Have you spent ages searching for a sport that truly excites you, or perhaps a musical instrument that stirs your soul? If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting Olympic, World, or European champion athletes, or wanted to get hands-on with those fascinating instruments you usually only see at concerts, clear your schedule this September. Budapest’s Big Sport and Instrument Choice Expo (Nagy Sportágválasztó és Nagy Hangszerválasztó) returns on September 12–13, promising two full days packed with fun, interaction, and maybe even your next big passion.
A Coming-of-Age Event
This year marks a special milestone: the event reaches “adulthood,” celebrating its 18th year after debuting in 2007 with a humble 10–15 sports and 300 visitors. Today, it’s the country’s largest showcase for sports and music, drawing over 20,000 visitors in two days, with more than 100 sports, 25 instruments, and a lively roster of medal-winning athletes and renowned musicians. The goal isn’t just theory—everyone is encouraged to get moving, try new things, and experience the real, uplifting power of activity, whether or not they ever become professional athletes.
Free, but Registration Needed
You can take part for free—just register either online in advance or on-site. Friday morning is reserved for registered kindergartens and school groups (with teachers), but from 2 p.m. on Friday and throughout Saturday, the gates are open to everyone: families, solo explorers, little kids, and teens alike.
Kids and adults can explore more than 100 sports—including soccer, swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, kayaking/canoeing, as well as new trends like ballet, weightlifting, breakdancing, triple jump, or OCR (obstacle course racing). Demonstrations, open training sessions, and professional coaches ensure you don’t have to be an expert to give it a try. Legendary athletes like Dr. Gergely Kiss, Áron Szilágyi, Gréta Gurisatti, and several Olympic and world champions will be there—ready for selfies, autographs, and casual chats with their biggest fans.
Discover Your Sound
If music moves you, the Instrument Trial lets you see, touch, and play a wide range of instruments, from classics to hidden gems. Friendly music teachers introduce instruments like violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, recorder, clarinet, saxophones (tenor, alto, baritone), trumpet, horn, trombone, drums (sets and hand drums), shakers, triangle, xylophone, handpan, bass guitar, and piano. Learn about their history, what makes them unique, and their sound—from the familiar to the unexpected. The Music Grove (Zeneliget) area adds modern and folk dance, so you can truly immerse yourself in the world of performing arts.
Family-Friendly Fun—Try Something Totally New
Think you’ve seen all the sports out there? Think again. Fresh activities are always popping up, often blending play, fitness, and creativity. Kids (and adults) might fall in love with these newcomers:
Spikeball is like round ping-pong on a mini trampoline—fast-paced, addictive, and perfect for the beach or park.
Teqball, a Hungarian invention, mixes soccer and table tennis on a specially curved table. It teaches balance and ball control and is available at many public parks and schools.
Parkour harnesses creativity and movement, urging kids to leap, climb, and express themselves on urban obstacles (benches, rails, walls), all under safe supervision.
Hiking now gets a modern twist with “nature fitness”: think group walks spiced up with natural exercises—squats beside tree trunks, “stairs” up hills, or climbing over branches. No gear required, just teamwork and adventure.
Joy of Moving—Together
These new activities aren’t just entertaining—they bring families together. When kids see parents enthusiastically trying new things, it sparks their excitement. The Kinder Joy of Moving program encourages everyone to move for joy, not out of obligation, making fitness a happy ritual, not a chore.
Active Together, Not Just Another Task
Treat movement as quality family time, not just another task to check off. Whether it’s a mini “disco” in the living room, post-dinner strolls, a quick dance-off while doing chores, or seeing who can stand on one leg the longest—regular movement fits into any schedule, without special gear or appointments. Just a few minutes a day can build lifelong habits and wonderful memories.
Not Just for Kids
The expo also welcomes adults curious about the world of tomorrow. Toyota brings their electrified lineup—with futuristic design and technology, and special offers up to $5,500 off. Get hands-on with the cars of tomorrow at the Merkapt Sport Center, alongside the energy and inspiration of Hungary’s most active communities.
Head to the Big Sport and Instrument Choice Expo (Nagy Sportágválasztó és Nagy Hangszerválasztó), and you might just discover your next hobby, your child’s new obsession—or simply the joy of moving and making music, together.
