Every fourth Saturday from February through November, an automotive paradise opens its gates in Kecskemét at the Saint Ladislaus Boulevard (Szent László körút) market grounds next to the go-kart track. The Kecskemét Veteran Car and Motorcycle Parts Fair isn’t just any meet-up: between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the vibrant mix of vintage motorheads, ambitious hobby tinkerers, and treasure seekers make this event more of a pilgrimage than just a market.
When to Catch the Action
For 2025, mark these dates if you want to join: July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25, and November 22. Each edition is packed with rare finds, whether you’re after a rusted classic crying out for restoration, pristine gems, or quirky motor oddities. The real heart of the fair, though, is in the parts: shelves, tables, and blankets are loaded with disassembled components—a perfect hunting ground for anyone who wants to build their dream ride at home.
Beyond the Engines: More than Just a Fair
The event is more than spare parts and nostalgia. Alongside the bustling market, there’s a vibrant flea market (“zsibipiac”) happening at the same time. So if your interests lean as much toward retro gadgets, vintage clothing, and curiosities as they do toward crankshafts and carburetors, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Another perk—parking is completely free for visitors, so there’s no need to stress about hauling your treasures back and forth from a city lot. The market organizers welcome everyone with a soft spot for the machines and memories of the last century.
Where to Stay: Hotels for Every Style
Kecskemét doesn’t just deliver on the vintage car culture front; it has a hotel for every taste and budget.
The Apollo Hotel is right in the city center, tucked away on a quiet street. With 23 spacious, well-equipped rooms (accommodating 50-55 guests), you can expect color TVs, telephones, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and some extras—14 rooms have air conditioning and 7 come with fridges. A plentiful buffet breakfast with hot and cold choices and a terrace opening from the restaurant create a relaxed morning vibe.
If you’re in need of extra rest and relaxation, some hotels, like the Golden Sand Business-City-Wellness Hotel (Aranyhomok Business-City-Wellness Hotel), offer direct access to the city’s vast wellness complex—just a quick stroll down a closed corridor. Dive into thermal pools, sweat it out in a sauna, or cool off in the pool, whether you’re here to unwind after a business trip or to enjoy a wellness weekend.
Other cozy options include the Bavarian Restaurant and Guesthouse (Bajor Étterem és Vendégház) on the edge of Kecskemét (18 air-conditioned double rooms), and the family-run Baroque Antique Guesthouse (Barokk Antik Panzió) in the picturesque downtown, with elegant interiors, a hearty buffet breakfast, secure parking, minibars, and Wi-Fi throughout.
Fans of Renaissance flair can find themselves in quasi-royal accommodations, complete with themed paintings and hidden mythological motifs, topped off with access to a fitness room, sun terrace, and the unique Macaron Café for your breakfast fix.
On a budget or just looking for something simple? Motels and smaller inns offer the essentials—air conditioning, TVs, and private bathrooms—often right in the heart of the city, close to everything.
Where to Eat: A Dish (and Drink) for Every Mood
Dining isn’t an afterthought here. Kecskemét’s options range from upscale loft-style restaurants in renovated historic buildings (like the “48 Restaurant and Bar”) to homey family eateries that’ll whip up your grandmother’s favorite on request. There are spots specializing in everything from classic Hungarian recipes to Italian pizzas, barbecue, and vegetarian delights.
Looking for something lively? The Bowling Center & Restaurant doubles as an entertainment hub, with ten bowling lanes, pool tables, and darts. The Café Plázs Dessert Boutique tempts with freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and perfect coffee overlooking city views. Wine lovers will enjoy venues with over 100 Hungarian wines, while the Torch Cellar Wine & Grill (Fáklyás Pince Wine & Grill)—just steps from the Mill Plaza (Malom Plaza)—serves up Balkan, Hungarian, and Italian-inspired dishes with a century of tradition and a wine list to match.
For a sweet finish, the historic Fodor Confectionery (Fodor Cukrászda) in the Old Town is a must, boasting additive-free treats made the traditional way.
Make a Weekend of It
The Kecskemét Veteran Car and Motorcycle Parts Fair is more than your average swap meet. It’s a gathering spot for those who live and breathe classic engines, vintage style, and hands-on tinkering. And with the city’s lineup of hotels and diverse dining, it’s the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway—whether you’re hunting for that rare part, kicking back in a historic hotel, or simply sampling Kecskemét’s hospitality.
One final tip: stay flexible—organizers reserve the right to change the program or dates, so always double-check before you pack your bags!
