Programme at the Baltic Herring Market
Experience maritime programming at the Baltic Herring Market – welcome to soak in the atmosphere!
Programme:
Baltic Herring Market at the Market Square: Oct 4–10, 2026
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Restaurants: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Baltic Herring Market in Restaurants: Sept 25 – Oct 10
Ten restaurants in the heart of Helsinki host the “Baltic Herring Market in Stadi’s Restaurants” theme weeks in their own establishments starting September 25. Crafting their own unique herring dishes are restaurants Aoi, Elm, Finnjävel Sali, Gastro Cafe Kallio, Klaava, Maukku, Nokka, Nolita, Nolla, and Sake Bar & Izakaya.
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Opening Day: Sunday, Oct 4, 2026
9:00 AM onwards: Fresh Baltic herring from Kotka available at the Kasala Cafe stall.
11:00 AM Opening Ceremony: Mayor Daniel Sazonov opens the Baltic Herring Market in the renewed restaurant area. Seija Vesterinen plays maritime music.
11:00 AM Pop-up Restaurant The Chef Association of Southern Finland’s pop-up restaurant in the dining tent serves Baltic herring soup and other herring delicacies to enjoy on-site or to take home.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM Arrival of the Baltic Herring Row As part of the opening day traditions, the Baltic Herring Row and Hike land in front of the legendary guest harbor MarinaBay in Katajanokka, accompanied by the Helsinki Finnish Club brass band.
4:00 PM Baltic Herring Jury and Baltic Herring Dishes of the Year In line with opening day traditions, a jury of food and urban culture experts rewards the market’s best herring products. This year, the Gastronomic Society of Finland also awards the best herring dish from the “Baltic Herring Market Pre-Party in Stadi’s Restaurants” event.
Sunday, Oct 4 – Tuesday, Oct 6
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sauna Ship Island Lady Saunaship Island Lady offers a unique sauna experience. Enjoy gentle steam, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere with a 180-degree sea view.
- Sauna sessions: €25 / person / 1-hour ticket
- Facilities include a shower; bring your own towel and swimwear.
- Complimentary sauna sessions from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
- Advance bookings: info@islandlady.fi
Wednesday, Oct 7 – Saturday, Oct 10
Sailing Ship Tre Kronor at the Baltic Herring Market
- Open house for the public: Oct 8–9 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, free admission.
- Sailing trips: Oct 8–9 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Limited availability. Price: €42–€90 / person.
- Bookings: briggentrekronor.se
Thursday, Oct 8
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Children’s Morning On Thursday morning, children can enjoy the “Secret Baltic Herring” orienteering game and other fun activities.
Friday, Oct 9
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Markkinavako DJs in the Restaurant Area Markkinavako is a DJ collective of four friends who regularly host parties in Helsinki’s nightlife. Expect hot hits and iconic classics ranging from Madonna to Mascara and Donna Summer to Britney Spears — not forgetting Finnish party bangers!
Saturday, Oct 10
Around 11:00 AM Traditional sailing ships Albanus, Briggen Tre Kronor, and Valborg depart from the Market Square for the Tervasaaren Tynnyri sailing race.
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Baltic Herring Dinner Herring fever culminates in a five-course Baltic Herring Dinner prepared by master chefs on the final day, Saturday, October 10. Top chefs Luka Balać, Helena Puolakka, Sasu Laukkonen, and Tom Hansen serve Baltic herring and pike in various forms in the Keisarinluodonlaitur restaurant tent starting at 4:00 PM. This communal dinner features communal long-table seating for 60 guests. The witty gourmet masters will talk about the menu, ingredients, and the Baltic Sea as they work. Proceeds from the €100 dinner ticket will be donated to the John Nurminen Foundation for Baltic Sea protection.