Between November 6 and 8, 2026, Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center becomes the epicenter of European carp fishing. PontyShow 2026 rolls in with roughly 100 exhibitors, reeling in the most popular Hungarian and international brands. Expect major deals, expert talks, and live demos designed to thrill everyone from weekend anglers to seasoned carpers. The address: 1101 Budapest, 10th District – Kőbánya, Albertirsai út 10.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
PontyShow bills itself as Central Europe’s largest carp fishing fair, and it leans into that title. The exhibitor lineup spans rods, reels, bite alarms, bivvies, bedchairs, nets, rigs, baits, and high-tech accessories, with a strong presence from both homegrown innovators and global heavyweights. The show’s trademark? Big savings. Exhibitors traditionally bring special bundles and multi-day discounts you won’t find elsewhere, perfect for stocking up before winter sessions or planning next season’s tackle upgrades.
Seminars and presentations anchor each day. Hungarian pros and international guests take the stage to break down waters, seasons, and methods—from pinpointing pressured carp in clear lakes to mastering long-range spodding and zig rigs. Newcomers can soak up fundamentals like rig safety and knot basics; veterans can dig into advanced baiting strategies, stealthy boat work, and reading underwater features. Live demos range from rig tying to sonar mapping, with Q&A opportunities so you can quiz the experts about your own waters back home.
Hungexpo: Easy Access, Room to Roam
Sprawled across a modern campus in Kőbánya, Hungexpo is purpose-built for big crowds and bulky kit. Wide aisles make it easy to compare shelters side by side, try out the latest bedchairs, or check rod actions without elbowing your neighbors. Food and drink options are on-site, and the venue’s layout keeps the seminars close to the action so you won’t miss a keynote while you’re chasing a show-only deal.
Stay Nearby: From Budget to Panoramic
If you’re making a weekend of it, there’s plenty of lodging near the venue. Budget campers and cost-conscious travelers can find one of Budapest’s affordable camp-style stays in green, stream-bordered, surprisingly quiet pockets in the heart of the city—open year-round and geared to simple comfort and cleanliness.
For a polished base, the four-star Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels practically neighbors Hungexpo and rises about 164 feet over Budapest. The top-floor Exploré Sky Bar pours quality drinks with sweeping city views—ideal for debriefing after a long trawl through the halls. The hotel offers elegant, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, plus complimentary parking. A relaxation area features Finnish and infrared saunas alongside a steam room, while a modern, well-equipped fitness studio is free for guests. Conference rooms and an on-site restaurant round out the package, with a menu spanning Hungarian comfort food and international staples.
Another nearby option is the Milky Way Hotel at Monori Center, rated four stars and positioned for fast airport access via Üllői út and the Ferihegy express route. Expect doubles and queen rooms with extra-bed options, plus a nine-bed dorm setup for students or large groups. Downstairs, the Milky Way restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine—handy if you want to trade riverside goulash for Sichuan heat. A down-to-earth local inn also offers both en suite rooms and rooms with shared washbasins; their policy is flexible pricing and fit-for-purpose deals built around guest needs and budgets.
Where to Fuel Up
Budapest’s 10th District adds flavor to your fishing weekend. A local specialist kitchen champions a unique Hungarian dish you won’t find elsewhere, guarded by proprietary spice blends and closely held recipes for thick vegetable stews, homestyle mains, and desserts—expect robust, unmistakably Hungarian flavors and zero compromises on tradition.
For casual comfort, Kő Café inside the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center serves giant sweet and savory pancakes, midday menus, and coffee specials—an easy pit stop between sessions. If Italian is calling, Okay Italia in the Árkád Shopping Center delivers straightforward, authentic plates. A self-service spot nearby seats about 30 inside and roughly 30 more in the garden, opening early with fresh breakfasts and rolling into lunch with 20–25 daily hot dishes and grills, always keeping space for lighter, diet-friendly, and vegetarian options in a family-style setting.
Prefer classic Hungarian? A neighborhood kitchen focuses mainly on Hungarian plates while sprinkling in global favorites, taking guest feedback seriously enough to add crowd-pleasers to the menu. For a polished dinner, the intimate Zila Restaurant (Zila Vendéglő) in Kőbánya rotates its menu seasonally and pairs Hungarian and international specialties with a sommelier-curated wine list precisely tuned to the kitchen’s current lineup.
Tickets, Contacts, and Changes
Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule or programming, so check for updates before you go. Online ticketing and contact channels are listed through the event’s information portals, though some basic listings don’t include active links; use the information request function if you need direct assistance. If you want to stay in the loop on Budapest-wide happenings, the 10th District’s event calendar is regularly refreshed, covering everything from culture and family programs to foodie stops and weekend trips.
Three days, one venue, and the best of carp fishing under one roof—PontyShow 2026 is set to be the season’s last big catch in Budapest. Pack your wish list, clear your trunk, and bring questions for the pros. The lakes will thank you next spring.
