Budapest’s biggest fishing weekend is back: PontyShow 2026 lands at the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8. Billed as Central Europe’s largest carp angling exhibition, it brings together nearly 100 exhibitors, piles of hot deals, and a full slate of talks and live demos. If carp is your obsession or you’re just tackle-curious, this is your playground for three days straight in Budapest’s 10th District (Kőbánya), at 10 Albertirsai Road (Albertirsai út 10).
Where to find it, when to go
The show runs November 6–8, 2026, across multiple halls at Hungexpo, the city’s modern expo hub with easy access from central Budapest. Doors open each day to a sprawling marketplace of rods, reels, bivvies, bite alarms, lines, rigs, and bait innovations from beloved Hungarian names and top international brands. Expect launch-price gear, deep discounts, bundle offers, and show-only perks that anglers queue for every year. The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and programming, so check in ahead of your visit and keep plans flexible.
What to expect inside
PontyShow is geared to every level of carp angler. Stage talks unpack advanced rig mechanics, watercraft strategy, and cold‑season tactics; product labs let you handle the latest tech before it hits shelves. Live demos run throughout the day, from knot-tying and hook sharpening to casting clinics. Many exhibitors bring their A‑teams—brand pros, record chasers, and Hungarian carp specialists—ready to swap stories, fine-tune your setup, and flag what actually works on pressured waters.
The brands, the buzz, the bargains
With close to 100 exhibitors under one roof, you can compare bivvy fabrics side by side, feel the blank action on new carp rods, and hear bite alarms scream in real time. Bait makers show off fresh flavor profiles and winter blends; end-tackle innovators demo streamlined lead systems and anti-tangle solutions. It’s the place to stock up for the season or finally build that dream setup—without paying full retail. Bring a list, bring measurements in inches for perfect fits, and bring patience for the busiest stands.
Stay close to the action
You’ve got accommodation for every budget around Hungexpo and across the district. One of Budapest’s most affordable campsites sits in a surprisingly green, quiet, stream-bordered patch of the city center, open year‑round for tent and simple stays. If you want a soft landing after a long day on the show floor, the four‑star Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels rises roughly 164 feet over Budapest right next door to Hungexpo. The upper-floor Exploré Sky Bar serves city views and quality drinks at sunset; downstairs, expect elegant, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi‑Fi, plus free parking. A fitness room is included for guests, and a relaxation zone with Finnish and infrared saunas and a steam cabin helps unknot shoulders after hauling kit around. Conference rooms and an in‑house restaurant make it an easy base whether you’re here for business or fishing bliss.
More hotel picks nearby
For quick airport runs, the four‑star Milky Way Hotel inside Monori Center sits near Üllői Road (Üllői út) and the Ferihegy expressway, streamlining transfers to and from flights. It offers twin or double rooms (extra beds available) with private bathrooms, and even a nine‑bed dorm for students and budget travelers. The connected Milky Way restaurant serves specialties from Chinese cuisine—handy if you’re craving something different after a long expo day. There’s also a straightforward guesthouse option in the area with rooms that include private bathrooms or shared-wash options. Their pitch is simple: tailor offers to fit your needs and your wallet, and make deals that leave both sides smiling.
Eat well around Kőbánya
You won’t go hungry. A self‑service spot nearby seats about 30 indoors with another 30 in the garden, turning out fresh breakfasts from 6–10 a.m., then 20–25 hot dishes and made‑to‑order plates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are always vegetarian and lighter options, and the vibe is family-style rather than fast food. For something sweet or simply comforting, Kő Café at the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center serves giant pancakes—savory and sweet—plus a rotating lunch menu and coffee specials. Craving Italian? Okay Italia in the Árkád shopping center does straight‑up, authentic classics. Traditionalists can tuck into hearty Hungarian flavors at restaurants that pay attention to what locals want and add favorites to the menu when they can, while the intimate Zila Vendéglő in Kőbánya blends seasonal menus with Hungarian and international specialties and a sommelier‑curated wine list tailored to the dishes.
Tickets and contacts
Online ticketing is available, and you’ll find the usual contact points—phone, email, website, Facebook, Instagram—linked from the show’s pages. Note that in some basic listings those links aren’t active; use the information request button if you need direct assistance or details about program times, exhibitor maps, or accessibility. Again, schedules can shift, and the organizers reserve the right to alter dates and programs, so double‑check closer to the weekend.
The bottom line
Three days, one address: 1101 Budapest, Kőbánya, 10 Albertirsai Road (Albertirsai út 10). PontyShow 2026 gathers the carp world’s heavy hitters, the gear you’ve been eyeing, and knowledge you won’t find on a YouTube scroll. Come ready to test, learn, and bargain—and maybe leave with a personal best plan for next season.
