Summer MondoCon 2026 Budapest – Anime, Cosplay & Japanese Culture Festival
If you’re visiting Budapest in July, you’re in for a treat. Summer MondoCon is one of Hungary’s most beloved pop culture conventions, bringing together anime fans, cosplay enthusiasts, gamers, and lovers of Japanese culture for two packed days of events, performances, and competitions. The 2026 edition takes place on July 11–12 at Hungexpo, Budapest’s major exhibition center, and it’s shaping up to be the highlight of the summer.
What Is MondoCon?
MondoCon is a Hungarian fan convention dedicated to anime, manga, gaming, and Japanese pop culture. Held twice a year, the summer edition is known for its vibrant atmosphere, creative community, and diverse program lineup. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or simply curious about this colorful subculture, MondoCon is a welcoming and visually spectacular experience.
What to Expect at Summer MondoCon 2026
The event features a wide range of programs to keep you busy across both days:
- Cosplay competitions including the Cosplay Craftsmanship contest and the Tournament of Champions qualifier, where the winning cosplayer earns a trip to YuniCon in Vienna (October 30 – November 1, 2026)
- Live music with Akari Mochizuki, a traditional Japanese enka performer bringing an authentic and rare musical experience to the stage
- Anime Music Video (AMV) competition challenging editors to showcase their skills across multiple genres
- 3D modeling and printing competition for creators and tech enthusiasts
- Anime music quiz to test your knowledge of iconic soundtracks
- Open karaoke stage where you can perform solo or with friends
- Thematic cosplay photo shoots including a Vocaloid & Alien Stage session
- Drawing competitions both on-site and submission-based
- Tabletop games and gaming programs for a more relaxed pace
- Clubs, interactive programs, and panel discussions
Tickets and Pricing
Early bird tickets are available until June 12 at 9,000 HUF — a great deal if you know you’ll be in Budapest for the event. Tickets can be purchased online at mondocon.hu or in person at several retail partners across Budapest:
- Geekstore Hungary – Teréz körút 9, Budapest
- HammerTime Cafe – Üllői út 111, Budapest
- Kitsune Japán Kávézó és Étterem – Telepy u. 24, Budapest IX.
- Metagame Kártya- és Társasjáték Bolt – Kádár u. 10, Budapest
- SakuraZaka – Erkel u. 6, Budapest IX.
Venue and Getting There
Summer MondoCon 2026 is held at Hungexpo, 1101 Budapest, Albertirsai út. The venue is well connected by public transport, and the organizers run a free shuttle bus between Örs vezér tere and the Expo main gate throughout the event — look for the bus with the MondoCon sticker.
Getting there by public transport is straightforward:
- By metro: Take the M2 (red line) to Stadionok or Pillangó utca, then a roughly 13-minute walk to the venue
- From Keleti Railway Station: M2 directly to Stadionok or Pillangó utca
- From Nyugati Railway Station: M3 to Deák tér, transfer to M2, then exit at Stadionok or Pillangó utca
- From Déli Railway Station: M2 to Stadionok or Pillangó utca
- From Kőbánya-Kispest / Kőbánya-felső: About a 5-minute walk following the Expo fence toward Keleti station direction
- By tram: Line 1 from Zugló, Árpád híd, or Népliget to Stadionok, then walk to the Expo
- By bus or trolleybus: Lines 75, 77 (trolley), 95, 130, or 195 to Stadionok
If you’re arriving by car, free parking is available along Albertirsai út near the venue, at the Gate 2 area. Paid parking is also available near Pillangó utca if those spots fill up.
Tips for Visiting Tourists
MondoCon draws a passionate and creative crowd, so expect colorful cosplay everywhere you look — it’s absolutely photo-worthy. The event is family-friendly and welcoming to first-timers. Arriving via the free con bus from Örs vezér tere is the easiest option if you’re staying in central Budapest. Check the full schedule at mondocon.hu before you go to plan which programs you don’t want to miss.