From November 6 to 8, 2026, carp anglers take over the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center as PontyShow returns with Central Europe’s biggest carp fishing expo. Nearly 100 exhibitors, massive deals, live talks, and hands-on demonstrations are set to fill three action-packed days in Kőbánya (District X), at 1101 Budapest, Albertirsai út 10. This is the annual meeting point for tackle nerds, weekend hobbyists, and seasoned carp hunters chasing their next personal best.
Dates, Place, Essentials
PontyShow 2026 runs Friday to Sunday, November 6–8, at Hungexpo Budapest. The venue sits in Budapest’s 10th District, Kőbánya, at Albertirsai út 10. Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and programming, so it’s smart to check for updates closer to the date. Besides the show floor, visitors can tap local tips on timing, accommodation, and food and drink options in the surrounding area.
What’s On: Gear, Brands, Big Names
Expect a packed lineup of domestic and international brands under one roof. The show focuses on everything carp: rods and reels, bite alarms and bivvies, lines and leads, boilies and baiting tools, barrows and beds—plus boats, electronics, and bankside tech. With almost 100 exhibitors, it’s a who’s who of the scene, from boutique bait labs to global heavyweights. The promise: huge show-only discounts and bundles designed to refresh your kit for the season, whether you’re building a stealth stalking setup or outfitting a week-long big-water campaign.
On stage, pros share tactics and stories—think rigs that unlock pressured waters, baiting strategies for cold fronts, reading structure on vast reservoirs, and upgrades in fish care. Live demos give visitors a closer look at how casts, knots, and leaders come together. It’s hands-on, practical, and aimed at turning inspiration into PBs.
Hungexpo: Easy Access in Kőbánya
Hungexpo Budapest sits in the 10th District, with wide aisles, big halls, and the infrastructure to handle thousands of anglers and gear displays. The location at Albertirsai út 10 is straightforward to reach from across the city, with parking and public transport options feeding into the grounds. The Congress and Exhibition Center’s layout makes it simple to bounce between exhibitors, demos, and talks without missing a beat.
Where to Stay: From Budget to Sky-Bar Views
If you’re coming in from out of town or turning the expo into a weekend, you’ve got nearby stays for every budget. Several of Budapest’s most affordable camp-style accommodations are highlighted, pitched as centrally located pockets of greenery bordered by a stream. They’re quiet, clean, open year-round, and ideal for those bringing more kit or aiming to keep costs down.
For comfort next door to the venue, Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels rises roughly 164 feet above Budapest with four-star polish and sweeping city views. The top-floor Exploré Sky Bar is the post-show wind-down spot, serving quality drinks above the skyline. Inside, guests find elegant, comfy rooms, a fitness room with modern machines, conference spaces, and an in-house restaurant serving both Hungarian staples and international favorites. The relaxation area features Finnish and infrared saunas plus a steam room, perfect for easing off a day on the show floor. Rooms are non-smoking, air-conditioned, and en-suite. Free parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi round out the convenience, whether you’re in town for business or a fishing-focused break.
Milky Way Hotel, the four-star property at Monori Center, offers swift access to the airport thanks to its location near Üllői út and the Ferihegy expressway. It’s paired with the Milky Way Restaurant, spotlighting specialties of Chinese cuisine. The hotel’s 36 rooms include twin or double setups with extra beds available, plus a 9-bed dorm option for students and budget travelers—handy for groups hitting the expo together.
Another nearby inn keeps things simple and wallet-friendly, offering rooms with private bathrooms or with washbasins. Their pitch is straightforward: tailor offers to each guest’s needs and budget, making sure both sides leave satisfied. If you’re just looking for a practical base to sleep, shower, and go, it fits the bill.
Where to Eat: Homey Hungarian, Coffee Corners, and More
Around Kőbánya, food options range from homestyle Hungarian to international plates. One standout specializes in a uniquely Hungarian dish you won’t find anywhere else, with secret spice blends and protected recipes across soups, stews, homestyle mains, and desserts—an only-here flavor profile for curious palates.
Kő Café, inside the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center, rolls out sweet and savory giant crêpes, lunch menus, and coffee specialties—a quick, friendly stop between sessions. For Italian cravings, Okay Italia at the Árkád Shopping Center serves up an authentic pasta-and-pizza fix.
If you want fast but not fast-food vibes, a self-service spot seats around 30 indoors and about 30 more in the garden. Breakfast runs 6 to 10 a.m. fresh daily, with 20–25 ready meals and made-to-order dishes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every day includes diet-friendly and vegetarian options in a family-style setting.
Another local favorite leans classic Hungarian but sprinkles in international tastes, reshaping the menu based on guest feedback—so if you fall in love with a dish, it might make the cut. And for a refined evening, Zila Vendéglő (Zila Restaurant) in Kőbánya offers a cozy atmosphere and a seasonal menu blending Hungarian and international specialties. A sommelier-curated wine list pairs each plate with a thoughtful pour, just right for a post-show debrief.
The Bottom Line
PontyShow 2026 at Hungexpo Budapest is the prime date in the Central European carp calendar. With nearly 100 exhibitors, big-name brands, sharp discounts, expert talks, and live demos, there’s plenty to see, learn, and take home. Plan your weekend, book a bed, plot your meal breaks, and keep an eye on any schedule updates. Then bring your questions—and your shopping list. The bankside upgrades start here.
