Oostende voor Anker

Groot maritiem festival met historische schepen, kades vol folklore en stoere zeesfeer, in 2026 rond het thema 'Zorgen voor de Zee'.

Marketing angleinferred

Leverage a major maritime heritage festival with environmental stewardship messaging to drive tourism, local hospitality bookings, and experiential brand partnerships around coastal culture and sustainability.

Relevance 65medium intent

Historic ships & maritime heritage photo ops for travel/tourism brands
Sustainability angle: 'Caring for the Sea' theme appeals to eco-conscious travelers and CSR campaigns
Local food & beverage pop-ups and waterfront dining experiences
Family-friendly festival events and cultural storytelling for destination marketing

Programme

From 28 to 31 May 2026, ships from all corners of the world will dock in Ostend for a festive celebration of maritime heritage, music, craftsmanship, and connection. More than 150 ships set sail for Ostend: from three-masters and barges to the smallest clinker-built sloops, while visitors discover old shipbuilding crafts, sample freshly fried or smoked fish, and enjoy the many musical performances. The previous edition attracted more than 200,000 visitors.

Part 1

Thu 28 May 2026

Part 2

Sea Survival demonstration by RelyOn Belgium 14:00–14:30 at Montgomerydok

Part 3

guided walks 10:30–12:30 and 14:00–16:00

Part 4

Morgenster cruises 9:45–13:00

Part 5

Fri 29 May 2026

Part 6

Sea Survival demonstration 14:00–14:30 at Montgomerydok

Part 7

guided walks 10:30–12:30 and 14:00–16:00

Part 8

Morgenster cruises 9:45–13:00

Part 9

Sat 30 May 2026

Part 10

Sea Survival demonstration 14:00–14:30 at Montgomerydok

Part 11

guided walks 10:30–12:30

Part 12

Fishery Docks (Visserijdok) 10:00–18:00 with fishing, crafts, art, food, workshops and maritime stories

Part 13

Zee in Zicht screening 12:00–13:00 at Le Français (€5)

Part 14

Morgenster cruises 10:30–13:30

Part 15

Sun 31 May 2026

Part 16

Sea Survival demonstration 14:00–14:30 at Montgomerydok

Part 17

guided walks 10:30–12:30

Part 18

Fishery Docks 10:00–18:00 with demonstrations, art exhibitions, food trucks, performances

Part 19

Culinary panel 'The Sea on Our Plate' 14:30–15:30 at Het Kraaiennest (€5)

Part 20

Morgenster cruises 14:00–17:15

Part 21

Aimed at lovers of maritime heritage, families, tourists, water sports enthusiasts and professionals from the maritime sector . Previous edition attracted 200,000+ visitors .

More than 150 ships from three-masters and barges to smallest clinker-built sloops
Visitors can view ships, step on board and meet the crew
Maritime demonstrations, music performances, children's entertainment and culinary discoveries in the food village with North Sea specialities
Central theme 'Zorgen voor de zee' (Caring for the Sea) with the Blue Innovation Village bringing together companies, research institutions and organisations working on maritime innovation
Sailing opportunities with different ships moored at the Cruise Quay behind the station
Daily hours 10:00–18:00