Hooked on Portland
Hooked on Portland will return in 2026 on 16-17 January, to celebrate our coastal centre as a fishing and tourism hotspot.
The free festival, hosted in partnership with the Glenelg Shire, will feature entertainment and activities for all ages, kicking off with a twilight market on Friday 16 January from 5pm-9pm, followed by a full day of seafood, fishing, swap meet and live music on Saturday January 17 from 10am-9pm.
When:
Friday, 16 January 2026 | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday, 17 January 2026 | 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Location:
Portland Town Green, Bentinck Street, Portland, 3305
Kids fishing clinics will be running on Saturday 17th January from 10am-4pm. Book a clinic here.
What's On:
- Friday Night Twilight Market - Kick off the festival on Friday evening, with a special Twilight Market. Explore a variety of market stalls, enjoy delicious food from the Bonney Bar, and relax with live acoustic music under the stars.
- Main Stage Highlights - Prepare to be entertained with live music all day, featuring a mix of incredible local talent from Portland and surrounds and an exciting headline act. Previous headline acts have included Furnace and the Fundamentals, The Pierce Brothers and Jon Stevens. In 2026 we welcome Ross Wilson & the PeaceNiks to the Stage!
- Fishing Competition - Show off your angling skills and compete for fantastic prizes in the much-loved Fishing Competition.
- Fishing & Outdoor Swap Meet - Where you can donate, trade, or pick up fishing and outdoor equipment. Bring your old or unused gear, and exchange them for other items throughout the day. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your fishing setup and share with the community!
- Catch N Cook Stage - Indulge your taste buds at the Catch N Cook Stage, to showcase the art of preparing fresh seafood dishes.
- Fishing Demonstrations - Interactive fishing demonstrations will be held throughout the event—perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to learn tips and tricks from the experts.
- Bonney Bar - Sip, savour, and celebrate local flavours at the Bonney Bar, offering a range of refreshing beverages to complement the festival atmosphere.
- Artisan Market Stalls & Food Trucks - Wander through vibrant markets showcasing local crafts, delectable treats, and unique treasures. A huge selection of food trucks will also be on-site, offering something delicious for everyone—from fresh seafood to your favourite festival eats.
- VFA Hub - Dive into a day of family fun brought to you by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, featuring free kids’ fishing clinics, beachcomb discovery walks, arts and crafts sessions, fish anatomy dissections, aquatic ecology sessions, chat to our Better Boating Vic, Women in Rec Fishing & Boating, Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, Fisheries Officers and more!
We’ll also have Action Water Sports join us sharing kayak fishing tips and have kayaks on display with Alan Bonnici (tbc) on hand to share tips and tricks on all things fishing!
When:
Friday, 16 January 2026 | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday, 17 January 2026 | 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Location
Portland Town Green, Bentinck Street, Portland, 3305