Sailboats, food, and concerts: What to experience at Aalborg Regatta
One of the year’s biggest highlights in Aalborg is just around the corner, and it’s finally time for the festivities to begin.
The Aalborg Regatta takes place next week, where the city will be adorned with beautiful sailing ships from both domestic and international waters.
From Thursday to Sunday next week (August 24-27), the harbor front will be filled with maritime activities, musical entertainment, and fun experiences for the whole family.
If you’ve lost track of what kind of food to eat or when the Christopher concert is happening, or if you’re wondering about all the other fun activities, fear not – we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a guide to the five things you absolutely can’t miss this year.
(Further down in the article, you’ll find a more detailed day-by-day program schedule)
1: Experience the beautiful ships
Although the Aalborg Regatta is much more than just beautiful ships, the stunning wooden vessels are undoubtedly a major draw.
This year, ten ships from both the Netherlands and Denmark will be participating.
The participating ships are:
- Brita Leth
- LOA
- Gulden Leeuw
- Morgenster
- Marinehjemmeværnets HMS Patrioten
- Jens Krogh
- Betty
- Skonnerten Jylland
- Maja
You can board the ships when they have their “open ship” banners displayed on the quay.
During the regatta, you can also take a sailing trip on the schooner Maja where you can see Aalborg’s beautiful harbor front from the water, and the schooner’s captain will set a few sails along the way.
Find more information about that here.
2: Free concert with Christopher
There’s likely no bigger pop star in Denmark right now than Christopher.
He’s had huge success with the Netflix film “A Beautiful Life,” and he’s been performing packed concerts all summer long.
That’s why it’s a huge treat that you can experience him completely free at the Aalborg Regatta.
It’s on Saturday, August 26, at 9:00 PM, on the Slotspladsen where you can catch the pop prince.
… psst: There are also free concerts with names like Carpark North, Annika Aakjær, and Danser Med Drenge throughout the regatta.
Find the entire program here.
3: Fantastic food from around the world
The Aalborg Regatta is stepping up its gastronomic game this year.
The Food & Culture food truck fleet will roll into the harbor front with authentic street food from all corners of the world.
Sixteen food stalls with passionate vendors are ready to cater to every taste.
Look forward to flame-grilled Argentine flank steak, roast pork sandwiches, fish ‘n’ chips, as well as vegan dishes from Mexico, Peruvian empanadas, stone-baked pizza, juicy sliders, sweet pancakes, and lavish ice cream.
And if you’re thirsty, there’s refreshing draft beer, soda, smoothies, and a wine bar.
Furthermore, the atmosphere will be elevated in Utzon Parken with 1,000 seating places amid large olive trees and sparkling light chains.
4: Kids’ playland for the little ones
When it comes to entertaining kids at the Aalborg Regatta, there are plenty of options.
In addition to letting them explore the beautiful ships and indulge in exciting food, there will be other ways to keep them entertained.
Jomfru Ane Parken will be filled with bouncy castles and fun activities for children aged 0-5.
5: Try water sports for free
Both Friday, Saturday, and Sunday offer ample opportunities to test your skills on the water.
Aalborg Cable Park is hosting “Water Sports for Everyone.”
Here, everyone can try their hand at wakeboarding or venture onto the Limfjord on a SUP board, under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Just remember to bring a towel and swimwear.
Thursday, August 24
17:00-22:30: Hold on to your hat and glasses as the RIG boats sail from the quay by the stairs on Honnørkajen. Prepare for speed and excitement as RIBaction, the providers of these rides, amp up the velocity in their boats designed for high-speed sailing. The cost is 150 kroner per person for a ride in the RIG boats.
17:00-22:30: Spoil your taste buds as Utzon Parken is transformed into a culinary paradise.
19:00: Svea S concert
21:00: Annika Aakjær concert
Friday, August 25 Program
15:00-17:00: Bring the kids to Utzon Center and build your own spacecraft, space station, or moon base with LEGO and Minecraft.
15:00-18:00: Test your balance as experienced instructors at Aalborg Cablepark offer a free trial on Wakeboard or SUP boards. REMEMBER: Towel and swimwear.
15:00-18:00: Open ship: Meet the crew and get on board the ships participating in this year’s Regatta.
