From November 6 to 8, 2026, Budapest’s Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center turns into Central Europe’s biggest playground for carp anglers. PontyShow 2026 brings together nearly 100 exhibitors and the most popular Hungarian and international brands, promising massive deals, live talks, and hands-on demos for everyone who lives for the tug on the line. The venue: 1101 Budapest, District X – Kőbánya, Albertirsai út 10.
Expect aisles of rods, reels, bivvies, bait boats, alarms, terminal tackle, and the latest tech designed for long sessions on the bank. Big names return with show-only discounts, while specialist makers debut new releases for the season ahead. Whether you’re chasing PBs, fine-tuning rigs, or gearing up for your first night session, the show is built to feed the obsession—and shrink the shopping list in one hit.
On stage, anglers and brand pros break down tactics, from cold-water approaches and pressured venues to watercraft, spodding strategy, and mastering modern presentations. Demonstrations and product showcases run throughout the weekend, so you can see, compare, and quiz the people behind the gear before you buy. It’s part masterclass, part market, part reunion for the carp scene.
The Hungexpo setting keeps everything simple: spacious halls, clear layouts, and quick access from across the city. With three days on the calendar—Friday to Sunday—there’s room to browse at your pace, return for the deals, and double back for the sessions you don’t want to miss. Families and newcomers are just as welcome as diehards; the event is designed to be approachable, practical, and packed with ideas you can take straight to the water.
Where and when
Dates: 2026.11.06 (Friday) – 2026.11.08 (Sunday).
City: Budapest.
Address: 1101 Budapest, District X – Kőbánya, Albertirsai út 10.
Venue: Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center.
Doors are open across all three days with a rolling program of presentations and demo slots. Exhibitor stands span mainstream tackle houses and boutique specialists, so you’ll find everything from high-end carp cradles to cult boilies and bankware hacks. The organizers reserve the right to change times and the program, so keep an eye out for updates as the show approaches.
Stay close to the action
If you want to turn the show into a weekend, you’re covered from budget to four-star comfort. Several of Budapest’s most affordable camping-style stays sit in the heart of the city, tucked into quiet, green areas edged by a stream. They run year-round and offer simple, clean accommodation for travelers who just need a base before and after a long day on the floor.
For a front-row option, Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels rises 164 feet above Budapest right next door to Hungexpo. The views stretch across the capital, especially from the top-floor Exploré Sky Bar—ideal for a wind-down drink after the last seminar. Rooms are elegant, spacious, air-conditioned, non-smoking, and en suite. Guests get a fitness room stocked with modern machines, conference facilities, and a restaurant that covers both Hungarian standouts and international favorites. The relaxation area checks all the boxes: Finnish and infrared saunas plus a steam cabin. Free parking and free Wi‑Fi are included, making it an easy pick whether you’re in town for business or just the bite alarms.
Milky Way Hotel at Monori Center offers another four-star base with fast airport links thanks to Üllői út and the Ferihegy express road. The attached Milky Way Restaurant serves Chinese specialties, and the property offers twin or double en suite rooms with an option for a 9‑bed dorm—handy for students or groups traveling light.
If you prefer a no‑nonsense inn, you’ll find rooms with private bathrooms or sink‑only options, with pricing tuned to what guests actually need. The approach is straightforward: tailor offers to each visitor’s plans and budget so both sides walk away happy.
Eat like a local (or not)
You won’t go hungry around Kőbánya and beyond. A dedicated spot champions a uniquely Hungarian dish you won’t track down anywhere else. Its spice blends, homestyle main courses, vegetable stews, and desserts are guarded, in‑house secrets—which is exactly the point: this flavor profile lives only here. If you’re in the area for the show, it’s a distinctive bite of Budapest you can’t replicate later.
Craving something casual? Kő Café Coffeehouse & Restaurant inside the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center turns out savory and sweet giant pancakes, a daily lunch menu, and specialty coffees. For Italian, Okay Italia at the Árkád Shopping Center keeps it classic and straight‑up authentic—easy to reach, easy to love.
There’s also a family‑run self‑service restaurant with around 30 seats inside and another 30 in the garden, serving freshly made breakfasts from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., then 20–25 ready and made‑to‑order dishes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every day you’ll find lighter, diet‑friendly, and vegetarian choices, and the whole experience feels more like a home kitchen than a fast‑food stop.
Looking for a broader menu? One local restaurant leans Hungarian but sprinkles in favorites from other cuisines, and it actively listens—guest requests can end up on the printed menu when possible. For a more intimate sit‑down, Zila Vendéglő (Zila Restaurant) in Kőbánya runs a seasonal menu that blends Hungarian and international specialties, paired with a sommelier‑curated wine list tuned to what’s on the plate.
Tickets and contacts
Online ticketing is available. Contact options include phone, email, a website, and social channels such as Facebook and Instagram. In this basic listing, links aren’t active; use the information request button to reach the organizers. And one last reminder from the team: dates and programs can change. Keep your eyes on official updates—and keep your tackle wish list ready.
