Three days, nearly 100 exhibitors, and a haul of gear big enough to sink a boat: PontyShow 2026 is taking over the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center from November 6 to 8. Billed as Central Europe’s largest carp fishing expo, it brings together the most popular Hungarian and international brands, rolls out massive discounts, and packs the halls with talks, live demonstrations, and hands-on showcases for anyone who lives to cast, test, and tinker.
It all unfolds at 1101 Budapest, District 10 – Kőbánya, Albertirsai út 10. The organizers reserve the right to modify the schedule and program, so keep an eye on official updates and arrive ready for a full weekend of angling immersion.
What to Expect on the Floor
PontyShow has earned its rep as carp central, where newcomers and seasoned anglers alike can compare rods, reels, bivvies, bite alarms, lines, and baits from top makers under one roof. Brands from home and abroad use the show to debut new releases, clear last season’s stock at show-only prices, and put hardware directly into your hands so you can feel the balance, test the action, and quiz the techs. Expect packed demo zones with rig building, casting techniques, and bait presentations, plus scheduled talks covering everything from watercraft and seasonal strategies to tackle maintenance and destination fishing.
You’ll find expo-only bundles that combine rods, reels, shelters, and accessories, along with deep markdowns on terminal tackle and bait bulk buys. If you’ve been on the fence about an upgrade, PontyShow’s discounts are designed to nudge you over with a grin.
Dates, Times, and Getting There
– When: Friday to Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
– Where: Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center, 1101 Budapest, Kőbánya, Albertirsai út 10
Hungexpo’s grounds are well signposted, with public transport and road links feeding into District 10. Give yourself time—queues tend to build early when new kit drops and big-name seminars kick off.
Tickets and Contacts
Online ticket purchase is available, alongside standard contact channels including phone, email, website, and social links such as Facebook and Instagram. In this overview, links and contact details are not active. For specifics or tailored questions, use the Information Request option on the official platform. As always, programming and timing may shift at short notice.
Stay Nearby: From Budget to Skyline Views
Budapest’s accommodation options around Kőbánya run from wallet-friendly camping to four-star comfort.
One of the city’s most affordable camping-style stays sits in a green, quiet pocket bordered by a stream. It’s open year-round and aims squarely at travelers who want simple, clean, cost-effective lodging in the heart of Budapest without losing that nature-adjacent calm. If you’re driving in with gear, the casual setup makes unloading and reloading painless.
For a step up, Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels stands 164 feet above Budapest, practically next door to Hungexpo. The panoramic views are best from the top-floor Exploré Sky Bar—an ideal wind-down spot after a day of demos and deals. Guests get elegant, comfortable rooms, a fitness center with modern machines (complimentary use), conference spaces, and an in-house restaurant serving Hungarian favorites and international dishes. The relaxation area features Finnish and infrared saunas plus a steam room, a welcome reset if you’ve been on your feet since rope drop. Rooms are non-smoking, air-conditioned, and en suite; free parking and Wi‑Fi add to the ease, whether you’re in town for business or a gear-hunting getaway.
Another option is the Milky Way Hotel at Monori Center. Close to Üllői út (Üllői Road) and the Ferihegy expressway, it offers quick airport access. The connected Milky Way restaurant focuses on Chinese specialties, while accommodations include twin or double rooms with extra-bed options and private bathrooms. For groups or tighter budgets, there’s also a 9‑bed dorm geared to students and tourists. It’s a practical pick if you’re arriving late, leaving early, or mixing the expo with a few days of city exploring.
If you prefer straightforward value, a local inn offers both en suite and washbasin rooms and builds pricing and offers around guests’ needs and budgets. The idea is simple: good deals that leave both sides satisfied. It’s no-frills, guest-focused, and flexible.
Eat and Refuel Around Kőbánya
You won’t go hungry between casts, talks, and checkout lines. A specialist spot celebrates a distinctly Hungarian dish—and you won’t find it like this anywhere else. Its spice blends, homestyle vegetable stews, mains, and desserts use guarded recipes, so the flavor profile is uniquely theirs. If you’re chasing something comforting and unmistakably local, put it on your list.
For a casual pit stop, Kő Café in the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center serves giant savory and sweet pancakes, a rotating lunch menu, and coffee specials—perfect for a quick recharge that still feels indulgent.
Craving Italian? Okay Italia in the Árkád Shopping Center dishes up classic, straightforward plates true to the spirit of an authentic trattoria. It’s a handy detour if you’re hopping between expo sessions and retail laps.
Fans of early starts will appreciate a self-service restaurant with 30 seats inside and roughly 30 more in the garden. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., it turns out fresh breakfasts, then switches from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to a daily spread of 20–25 ready-made meals and freshly cooked dishes. Unlike a grab-and-go fast-food counter, it keeps things homey, with daily diet-friendly and vegetarian choices in the mix.
You’ll also find menus built around Hungarian staples with a light touch of international variety—places that listen to regulars and add favorites when they can. And for a cozy, elevated evening, the intimate Zila Vendéglő (Zila Restaurant) in Kőbánya rotates its menu by season, pairing Hungarian and global specialties with a sommelier-selected wine list designed to match the kitchen’s current lineup.
Make the Most of PontyShow
– Arrive early for the best demo slots and deals.
– Bring a list of must-see brands and must-try rigs to stay focused.
– Compare bundles on the spot; expo discounts can be remarkably sharp.
– Lock in nearby lodging to cut transit time and maximize floor time.
PontyShow 2026 is all-in on carp. If your year pivots around the next run, the next PB, or the next piece of game-changing tackle, this Budapest weekend is your sweet spot—wall-to-wall gear, solid advice, and a crowd that speaks your language.
