Budapest is gearing up for a hands-on celebration of movement and music as the Big Sports Selector and Big Instrument Selector take place at Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont) on May 29–30, 2026. Across two packed days, visitors can try more than 100 sports and get acquainted with 25 instruments, all in one place. It’s a chance to find the best fit—whether that’s a new sport to fall in love with or the sound of a future instrument.
The venue is in the city’s 10th District at 1106 Budapest, Maglódi Road (Maglódi út) 12/A, and the program runs both days from 9:00 to 17:00. Entry is free, but registration is required. Friday focuses primarily on pre-registered school and kindergarten groups, while Saturday opens fully to the general public—families, individual visitors, complete beginners, and curious explorers welcome.
What sets this event apart is its try-it-yourself spirit. You won’t just watch demonstrations—you’ll jump in, guided by professional coaches and music instructors. The sports side spans everything from mainstream to niche, while the music side lets you hold, play, and hear the difference between strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and more.
Olympic, world, and European champions are regular guests, stepping into the role of motivators, mentors, and photo partners. Kids can chat, snap a picture, snag an autograph, and hear firsthand what it takes to excel. That spark might be all it takes to choose a path.
Two Days, One Goal: Find Your Fit
Over the years, the Budapest Big Sports Selector has become one of Hungary’s largest free sports festivals, and it has kept its focus sharp: helping people find the activity they’ll love. This year adds another powerful draw—the music zone—so visitors can discover both physical and creative passions in a single visit. If you’re hunting for a sport that clicks or a sound that inspires, this is where the journey starts.
The setup is refreshingly practical. Kids and teens can try as many sports as they like with help from qualified coaches. Parents can watch what makes their child light up and talk to professionals about training, clubs, and next steps. It’s ideal for families standing on the edge of a big decision: which sport to commit to, and how to start sustainably.
For the musically curious, the instrument program unlocks 25 different options, with instructors on hand to introduce each one and guide those first notes. It’s the comfortable, judgment-free test drive many young musicians need before choosing a path.
What You Can Try on the Sports Side
The lineup is big. Expect soccer, swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, kayaking and canoeing, ballet, weightlifting, breaking (breakdance), and OCR (obstacle course racing), among many others. There are open training sessions, live demonstrations, and plenty of space to practice. The idea is to sample widely: power and balance in weightlifting, rhythm and posture in ballet, endurance in swim lanes, tactics on the soccer pitch, grace and precision in fencing, explosive movement in breaking, and grit in OCR.
Each station is designed to be approachable for first-timers but still meaningful for kids who already train. Coaches will adjust drills for age and level, pointing out strengths and suggesting where to go next.
Meet the Champions
Star athletes regularly join the event, and that personal contact can be game-changing. Talking through nerves, listening to behind-the-scenes stories, or simply holding a medal can turn curiosity into commitment. Expect moments to remember: a signed jersey, a shared selfie, a few words of advice that stick.
Explore the Instruments
The Big Instrument Selector brings a full orchestra and more within reach. Strings include violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Woodwinds range from flute and recorder to clarinet and saxophone. Brass fans can try trumpet, horn, and trombone. Percussion choices include drum kit, hand drums, triangle, and xylophone. Plucked and chordal options round things out with guitar, bass guitar, piano, and cimbalom (cimbalom). Modern and folk vibes come together in the Zen Garden (Zeneliget), where live music and dance add color and context.
Instructors help visitors feel differences in tone, technique, and posture. Kids can discover whether they’re drawn to the resonance of a cello, the sparkle of a flute, the bold call of a trumpet, the groove of a drum, or the harmonic world of piano and cimbalom. The goal is hands-on discovery—play first, decide later.
Who Should Go
– Kids and teens choosing a sport or instrument
– Families seeking an active, meaningful weekend in Budapest
– School and kindergarten groups exploring through play
– Sports lovers curious about new movement forms
– Music-minded visitors who want to try real instruments
It’s multigenerational, low-pressure, and designed to spark joy. The hope is simple: that everyone walks away having found a sport or instrument that genuinely fits—and maybe becomes part of daily life.
Key Info at a Glance
– Dates: May 29–30, 2026 (Friday–Saturday)
– Hours: 9:00–17:00
– Location: Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont), 1106 Budapest, Maglódi Road (Maglódi út) 12/A
– Programs: Try 100+ sports, watch sports demos, explore music sessions, and test 25 instruments
– Admission: Free with registration
– Audience: Kids, families, schools, individual visitors, sports and music fans
Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program.