15:00-18:00: Children’s play area (0-5 years old). Jomfru Ane Parken will be filled with bouncy castles and fun activities.
15:00-18:00: At Springeren on the Activity Square, there’s a pirate theme for children. They can participate in can throwing and ring tossing, dress up as pirates, and taste real “pirate food.”
15:00-22:30: Spoil your taste buds as Utzon Parken is transformed into a culinary paradise.
15:00-18:00: Meet the North Jutland police at the Activity Square, who will talk about their project “Safe Passage on the Harbor Front.”
15:00-22:30: Hold on to your hat and glasses as the RIG boats sail from the quay by the stairs on Honnørkajen. Prepare for speed and excitement as RIBaction, the providers of these rides, amp up the velocity in their boats designed for high-speed sailing. The cost is 150 kroner per person for a ride in the RIG boats.
15:30-17:00: Jazz and relaxation in Utzon Parken.
17:00: Jove takes the stage at Honnørkajen.
19:00: Danser Med Piger (Dance with Boys) takes the stage at Honnørkajen.
21:00: Carpark North finishes with a bang on the stage at Honnørkajen.
Saturday, August 26 Program
10:00-17:00: Bring the kids to Utzon Center and build your own spacecraft, space station, or moon base with LEGO and Minecraft.
10:00-18:00: Open ship: Meet the crew and get on board the ships participating in this year’s Regatta.
10:00-18:00: Children’s play area (0-5 years old). Jomfru Ane Parken will be filled with bouncy castles and fun activities.
10:00-18:00: Create your own mini-island in the KUNSTEN
10:00-22:30: Indulge your taste buds as Utzon Parken transforms into a culinary paradise.
10:00-22:30: Hold on to your hat and glasses as the RIG boats sail from the quay by the stairs on Honnørkajen. Expect speed and excitement as RIBaction, the tour providers, rev up the speed in their boats designed for high-speed sailing.
14:00-14:30: Experience a freestyle show performed on jet skis by the stairs on Honnørkajen.
12:30-14:00: Jazz and relaxation in Utzon Parken.
17:00: Rakkerpak takes the stage at Honnørkajen.
19:00: Svea takes the stage at Honnørkajen.
21:00: The uncrowned pop prince Christopher concludes with a bang on the stage at Honnørkajen.
Sunday, August 27:
10:00-15:00: Indulge your taste buds as Utzon Parken transforms into a culinary paradise.
10:00-15:00: Hold on to your hat and glasses as the RIG boats sail from the quay by the stairs on Honnørkajen. Expect speed and excitement as RIBaction, the tour providers, rev up the speed in their boats designed for high-speed sailing. The cost is 150 kroner per person for a ride in the RIG boats.
10:00-15:00 Open ship: Meet the crew and get on board the ships participating in this year’s Regatta.
10:00-15:00: Children’s play area (0-5 years old). Jomfru Ane Parken will be filled with bouncy castles and fun activities.
10:00-15:00: Create your own mini-island in KUNSTEN’s tent on the activity square. Get inspiration from the fjord and from the artist Søren Dahlgaard’s work ‘Inflatable Island,’ which is also exhibited on the waterfront.
10:00-15:00: At Springeren on the Activity Square, a pirate theme awaits the children. They can participate in can throwing and ring tossing, dress up as pirates, and taste real “pirate food.”
10:00-15:00: Meet the North Jutland police at the Activity Square, who will talk about their project “Safe Passage on the Harbor Front.”
10:00-15:00: Test your balance as experienced instructors at Aalborg Cablepark offer a free trial on Wakeboard or SUP boards. REMEMBER: Towel and swimwear.
10:00-15:00: Try your hand at Windsurfing on land at Honnørkajen with the North Jutland Windsurfing Club.
10:00-17:00: Bring the kids to Utzon Center and build your own spacecraft, space station, or moon base with LEGO and Minecraft.
11:00-11:30: Experience a freestyle show performed on jet skis by the stairs on Honnørkajen.
12:00-13:00: Witness a water rescue operation when defense personnel conduct a rescue operation with a demonstration of hoisting.
12:30-14:00: Sit back and enjoy jazzy tunes in Utzon Parken.
Read more about the program, prices, and registrations here.
