Have you spent ages looking for a sport you’d actually want to join? Maybe you’re curious about offbeat activities that aren’t household names but promise something truly special and fun. Or do you love the idea of meeting Olympic, world, and European champions for a selfie or autograph? Perhaps the world of music calls to you, but so far has felt out of reach. If melody—or the sight of an intriguing instrument on stage—lights up your world, here’s your perfect opportunity.
Budapest Gets Moving (and Playing) in September
September marks a milestone for one of Hungary’s most dynamic festivals: the Budapest Grand Sport and Instrument Selection (Budapesti Nagy Sport- és Hangszerválasztó) 2025. This interactive two-day extravaganza, happening at Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont, Maglódi út 12/A, 1106 Budapest) from 9 AM to 5 PM on September 12 and 13, is turning 18 years old—and it’s bigger than ever! What began in 2007 now features more than 100 sports, over 25 different musical instruments, and attracts more than 20,000 visitors.
The event’s mission is to bring people closer to the power of sport and music—not in theory, but in practice. It’s not about producing future Olympians (though plenty have started here!), but about the joy of trying and discovering new things. Many kids (and adults) have gone from their very first experience at a “Sport Selector” (Sportágválasztó) to becoming some of Hungary’s sporting stars.
No Paywall—Just Register
It’s completely free to attend, whether you drop in alone, come as a family, or show up with your entire school class. Just sign up online in advance or register on site. Friday is mainly for schools and organized groups (with teachers), but anyone can join after 2 PM—while Saturday is dedicated entirely to the public and families.
Those two days offer a whirlwind of opportunities: sports clubs to try, star athletes to meet, and countless instruments to touch, hear, and play. Both stages offer ongoing demonstrations—interactive sports showdowns, open training sessions, and live music of every style.
From Soccer to Ballet—and Everything In Between
With more than 100 sports on offer, everyone will find familiar favorites like soccer, swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, and kayaking. But you’ll also discover new experiences—ballet, weightlifting, breakdancing, “triple games,” or OCR (obstacle course racing). Each booth features qualified coaches, and visitors are encouraged to dive right in.
And yes, you can really meet Hungary’s elite athletes: Dr. Gergely Kiss, Áron Szilágyi, Gréta Gurisatti, Ádám Varga, Máté Koch, Ajna Késely, Márk Opavszky, László Cseh, Márton Kövér, Nándor Németh, Zsombor Tamási, Andrea Molnár, Zoltán Kósz, Izabella Ujvári, Gergely Balogh, Botond Mester, Bence Fodor, and Ferenc Novák will all be there for autographs and photos.
Not Just Sports: Your Ultimate Instrument Playground
Kids and adults alike can explore the “Instrument Selector” (Hangszerválasztó), led by experienced teachers. The festival’s selection of instruments is huge:
- Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
- Woodwinds: flute, recorder, clarinet, saxophones (tenor, alto, baritone)
- Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone
- Percussion: drums, hand drums, tambourines, triangle, xylophone, and handpan
- Plucked/strummed: guitar, bass guitar
- Chordal: piano, hammered dulcimer (cimbalom)
At the “Music Grove” (Zeneliget), you’ll also see modern and folk dance—so everyone can join in, even if you’ve never played a note.
Try the Latest Trends: Sports for Every Taste
Think you know everything about sports? Think again. The event embraces the latest crazes—family-friendly, innovative, and social.
– Spikeball: It’s like circular ping-pong played on a mini-trampoline net; thrilling, fast-paced, and guaranteed to make you laugh (and sweat).
– Teqball: An all-Hungarian invention mixing soccer and ping pong, using a curved table and soccer ball—fun for kids, parents, and anyone with a competitive streak.
– Parkour: Tackle obstacles—benches, railings, walls—with flair and freedom, building strength and confidence.
– Naturefitness: Take hiking up a notch by mixing trails with simple workouts (think squats by a log, scrambling up slopes, or swinging on branches).
Bring the family, because moving together is always more fun.
Movement, Not Just Exercise
The festival’s “Kinder Joy of Moving” spirit is simple: movement should be about togetherness and joy, not just checking another chore off your list. Even small moments count: a morning stretch, a silly dance break, racing home from school, or playing “who can stand on one leg the longest” in the living room. Building activity into daily life matters far more than rigid schedules or perfection.
Create regular, realistic habits—aim for the same time of day—but don’t stress about being strict. Make it enjoyable, and fitness will follow.
Bonus: Experience Tomorrow’s Cars With Toyota
Adults, there’s something for you too! Toyota’s electrified vehicle lineup will be on display at the event, featuring cutting-edge technology and design. Explore special offers and see what the future of driving looks like.
Come to Budapest’s Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont) next September and discover your new favorite sport or instrument. Who knows—you just might get hooked!
