May 29–30, 2026 brings a hands-on playground for movement and music to the Merkapt Sports Center in Budapest’s 10th District, Kőbánya. Across two full days, visitors can try more than 100 sports and 25 instruments, guided by qualified coaches and music teachers. Whether you’re hunting for the right sport or itching to get closer to the sound of a new instrument, this is a deep dive into both worlds—free to enter with registration.
Location: 1106 Budapest, Maglódi út 12/A, Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont). Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 both days. Friday prioritizes pre-registered kindergarten and school groups; Saturday is fully open to the public.
Expect a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere where nobody has to stay on the sidelines: the entire concept is to do, not just watch. Throw yourself into live tryouts, ask questions, and get a feel for what fits. It’s one of Hungary’s biggest free sports festivals, and this year, music takes center stage alongside sport.
Try Over 100 Sports, From Classics to Hidden Gems
The sports roster spans mainstream and niche options, so you can hop from soccer (labdarúgás) to fencing without leaving the grounds. Demos and open training slots run throughout both days, designed for all ages and experience levels. Among the highlights you can try:
– Soccer (labdarúgás)
– Swimming and water polo
– Handball
– Fencing
– Kayak-canoe
– Ballet
– Weightlifting
– Breakdance
– OCR obstacle racing
Each station is staffed by certified coaches who’ll help with technique, answer questions, and guide complete beginners as warmly as budding competitors.
Meet Olympic, World, and European Champions
Elite athletes regularly show up here, turning inspiration into something you can actually high-five. Kids can line up for a shared photo, snag an autograph, and—more importantly—hear straight from champions what their sport is really like. These face-to-face moments often spark the motivation families come looking for when choosing a sport.
Top Family Pick for Active Weekends
For families, this is a ready-made day out where parents and kids can explore side by side. Because so many sports are available in one place, it’s easy to compare what clicks. That’s priceless if you’re at the beginning of a sport-selection journey and don’t want to commit without an in-person feel. The format is playful, the pace is yours to set, and the choice is huge. Come in comfortable clothes and plan to roam.
The Big Instrument Tryout: 25 Ways to Make Noise
On the music side, the Big Instrument Tryout invites visitors to handle, hear, and test 25 different instruments with the guidance of trained tutors. It’s tactile, friendly, and geared to help anyone discover a sound they connect with—classical, folk, or modern. In the Zen Park (Zeneliget), the program expands into contemporary styles and folk dance, turning musical discovery into a lively, participatory experience.
Here’s what you can expect to try:
– Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
– Woodwinds: flute, recorder, clarinet, saxophone
– Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone
– Percussion: drums, hand drums, triangle, xylophone
– Plucked: guitar, bass guitar
– Chordal: piano, cimbalom
Teachers will walk you through how each instrument works, how to hold it, and what to listen for—ideal for kids and adults considering lessons or just curious about sound.
Especially Good for Kids and School Groups
This event is consistently one of Budapest’s most popular programs for children because it balances fun with real discovery. Kids can test movement patterns across more than 100 sports and compare how each feels, while trained coaches keep things safe and supportive. For school and kindergarten groups, Friday is structured to make moving through stations smooth and time-efficient. It’s a perfect primer before choosing a club or instrument for the long term.
Who Should Go
– Kids and teens ready to pick a sport
– Families seeking an active, hands-on weekend program in Budapest
– Kindergarten and school groups exploring physical activity in a playful way
– Sports fans eager to try new disciplines, not just read about them
– Music lovers open to experimenting with instruments and styles
It’s all about finding a sport or instrument that brings joy now—and maybe becomes part of everyday life later.
Good to Know: Free, With Registration
Entry is free, but registration is required for everyone—groups, families, and individual visitors. The organizers welcome kindergarten and school groups, families, and solo explorers. Capacity planning keeps lines reasonable and hands-on time high, so sign up early to lock in your visit window.
Quick Facts
– Dates: May 29–30, 2026, Friday and Saturday
– Hours: 9:00–17:00 both days
– Venue: Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont), 1106 Budapest, Maglódi út 12/A
– Programs: Try 100+ sports, instrument showcases and tryouts, sports demos, music sessions
– Recommended for: kids, families, and anyone curious about sport or music
– Admission: free with registration
The organizers reserve the right to change the program and schedule.
