Budapest throws open the gates to movement and music on May 29–30, 2026, as the Merkapt Sports Center in Kőbánya turns into a giant playground for curiosity. The Big Sport Selection and Big Instrument Selection invite everyone to step in, suit up, and try things out for real: more than 100 sports and 25 instruments, all hands-on with pros guiding the way. Entry is free, but registration is required.
Where, when, how
Find it at Merkapt Sportközpont (Merkapt Sports Center), 1106 Budapest, Maglódi út 12/A. Opening hours both days: 9:00–17:00. Friday is mainly reserved for registered kindergarten and school groups, while Saturday is fully open to the public. Families, teams, and solo explorers are all welcome.
Try first, choose later
You’re not just watching from the sidelines here—you’re in it. Trained coaches are on hand across all sport zones to show moves, teach basics, and run open sessions. From mainstream to niche, expect everything from soccer, swimming, water polo, and handball to fencing, canoe-kayak, ballet, weightlifting, breaking, and OCR obstacle racing. Newcomers can dip a toe or dive deep; seasoned kids can test new skills and find a fresh challenge. Demonstrations and open trainings run throughout, so there’s always something in motion nearby.
Stars within reach
You’ll likely bump into Olympic, world, and European champions strolling the grounds. They’re there to inspire, share a few tips, snap photos, and sign autographs. For many kids, that quick chat or selfie becomes the spark to keep training—or to start something totally new.
The music playground: 25 instruments to discover
Next door to sports, the Big Instrument Selection turns curiosity into sound. Guided by qualified music teachers, visitors can explore 25 instruments across classical and modern families—learn how they work, how they feel, and what it takes to make that first clear note. It’s not just a look-and-listen; you can actually play them.
– Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
– Woodwinds: flute, recorder, clarinet, saxophone
– Brass: trumpet, horn, trombone
– Percussion: drum set, hand drums, triangle, xylophone
– Plucked: guitar, bass guitar
– Keyboard and chordal: piano, cimbalom
In the Zeneliget (Music Grove) area, music programming spills into dance—modern beats meet folk rhythms—so kids can feel time and tempo with their whole body.
Made for kids, great for families
This is one of Budapest’s most popular family-friendly weekends for a reason. Kids get to try a huge range of sports in a playful format, right there on the spot, with coaches who know how to teach beginners. Parents get real insights into what clicks with their child—no pressure, no long-term commitment, just a hands-on sampler. If your family wants an active day out that doubles as discovery time, this checks every box.
Who should go
– Kids choosing a sport and teens ready for a switch
– Families craving an active weekend in Budapest
– Kindergarten and school groups looking for meaningful play
– Sports fans itching to test new movement styles
– Music lovers curious about instruments, tone, and technique
It’s set up so both children and adults can find a sport or instrument that genuinely sparks joy—and maybe becomes a long-term part of life.
What you’ll experience
– 100+ sports to try with expert guidance
– Instrument demos and hands-on sessions with music teachers
– Sport showcases and open practices across multiple zones
– Photo and autograph moments with elite athletes
– A relaxed, walk-in-and-try vibe, all in one location
Good to know
– Dates: May 29–30, 2026
– Hours: 9:00–17:00 each day
– Location: Merkapt Sportközpont (Merkapt Sports Center), 1106 Budapest, Maglódi út 12/A
– Admission: Free with registration
– Friday: prioritized for registered school and kindergarten groups
– Saturday: open to everyone
Why it works
Choosing a sport or instrument is easier when you can touch, test, and feel. Over two days, Budapest’s Big Sport and Instrument Tryout removes the guesswork: expert coaches and teachers stand by to explain, demonstrate, and get you started safely. Kids gain confidence by doing. Parents get clarity by watching what lights them up. And meeting champions up close makes the dream tangible.
The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program.
