From November 6–8, 2026, Budapest’s Hungexpo Congress and Exhibition Center turns into a paradise for carp anglers. PontyShow 2026 brings together nearly 100 exhibitors and the most popular Hungarian and international brands under one roof, with huge discounts, lively talks, and hands-on demos. Expect a three-day deep dive into everything carp fishing: rods and reels, baits, bivvies, boats, sonar tech, clothing, and the latest gadgets for long sessions by the water.
Where to Find It
Hungexpo sits in Budapest’s 10th District, Kőbánya, at Albertirsai út 10 (1101 Budapest). The venue’s sprawling halls and easy access make it a natural home for what is billed as Central Europe’s largest carp angling exhibition. Spread over three days—Friday through Sunday—the show is primed for quick after-work visits or full-weekend gear missions.
What to Expect at the Show
The exhibition floor fills up with nearly 100 stands showcasing fresh releases and familiar flagship gear from leading names across Europe. Brands plan big: cut-price bundles, exclusive show-only editions, and head-to-head comparisons of the newest innovations. Demos run throughout each day, from rig building and bait presentation to casting technique, bivvy setup, and sonar calibration. Talks bring pros to the stage to swap stories and pass on field-tested tactics, covering cold-water strategies, pressured waters, mega-rig myths, and trophy carp handling. Newcomers get friendly guidance; veterans get deep detail.
The shopping is serious: major promotions help you refresh a full setup or top up essentials without hammering your budget. Expect limited-time deals on rods, reels, line, terminal tackle, carp cradles, chairs, bedchairs, unhooking mats, and shelter systems. Bait companies roll in with fresh boilies, wafters, pop-ups, liquids, pellets, and stick mixes—plenty of samples to sniff, squeeze, and debate with brand reps. Tech is front and center too: compact fish finders, casting drones, smart bite alarms, and power banks built for multi-night sessions.
Hungarian Roots, International Reach
Carp fishing is a national passion in Hungary, and PontyShow taps that energy with a distinctly local flavor—Hungarian-made gear, region-specific waters discussed in seminars, and a crowd that knows its rigs from its river currents. But the scene is global: international brands and visiting anglers add their own spin, comparing notes on tactics from French reservoirs to UK syndicate lakes and Poland’s big rivers. It’s a rare chance to see how different scenes solve the same problems—and to leave with a refined plan for your next campaign.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026. The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule or program, so check for final details as the weekend approaches.
Address: Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center, Albertirsai út 10, 1101 Budapest, District X (Kőbánya).
It’s easy to spend a whole day (or all three) inside, so dress for walking, bring a list of must-see stands, and pack a phone charger. If you plan to pounce on deals, consider a foldable trolley or backpack—those boilie tubs and banksticks add up fast.
Stay Nearby
There are multiple accommodation options close to Hungexpo, from budget-friendly to four-star comfort:
– One of Budapest’s cheapest camping-style stays sits in a green, quiet pocket right in the city, bordered by a stream. It’s open year-round and keeps things clean and calm—a good pick if you want to keep costs low and don’t mind simple comforts.
– Expo Tower by Mellow Mood Hotels rises roughly 164 feet above the city and sits right next to Hungexpo. Guests get big views of the capital, especially from the Exploré Sky Bar on the top floor—ideal for a late-evening wind-down with quality drinks after a full day cruising the aisles. Rooms are elegant, spacious, air-conditioned, and non-smoking, with private bathrooms; free parking and free Wi‑Fi sweeten the deal. There’s a fitness room with modern machines, plus a relaxation area featuring Finnish and infrared saunas and a steam cabin. Conference rooms and an in-house restaurant serve well-executed Hungarian and international dishes.
– Milky Way Hotel at Monori Center delivers four-star convenience with quick airport access via Üllői út and the Ferihegy expressway. The connected Milky Way Restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine. Rooms range from twin or double with private bathrooms (extra beds available) to a 9-bed dorm for students and budget travelers.
– A local guesthouse rounds out the choices with both en suite rooms and ones with shared washbasins. The approach is straightforward: tailor offers to guests’ needs and budgets for win-win stays, whether you’re in town for business or a weekend of tackle hunting.
Eat and Refuel
Hungry near Kőbánya? You won’t go far without finding something good:
– A specialist spot serves a uniquely Hungarian lineup you won’t find elsewhere, built on secret spice blends and guarded recipes for classic főzelék-style sides, homemade mains, and desserts. It’s a little slice of local culinary lore.
– Kő Café, inside the Kőbánya Children and Youth Center, keeps it casual with giant sweet and savory crêpes, lunchtime menus, and coffee specials.
– Okay Italia at the Árkád Mall brings authentic Italian plates—handy if you’re craving pasta or pizza between show sessions.
– A self-service eatery seats about 30 inside, with another 30 in the garden. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., it’s fresh breakfasts; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it’s 20–25 hot dishes and made-to-order grills, with daily options for dieters and vegetarians.
– Another nearby restaurant leans Hungarian but dips into global flavors, updating the menu by guest request—if a favorite dish clicks, it might land a permanent spot.
– For a sit-down upgrade, Zila Vendéglő (Zila Restaurant) in Kőbánya runs a seasonally changing menu of Hungarian and international specialties, paired with a sommelier-curated wine list tuned to the dishes.
The Fine Print
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs. Before you go, confirm opening hours, ticket info, and any last-minute updates. Then pack your wish list—PontyShow 2026 is set to be a haul.
