Looking for a sport you can really get into—or maybe hoping to try something completely new? Want to meet Olympic, World, and European champion athletes in person, or try out musical instruments you’ve only seen on stage? Whether you’re passionate about energetic sports or enchanted by music, Budapest’s Giant Sport and Instrument Tryout (Nagy Sportágválasztó és Nagy Hangszerválasztó) is back and bigger than ever in 2025, offering the chance to explore, play, and maybe even fall in love with something unexpected.
Everything to Try—Sports, Instruments, and More
This isn’t your average open house. On September 12–13, Merkapt Sport Center (Merkapt Sportközpont, Maglódi Road 12/A, 1106 Budapest) transforms into Hungary’s largest interactive expo for sports and music, now celebrating its 18th year. What began in 2007 as a modest civic initiative with a handful of activities and 300 visitors has exploded: today, it’s a two-day festival showcasing over 100 different sports, more than 25 instruments, and upwards of 20,000 visitors.
The main goal? To bring the joy and real experience of physical activity and music to as many people as possible—no lectures, just hands-on fun. The idea isn’t to shape every child into an elite athlete or concert star, but to foster enjoyment, a sense of achievement, and maybe inspire lasting dedication or even future champions.
How It Works—For Everyone, Free and Welcoming
Admission is free for everyone—schools and kindergartens on Friday morning with teacher registration, families and individuals from Friday afternoon, and all day Saturday. All you need to do is register online ahead of time or at the gate on the day. The festival features a dazzling lineup: try dozens of sports and instruments, with professional athletes and top musicians on site. You’ll meet sports legends like Dr. Gergely Kiss (Kiss Gergely), Áron Szilágyi, Gréta Gurisatti, Ádám Varga, Ajna Késely, László Cseh, and many more—collect autographs, take photos, and create unforgettable memories.
Try, Play, Succeed—With Experts Galore
Over 100 sports—from Hungary’s favorites like soccer, swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, and kayaking, to exciting newcomers like ballet, weightlifting, breakdancing, triple games, and OCR (obstacle course racing)—are all available to try. Each activity is supervised by experienced coaches eager to guide beginners. You’ll also enjoy live sports demonstrations and open training sessions on outdoor stages.
Not to be outdone, the Instrument Tryout zone features a variety of musical experiences. With guidance from music instructors, kids and adults can explore string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwinds (flute, recorder, clarinet, and all types of saxophones), brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone), a full range of percussion, handpans, and even plucked and chord instruments like guitars, bass, piano, and dulcimer (cimbalom). The on-site Zeneliget (Zen Playground) offers modern and folk dancing as well.
Unexpected Sports and Playful Innovations
Think all sports are old news? Think again. Kids and parents alike can test out unconventional activities—sometimes downright wacky, always fun. Besides classics, you’ll find:
– **Spikeball**, an action-packed, round-net ball game that resembles a mashup of volleyball and trampoline. It’s fast, social, and a growing hit at beaches and parks.
– **Teqball**, a Hungarian invention mixing soccer and table tennis, played on a curved table. Great for ball control and balance.
– **Parkour**, creatively and swiftly moving across urban obstacles—the ultimate freedom sport, now offered for kids and as structured courses.
– **Naturefitness** (Természetifitnesz), an evolution of hiking with functional workouts mixed in—think doing lunges by a log, step-ups on slopes, or climbing over branches.
If you want to really energize the whole family, these new sports are imaginative ways to move and bond. The key: keep it fun, not forced!
Family Fun—The Kinder Joy of Moving Spirit
Moving together as a family isn’t about tracking training hours, but sharing joy—whether that’s a silly morning stretch, a goofy living room “disco,” skipping the elevator for the stairs, or a dash through the park on the way home. Even a few minutes of daily activity makes a difference for health, habits, and togetherness. Consistency, not perfection, wins the day.
Save the Date—And See the Future of Mobility
Besides all the action, you’ll get a glimpse of tomorrow’s technology, as Toyota brings its latest electrified vehicles, allowing visitors to experience innovative design and green tech—possibly with special deals of up to $5,600 off select models.
Don’t miss out—September 12–13, Merkapt Sport Center (Merkapt Sportközpont) is the place to discover your next favorite hobby. Bring the kids, bring your curiosity, and remember: whatever you end up doing, let joy be the winner!
