A two-day playground for curious kids, families, and anyone chasing a new hobby lands at Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont) on May 29–30, 2026. The Budapest Big Sports Tryouts and Big Instrument Tryouts (Budapesti Nagy Sportágválasztó és Nagy Hangszerválasztó) throws open its gates with more than 100 sports and 25 instruments to test, touch, and try for real. It’s free to enter with registration, and it turns picking a passion into an all-out festival—less browsing, more doing.
The venue sits in Budapest’s 10th district, Kőbánya, at 12/A Maglódi Street (Maglódi út 12/A), and runs both days from 9:00 to 17:00. Friday mainly welcomes pre-registered school and kindergarten groups, while Saturday is a full-on community day for the general public.
100+ Sports, Zero Pressure, All Hands-On
Show up ready to move. Visitors aren’t just spectators—they’re invited to jump in, sweat a little, and test techniques with help from qualified coaches at each sports station. From mainstream favorites to niche disciplines, the lineup spreads wide: soccer, swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, kayak-canoe, ballet, weightlifting, breakdance, and OCR obstacle running all feature alongside demos and open training sessions. It’s the easiest way to see what sticks without signing a contract or paying a membership fee.
For families weighing sports choices, this format is a game-changer. Kids can cycle through multiple sports in one place, with professional guidance that keeps it safe, structured, and genuinely fun. Parents get real insight into what their child enjoys and where they might thrive, without guesswork or cold calls to clubs.
Meet Champions, Snap a Photo, Get Inspired
Expect big names on the fields and courts. Olympic, world, and European champions often join in across both days, ready to shake hands, sign autographs, pose for photos, and share a few words with the next generation. Sometimes that brief chat is all it takes to flip a switch and turn curiosity into commitment.
Music, Too: 25 Instruments to Try
This weekend is about more than muscles. The Big Instrument Tryouts (Nagy Hangszerválasztó) opens the door to music with 25 instruments laid out to explore under the guidance of trained instructors. It’s hands-on from the first moment—feel a bow slide on strings, find a clean note in a brass mouthpiece, or pick out a melody on the keys.
String instruments include violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Over in the woodwinds: flute, recorder, clarinet, and saxophone. Brass lovers can reach for trumpet, horn, and trombone. The percussion corner spans drum kit, hand drums, triangle, and xylophone. Plucked instruments include guitar and bass guitar, while chordal staples like piano and cimbalom round out the lineup. In the Music Grove (Zeneliget) zone, the music program blends with modern and folk dance—great for kids who need rhythm under their feet to fall in love with sound.
Why Go?
Because this is one of Hungary’s biggest free sport-and-music festivals, built for discovery. It’s ideal if you’re:
– A kid or teen choosing a sport
– A family hunting for an active weekend in Budapest
– A school or kindergarten group that learns best by doing
– A sports fan curious about new disciplines
– A music lover who wants to try real instruments, not just watch demos
The mission is simple: help children and adults find a sport or instrument that sparks joy and maybe becomes part of their life for the long haul.
How the Days Break Down
– Dates: May 29–30, 2026 (Friday and Saturday)
– Hours: 9:00–17:00
– Location: Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont), 1106 Budapest, 12/A Maglódi Street (Maglódi út 12/A, Kőbánya)
– Access: Free with registration
– Friday: Priority for pre-registered school and kindergarten groups
– Saturday: Open to everyone
What You’ll Find on Site
– Tryouts for 100+ sports with coaches on hand
– Sport-specific demonstrations and open training sessions
– Music stations with 25 instruments and expert instructors
– Meet-and-greets with Olympic, world, and European champions
– Family-friendly zones and activities for all ages
Bring the Whole Family
This is a truly all-ages event. Kids get to learn and play through movement and music; parents can explore alongside them or watch from the sidelines as coaches and musicians lead the way. With so many stations in one place, it’s easy to tailor the day to your crew—start with soccer or fencing, test balance in ballet or agility in OCR, then drift toward the hum of the music area to try a saxophone or tap out a beat on the drums.
Frequently Asked
– Is it free? Yes, entry is free, but registration is required.
– Do I need experience? Not at all. The setup is designed for first-timers and curious returners alike.
– Can I mix sports and music? Absolutely—bounce between fields, courts, and the Music Grove (Zeneliget) at your own pace.
Two days, one venue, and countless chances to try something new. Whether you leave with a tired smile, a new autograph, a photo with a legend, or a clear plan for the next season, Budapest’s big tryouts are built to make the choice feel easy—and exciting.
