Why participate OOSTENDE VOOR ANKER?
Ostend at Anchor takes place in the port of Ostend.
The event is aimed at lovers of maritime culture and professionals from the maritime sector.
The festival brings together more than 130 historic ships, from three-masters to authentic fishing boats.
Visitors can view ships, step on board and meet the crew.
The programme includes maritime demonstrations, music performances, children’s entertainment and culinary discoveries in the food village with North Sea specialities.
Innovation is given a place in the blue innovation village, where sustainable solutions for the maritime sector are presented.
Ostend at Anchor attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and has a strong international appeal.
The event stimulates knowledge sharing, experience and networking within the maritime world.
Due to its central location on the Belgian coast and its good accessibility by car, train and public transport, the festival is accessible to a wide audience.
Ostend at Anchor is a relevant platform for maritime tradition, innovation and cultural experience.
Themes
- Historic ships and sailing heritage
- Maritime crafts and demonstrations
- Innovation and sustainability at sea
- Gastronomy and local products
- Music, culture and entertainment
- Education and experience for children
Target audience
Ostend at Anchor is aimed at lovers of maritime heritage, families, tourists, water sports enthusiasts and professionals from the maritime sector. Schools, craftsmen and companies active in shipbuilding, fishing and tourism are also among the visitors.
Getting there
Ostend at Anchor takes place at the Natiënkaai and surrounding quays in Ostend.
By public transport you travel by train to Ostend station, within walking distance of the festival site.
You can reach Ostend by car via the E40, with parking facilities in the city and peripheral car parks with shuttles.
Ostend-Bruges Airport is about a 10-minute drive away.
Exhibitors and visitors
The 2025 edition attracted 175,000 visitors and more than 150 ships, including majestic three-masters, fishing vessels and authentic sloops. The audience consists of both day tourists and international visitors who come for culture, experience and networking.
