From November 6 to 8, 2026, Budapest reels in carp fishing fans as PontyShow takes over the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center. Billed as Central Europe’s largest carp angling fair, the three-day event gathers close to 100 exhibitors, showcases the most popular Hungarian and international brands, and tempts visitors with big discounts, expert talks, and live demos. The venue sits in Budapest’s 10th District, Kőbánya (Kőbánya), at 1101 Budapest, Albertirsai út 10, turning the capital into a hub for everyone obsessed with rigs, rods, and record catches.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
PontyShow is all about hands-on angling culture. Expect aisles packed with premium rods, reels, bivvies, barrows, bite alarms, and baits, along with end-tackle innovations designed to outsmart wary carp. Exhibitors range from homegrown specialists to major global labels, with brands rolling out limited-time deals that make upgrading a setup dangerously tempting. Across the halls, experts break down methods for pressured waters, long-range casting, zig fishing, and winter tactics, while live presentations and product demonstrations let anglers size up gear in action before they buy.
Dates, Times, and Where to Find It
PontyShow runs Friday to Sunday, November 6–8, 2026, inside the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center. The address: 1101 Budapest, 10th District – Kőbánya (Kőbánya), Albertirsai út 10. It’s a straight shot for locals and a convenient landmark for visitors who want a full weekend of angling immersion. Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program, so it’s smart to check for updates before heading out.
Tickets and Contacts
Online ticketing is available, and there are dedicated fields for phone, email, website, and social profiles, including Facebook and Instagram. In this basic listing, the links aren’t active; use the Information Request option if you need direct assistance or confirmations about talks, demos, or exhibitor lists. With heavy foot traffic expected, securing tickets early makes sense, especially if you’re aiming to hit specific presentations or grab doorbuster deals.
Where to Stay Nearby
Traveling in for the weekend? The area around Hungexpo offers a spectrum of stays.
– One of Budapest’s most affordable camping-style accommodations welcomes guests year-round in a green, quiet, and clean setting in the heart of the city, bordered by a stream. It’s a budget-friendly base if you prefer to funnel more cash into new gear.
– Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels rises roughly 164 feet above Budapest and sits right next to Hungexpo. Expect elegant, comfortable rooms, a fitness center, conference spaces, and a restaurant serving Hungarian and international dishes. The top-floor Exploré Sky Bar pours quality drinks with sweeping city views—ideal after a marathon day of walking the halls. Guests get a relaxation zone with Finnish and infrared saunas plus a steam cabin, while the modern gym is free to use. Spacious, non-smoking, air-conditioned rooms come with private bathrooms, and both free parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi round out a stress-free stay.
– Milky Way Hotel at Monori Center brings four-star comfort with excellent airport access via Üllői út (Üllői Road) and the Ferihegy expressway. It offers twin or double rooms with extra-bed options and even a 9-bed dorm for students and backpackers. The on-site Milky Way Restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine—handy if you want a late bite after the show.
– A local inn offers rooms with either private bathrooms or shared washbasin setups. The approach is simple: tailor the offer to guests’ needs and budgets and aim for fair deals that satisfy both sides. If you’re looking for flexible, wallet-wise lodging, this fits the bill.
Eat, Refuel, Repeat
Between seminars and shopping sprees, food options around Kőbánya (Kőbánya) cover comfort classics to quick bites.
– A Hungarian specialist spot focuses on a unique national dish you won’t find elsewhere, built on signature spice blends, homestyle vegetable stews, and desserts. Recipes are closely guarded, offering a distinct flavor profile you can’t replicate at home.
– Kő Café at the Kőbánya Children’s and Youth Center serves savory and sweet giant crêpes, a rotating lunch menu, and coffee specialties—a convenient pit stop for a sugar or caffeine boost.
– Okay Italia in the Árkád Shopping Center turns out authentic Italian plates for those craving pizza, pasta, and a break from bait-scented backpacks.
– A self-service eatery seats about 30 indoors and roughly 30 more in the garden. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., it serves freshly made breakfasts; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there are 20–25 hot dishes and fresh-grilled options daily, always with diet-friendly and vegetarian choices. Expect homestyle vibes instead of a fast-food rush.
– Another local restaurant leans Hungarian but sprinkles in international picks, with a menu tuned to regulars’ requests—if a dish wins fans, it lands on the card.
– Zila Vendéglő (Zila Restaurant) in Kőbánya (Kőbánya) offers an intimate setting, a seasonally changing menu, and a sommelier-curated wine list that pairs well with each dish. It’s a smart choice if you’re celebrating a big purchase—or lamenting the one that got away.
Plan Your Weekend
Block the dates: November 6–8, 2026. Pack comfortable shoes, a wish list, and perhaps a backpack with room for impulse buys. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a session carper fine-tuning marker float work and lead clips, PontyShow at Hungexpo is your chance to meet the people behind the products, pick up pro tips, and leave with a setup ready for your next personal best.
