From November 6–8, 2026, the PontyShow takes over the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center, promising three days of wall-to-wall gear, big-name brands, sharp deals, and hands-on demos for carp anglers. Billed as Central Europe’s largest carp fishing expo, it pulls in close to 100 exhibitors and a steady stream of fans chasing the newest rods, reels, baits, and bank gear—plus the stories and tips that turn near-misses into personal bests.
This year’s show lands in Budapest’s 10th district, Kőbánya, at Albertirsai út 10. The Hungexpo venue makes it easy to spend a full day roaming halls stacked with the most popular Hungarian and international brands, then double back for expert talks, technique sessions, and live demonstrations that show exactly how the pros rig, cast, and fine-tune their setups. Expect serious promotions across the floor: if you’re planning a season refresh, this is when and where to do it.
What’s on the floor
Rows of stands bring together the entire carp angling ecosystem—premium rods and reels, bite alarms, bivvies, bedchairs, shelters, barrows, lines, leaders, and the small but crucial terminal tackle you never have enough of. Boilies, wafters, pop-ups, and liquids? Stacked. Method mixes, PVA-ready rigs, and innovation-heavy end tackle? Absolutely. Exhibitors run show-only discounts, bundle deals, and limited drops, so arrive with a list and leave room in your budget for that one wildcard you didn’t know you needed until you saw it in action.
Hands-on is the rule. Brand reps and seasoned anglers walk you through setups, weigh the pros and cons of different hook patterns and rig mechanics, and troubleshoot the tricky bits—casting heavier loads, spooling without twist, or keeping bait presentation consistent through a long session. The demos and presentations go deep: bite indication finesse, seasonal baiting strategies, snag management, stealth tips for pressured waters, and practical bankcraft that lightens your load without cutting corners.
Talks, demos, and the learning curve
If you’re new to carp fishing, the PontyShow flattens the learning curve fast. If you’re experienced, it’s the shortcut to that next marginal gain. Expect explainers on watercraft and swim selection, how to read weather windows, and how to match rigs to bottom conditions—silt, gravel, weed—without guesswork. Product specialists break down the latest materials and hardware, from anti-tangle sleeves to coated braids and fluorocarbon leaders, and why those design tweaks matter when a 30-pounder is shaking its head near the net. Q&A sessions turn theory into tackle-box-ready know-how.
Where it is and how to plan
Hungexpo’s address is 1101 Budapest, 10th district (Kőbánya), Albertirsai út 10. The show runs Friday through Sunday. Build in time for queues at the busiest brands and allow a second lap for the deals you’ll inevitably circle back to. Weekends can be packed; early arrivals tend to get first pick of limited-stock promos.
Sleep close, fish sooner
Prefer to stay near the action? You’ve got options in and around Kőbánya—everything from bare-bones budget to fresh four-star comfort.
– One of Budapest’s most affordable camp-style stays sits in a surprisingly green, quiet, creek-lined pocket in the heart of the city. It’s clean, calm, and open year-round—ideal if you’re driving in, packing light, or just want to keep costs reined in while you save for that new reel.
– The four-star Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels rises about 1,640 feet over Budapest and neighbors Hungexpo, so you can walk to the halls and walk back to put your feet up. It’s all about easy access and skyline views, especially from the top-floor Exploré Sky Bar, where a quality drink caps a gear-heavy day. Rooms are elegant, spacious, air-conditioned, and non-smoking, with private bathrooms, free parking, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. There’s a fitness room with modern machines that guests can use free, and a relaxation zone with Finnish and infrared saunas plus a steam cabin. Conference rooms and an in-house restaurant serve classic Hungarian favorites and international dishes, so breakfast to nightcap is covered whether you’re here for business, the show, or both.
– The Milky Way Hotel in the Monori Center brings four-star comfort with quick connections to the airport thanks to Üllői út and the Ferihegy express road. It offers twin or double rooms with extra beds and private bathrooms, and even a 9-bed dorm-style option for students or thrifty travelers. The attached Milky Way Restaurant focuses on Chinese specialties, a convenient change-up if you’ve had your fill of street snacks between halls.
– Prefer straight-talking value? A local inn nearby keeps things simple with a mix of en-suite rooms and rooms with washbasins, and a pricing mindset that aims to match your needs and your wallet. The pitch is honest—good deals that satisfy both sides of the counter.
Eat, refuel, repeat
Beyond the venue stands, you’ll find a lineup of local flavors close to Hungexpo. A home-style spot champions a distinctive Hungarian specialty you won’t see on other national menus; its spice blends, veggie stews, comfort mains, and desserts follow guarded, house-only recipes. Translation: you can only get that exact flavor here.
Craving something sweet after a long demo? Kő Café in the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center reels in guests with giant crêpes—both savory and sweet—plus a rotating lunch menu and specialty coffees that punch above their weight.
Okay Italia at the Árkád mall delivers straight-up authentic Italian: think classic pastas, pizzas, and the kind of espresso that resets your pace before the afternoon loop of Hall B.
A cozy self-service eatery seats about 30 inside, with roughly 30 more in the garden when weather allows. It opens at 6 a.m. for freshly made breakfasts and runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with 20–25 rotating dishes, including daily diet-friendly and vegetarian options. It’s family-style, not fast food, and it shows on the plate.
You’ll also find a Hungarian-forward restaurant with a few international detours, constantly tuned by guest feedback—when favorites hit, they land on the menu. And for something more intimate, the longtime Kőbánya fixture Zila Restaurant (Zila Vendéglő) pairs seasonal menus of Hungarian and international specialties with a sommelier-curated wine list matched to the dishes.
Tickets, contacts, and the fine print
Online ticketing and direct contacts are available, along with the show’s website and social accounts, including Facebook and Instagram. Note that in this basic listing version, links and contacts aren’t active—you’ll need to request information via the provided inquiry option. And yes, the organizers reserve the right to change dates and the program. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and pack a tote bag. You’ll need it.
