The highly anticipated 40th Knysna Oyster Festival is just a few days away, and attendees can look forward to an incredible 10-day event from 30 June to 9 July. The festival guarantees fun and festivities for the entire family as they celebrate four decades of this iconic event and this year’s packed programme promises “a whale of a time” with a diverse range of activities. Besides the headline sporting events, there will be a number of exciting lifestyle celebrations and kiddies’ experiences. These are some of the highlights to diarise:
Picture: Supplied
30 JUNE – 9 JULY
Live music
Head over to Blend Country Restaurant for a number of live music performances including Goodluck Live on 6 July. Look out for the Bubbly & Oyster parties with live music at The Turbine Boutique Hotel.
30 JUNE, 1, 5 – 8 JULY
The Art of Spice & Tea Dinner
Embark on a unique culinary journey at The Spice & Tea House. Indulge in an informative menu degustation exploring spices and tea, accompanied by an exquisite 8 – 10 course tasting menu. Contact Sanchia at 076 728 4209 or [email protected] to secure your spot.
30 JUNE
Knysna Estuary Scuba Clean-Up
12:15 – 15:00
Knysna Heads/Thesen Islands
Dive into an underwater adventure and contribute to the preservation of the pristine Knysna Estuary. Contact Johan and Sanri on 064 650 0184 or [email protected] for more information.
Miss Pearl Pageant & Fashion Show
Witness elegance and beauty come to life at the Knysna Waterfront as the Miss Pearl Pageant and Fashion Show take center stage. Prepare to be mesmerized by the grace and charm on display. For more information, contact Charmaine Kruger at 082 442 8509 or [email protected].
Miss Spectacular
Support a noble cause while witnessing the Miss Spectacular beauty pageant at the Hornlee Civic. All proceeds from this event will go towards Bianca’s dialysis treatment. Entry is only R30 per adult and R20 per child. Contact Beverley at 065 169 4496 to secure your spot.
1 – 8 JULY
Young Oysters Crafting Festival
Crafting classes for kids and teens at The Node, Oaks on Main. The classes are divided into different age groups: mommy & me class in the mornings (ages 5-7), kids class during mid-day (ages 8-12), and teens class in the afternoon (ages 13-17). Booking is essential. Contact Pamela Legg at 072 859 1669 or email [email protected] for more information.
1-9 JULY
Tea Tasting 101
Experience a one-hour tea-tasting session that covers the basics of tea at The Spice & Tea House. The session includes confectionery and finger food, and the cost is R150 per person. Contact Sanchia at 076 728 4209 or email [email protected] for more information.
Spice Tasting 101
Explore the delicious world of spices in a one-hour spice-tasting session at The Spice & Tea House. The session includes drink tasters and finger food, and the cost is R150 per person. Contact Sanchia at 076 728 4209 or email [email protected] for more information.
Unblocked Art Exhibition – Monochrome
An art exhibition at the Old Goal. featuring works by local artists open daily from 10:00 – 15:00. Contact Zelmarie van Rooyen at 082 447 7703 or email [email protected] for more information.
1 – 2 JULY & 8 – 9 JULY
Totties Country & Thrift Markets
Enjoy live music, craft beer, food, and Knysna Model Trains at Totties Country Market in Rheenendal from 10:00 – 15:00. Contact Marian Van Reeven at 071 683 0929 for Country Market inquiries and Penelope Van As at 079 137 2927 for Thrift Market inquiries.
3 JULY
Guided Tour of Knysna Heads Rock Pools
08:45 – 11:00
Meet at the parking area at The Heads at 08:45 for a guided tour led by three experienced SANParks rangers. Each guide will lead a team of up to 10 children. For more information, contact Honorary Ranger Delle at 083 292 2928 or SANParks Nondumiso at 079 929 5246.
Sip & Paint
Experience an art class accompanied by wine at 10 Queen Street from 10:00 – 13:00. The price is R395, which includes a light lunch. To book your spot, contact Helena Gerber at 082 657 4122 or email [email protected].
Knysna Art Walk About
Explore handpicked works by local and national artists during the Knysna Art Walk About. A map of participating galleries and studios will be made available, and wine will be offered at each venue. Contact Helena Gerber at 082 657 4122 or email [email protected] for more information.
Knysna Winter Collection (part of Art Walkabout)
Monday to Friday 10:00 – 16:00, Saturday 10:00 – 12:00
View a collection of contemporary South African art Knysna Fine Art at Thesen House. For enquiries, contact Dirk Uys at +27 (0)44 382 5107 or email [email protected].
4 JULY
Amazing Race – Knysna Style
Start and Finish: Castle Lite Beer Tent
Form a team of 2 and compete for fantastic prizes on a fun-filled and scenic race route. The entry fee is R280 per team. For more details and registration, contact Peter Szeili at 081 564 5889 or email [email protected].
8 JULY
Knysna Wine Festival:
Indulge in a delightful evening at the Knysna Wine Festival at Premier Resort, The Moorings. Sample over 200 wines from more than 50 different wine estates. This is a perfect opportunity to explore and appreciate a wide variety of wines. The price for entry is R180 per person. For further information and inquiries, please contact Belinda Hobson & Bronwyn at 082 306 0509 or email [email protected].
This is just a taste of the exhilarating events lined up throughout the Knysna Oyster Festival. From captivating art exhibitions and crafting classes for young oyster enthusiasts to thrilling races and crafty workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Look out, too, for the Savanna Oyster Hotspots serving cooked or raw oyster specials and visit the Festival Hub to people-watch and enjoy the atmosphere of the festival
