Herring Festival

Hvide Sande invites you to the Herring Festival 2026 – three days packed with fishing competitions, live music, food experiences and family activities at the festival grounds on Nørregade.

When: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 April 2026

Where: Sildefestivalspladsen, Nørregade, Hvide Sande

What: Fishing competitions, smoked herring, live music, kids' activities and a moped show

Organiser: HVAK and local volunteers in collaboration with Holmsland Klit Turistforening

Friday evening kicks off with a march by the Varde Garden brass band, who open the festival in style. The tent opens at 5 PM, company fishing competitions start at 6 PM, and the trophy is awarded at 6:45. The band Volf plays two sets from 7 PM, with a DJ taking over from 9 PM.

Saturday is the festival's main day. The Balut fishing competition gets underway at 8:30 AM, and at 9:30 Fritz Kott officially welcomes everyone. Local legend Jørn Makrel smokes herring at the tent from 10 AM – stop by and see how it's done. The herring kitchen opens at 11 AM, and the day features three adult fishing competitions, plus contests for children aged 4–10 and juniors aged 11–16. Volf Duo plays live from 3:30 PM, and prize-giving follows at 4 PM in the festival tent – winners must be present to collect their prizes.

Sunday winds things down at a relaxed pace. The herring kitchen is open 10 AM–1 PM, and Jørn Makrel smokes herring once more. From 11 AM, kids aged 4–16 can take part in the Junior Herring Fishing School – 25 DKK per child including gear and instruction, no registration needed, first come first served. Grenå Motor hosts a moped show from 11 AM–2 PM – ride up with your customised moped and you'll be rewarded with a food and drink voucher. The Children's MGP Talent Show runs from noon, with the winner crowned at 1:30 PM. At 3 PM, we say thank you for this year – see you in 2027!