net game resembling table tennis meets trampoline, played in pairs or teams of four. It’s fast, dynamic, and all about teamwork.
– Teqball: A Hungarian invention blending table tennis and soccer. Played on a curved table, it sharpens ball skills, balance, and focus.
– Parkour: No longer just the realm of YouTube daredevils, parkour now has organized classes—even for kids—covering jumps, rolls, and vaults over obstacles.
– Hiking and Nature Fitness: No gear needed—just get outside, mix classic hiking with functional moves like squats by tree trunks and gently climbing challenging slopes.
Joy of Moving: Where Family Comes First
The Kinder Joy of Moving philosophy runs throughout the event: movement should bring joy and togetherness, not pressure. Try new things together—let your kids see you give spikeball, yoga, or even a silly living room dance a whirl. Build in a little movement as a habit: maybe five minutes of stretches in the morning, a “who can stand on one leg longest?” contest, or skip the elevator in favor of the stairs.
No need to chase perfection—consistency beats intensity. It’s about forming habits, sharing active time, and discovering favorites—as a team.
Cruising into the Future—and Bonus Fun
This year, the event also offers a window into innovation: Toyota’s lineup of hybrid models will be on display, promising a peek at tomorrow’s urban adventure. Active Hungary (Aktív Magyarország) will again showcase their initiatives for outdoor fun and healthy living.
So, whether you’re chasing gold medals, making family memories, or just curious about what a handpan actually sounds like, the Budapest Choose Your Sport and Instrument event is the place to be. Don’t just watch sports and music—live them!
