The Big Sport and Big Instrument Tryout returns to Budapest on May 29–30, 2026, taking over the Merkapt Sports Center at 1106 Budapest, Maglódi út 12/A in Kőbánya. Over two packed days, visitors can dive into more than 100 sports and get hands-on with 25 musical instruments. Whether you’re hunting for a new sport to fall in love with or itching to explore the world of music, this is the place to test, play, and discover—free of charge, with registration required. Doors are open 9:00–17:00 both days. Friday favors pre-registered school and kindergarten groups, while Saturday throws the gates open to everyone.
Sports You Can Actually Try
What makes this festival so addictive is the hands-on action. You’re not just watching demos—you’re doing the drills, feeling the rhythm, and getting tips from qualified coaches. The lineup spans crowd-pleasers and hidden gems alike, so you can sprint from soccer to fencing, switch gears to water polo, then try kayaking, handball, swimming, or even step into ballet. There’s weightlifting for those chasing power, breakdancing for movement lovers, and OCR obstacle racing for anyone craving a challenge. Every sport area runs demonstrations and open training sessions, so you can see how it’s done and then jump in yourself.
Music, But Make It Interactive
The Big Instrument Tryout is a full-on playground for music-curious kids and adults. Guided by trained music instructors, you can explore 25 instruments spanning classical to modern. String lovers can pick up the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Woodwinds include flute, recorder, clarinet, and saxophone; brass brings trumpet, horn, and trombone. Percussion fans can hit the drums, try hand drums, triangle, or xylophone. If you’re into plucked sounds, grab a guitar or bass guitar. And if chords are your thing, sit at the piano or test the cimbalom. The Zeneliget (Zeneliget) program area layers in modern and folk dance, adding a lively cultural spin to the experience.
A Magnet for Kids and Families
This is one of Budapest’s most popular family-friendly weekends for a reason. Kids get to test a huge spread of sports in a playful, low-pressure setup, guided by coaches who know how to spark interest and build confidence. It’s especially helpful for families deciding which sport might fit best—try first, commit later. The music side works the same magic: children can handle real instruments, feel how they respond, and discover what resonates. With so many activities under one roof, every age group finds something to do, and parents can explore alongside their kids.
Champions on the Sidelines—and in Selfies
Expect star power. Olympians, world champions, and European titleholders regularly show up, inspiring young athletes and swapping stories. They’re approachable, too—snap a photo, grab an autograph, and chat about training, persistence, and how to pick a path in sport. Meeting the heroes who’ve been there and done that is a jolt of motivation for kids and adults alike.
How It Works: Free, But Register First
Entry is free for everyone, from individual visitors to families and school groups, but you’ll need to register in advance. Friday prioritizes pre-booked kindergarten and school groups, making it easier for teachers and coaches to guide kids through the options. Saturday is all-access for the public. The aim is simple: give people a safe space to try, compare, and decide—whether it’s a sport that sticks or an instrument that becomes a lifelong companion.
Who Will Love It
– Kids and teens choosing a sport and wanting to test different styles firsthand
– Families looking for an active Budapest weekend that mixes fun and discovery
– Kindergarten and school groups ready for a playful intro to movement and music
– Sports fans itching to sample new disciplines with proper coaching support
– Music-curious visitors eager to touch, hear, and learn with real instruments
Quick Facts
– Dates: May 29–30, 2026
– Hours: 9:00–17:00 both days
– Venue: Merkapt Sports Center, 1106 Budapest, Maglódi út 12/A (10th District, Kőbánya)
– Highlights: 100+ sports, instrument showcases and tryouts, sport demos, music programs
– Entry: Free with registration
Why It Stands Out
This two-day festival has grown into one of Hungary’s biggest free sports events by keeping the focus where it belongs: on doing. Coaches are on hand to nudge visitors out of their comfort zones, demystify techniques, and make the first steps fun. Music instructors do the same across the instrument areas, helping beginners make their first sounds and understand the feel of each instrument. By the end of a session, a confused maybe becomes an excited yes—or at least a clearer sense of what to try next.
Make a Choice You’ll Want to Keep
The goal is for kids and adults to find the sport or instrument that sparks joy and could become part of their lives. With over 100 sports and 25 instruments in one place, you can compare options back-to-back and pick what truly fits. From soccer and swimming to fencing, canoe-kayak, handball, ballet, weightlifting, breakdancing, OCR obstacle racing, and more, the variety is massive. On the music side, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, plucked, and chordal instruments are all waiting to be played. Try, learn, decide—and take home a new passion.
