Stage set for Hooked on Portland 2026

Published on 25 November 2025

Mark your calendars for Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January 2026, the much-loved Hooked on Portland festival returns to the Portland Foreshore.

Proudly presented by the Glenelg Shire Council in partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, the two-day free celebration will be packed with fishing competitions, cooking demonstrations, live music, markets, fishing clinics, 3x3 basketball competition, kids’ activities, local food and drink and much more.

The popular free festival is heading into it’s seventh year and has featured premier entertainment such as River Cottage’s Paul West, former Noiseworks and INXS frontman Jon Stevens and Fishing Edge’s Lee Raynor.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Karen Stephens said the 2026 festival promised to once again offer all the right ingredients, with a change that locals will be particularly excited for.

“Hooked on Portland is such a highlight for our community, it brings thousands of people together to celebrate everything we love about our region, particularly our rich local seafood and fishing culture,” she said.

“We’re especially excited about a throwback to the early days of the festival. Thanks to feedback from our community, the live music stage is heading back to the Bentinck Street lawns! It’s a favourite spot for locals, with its natural amphitheatre and easy access to nearby businesses.

“We’ll be sharing the full program soon, and we’re counting down the days to welcome everyone back to Portland for another unforgettable Hooked on Portland.”

Stay tuned for the full program or keep up to date via the Hooked on Portland Facebook page.