Everything you need to know about the Knysna Oyster Festival on 4-13 July 2025

It’s about more than oysters, with 80+ events over 10 days

Last updated: Tuesday, 17 June 2025 

Yes, the Knysna Oyster Festival is known as the Garden Route’s sporting and cultural highlight of the year. 

But did you know that it also hosts a Beer and Burger Festival? The Eden Classic Car Show, Dessert War Fair, 5km for CANSA run, and kids art jamming? The 10-day fest is packed with 80+ workshops, sports competitions, food and wine festivals, and of course, oysters served in every conceivable way. 

We’ve unpacked everything you need to know, like the events you really shouldn’t miss and where to stay.

One of the highlights is the Oyster Cooking and Shucking Championships presented by Stella Artois. Image: Knysna Oyster Festival

SMALL TOWN TRADITION WITH 87 EVENTS 

The Oyster Festival is one of Knysna’s proudest annual traditions; it’s been running for 42 years. 

The festival’s most well-known events are the Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon (5 July 2025) and Knysna Cycle Tour (11-13 July 2025). Entries are still open for the cycle tour. You can enter via the Knysna Cycle Tour website. 

In between, there will be a whopping 87 events like markets, cooking competitions, kids workshops, wine tastings, padel sessions, and more. 

The RAP Colour Run is just one of 87 exciting events. Image: Knysna Oyster Festival 

3 MUST-TRY EVENTS & EXPERIENCES   

There’s so much to try. According to the organisers, these are three events you seriously shouldn’t miss.

1. Oyster Hotspots (daily)

There will be 15 Stella Artois Oyster Hotspots dotted around town at some of Knysna’s favourite restaurants. These eateries are dishing up oyster specials in every conceivable way. 

JuanMichelle’s @ Blackwaters will serve fried barbeque oysters smothered in bacon and blue cheese sauce, while Daniela’s is going gourmet with ceviche and G&T-infused oysters. And 34 South will offer four dressed oysters and a glass of Laborie Brut.

2. Knysna Fine Wine Festival (4-5 July) 

Simola Hotel will host the wine tasting festival. The venue has beautiful lagoon  and forest views, and there’ll be over 100 wines from 33 wineries to choose from. 

Expect renowned names like Graham Beck, Tokara (this is a treat because they rarely join wine festivals), and Warwick Estate, as well as smaller boutique wineries like Painted Wolf Wines. They produce their signature chenin from small, sustainably farmed vineyards and donate 4% of their profits to endangered African wild dog conservation.

3. Oyster Cooking and Shucking Championships presented by Stella Artois (8 July)

These will take place in the Castle Lite beer tent, part of the central Festival Hub on Knysna High School Sports Field. 

Restaurants will vie for the title of Best Dressed Oyster and serve you their most creative plates, followed by an oyster shucking competition (a fast-paced contest to see who can shuck the most oysters in one minute) and wine tastings.

Many events are free, while others are ticketed experiences that require booking. See the full events programme on the Knysna Oyster Festival website. 

Knysna Fine Wine Festival. Image: Knysna Oyster Festival

MORE THAN JUST OYSTERS 

While it’s true that oysters and wine are a central part of the festival, there are lots of foodie events that go beyond oysters, like the Burger and Beer Festival (5 July). 

Not only will there be burger stalls, craft beer, live music, and screens streaming the rugby, there’ll also be a Build Your Burger competition (judged on design and taste). 

Want a turn to be the judge? At Dessert War Fair (9 July), bakers will present cakes, cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts and more. You then vote for the Dessert Champion. 

There’s also a pasta evening at the Island Café (4 July) and elevated dining experiences, like Fairytale Fest in the Forest, a series of intimate dinners served by local chefs under the beautiful trees of the Knysna Forest. 

There’s lots of foodie events and offerings that go beyond oysters. Image: Knysna Oyster Festival 

LOADS FOR FAMILIES & KIDS 

You’ll find more food options at the daily Oyster Alley, a sprawling market with arts and crafts stations, thrift vendors, classes and workshops, a coffee station, and a kids play area. 

Kids and parents should also visit the Eden Classic Car Show on 6 July at Scarab Village in Sedgefield. There’ll be over 240 vehicles like American muscle cars, vintage Citroëns, and spectacular modern collectables like the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, as well as food stalls and a beer garden. 

If you’re looking for more hands-on kids activities, there’s plenty, like art jamming, arts and crafts workshops, a chalk drawing competition and a thrilling fun fair with rides. 

Expect kids workshops, arts and crafts activities and more. Image: Knysna Oyster Festival

TRY TRAIL RUNS, PILATES, CANOEING… 

Apart from the Forest Marathon and Cycle Tour, there are lots of active events for all skill levels. 

One of the highlights is the Sunset Wine Run on 10 July. The scenic 5km run (or walk) begins at the elegant Simola Hotel, and winds through the landscapes of Simola Golf Course, with three wine stops. 

For more competitive activities, try the Houtkapper Trail Run (9, 15 and 27km), Harbour2Heads (24km canoe race from Knysna Yacht Club to The Heads) or the Knysna X Trail Series Winter Run (there’s 6, 19 and 25km options). 

The stretch classes, mom-and-child pilates, padel, RAP Colour Run, and 5km for CANSA run are great for those wanting something less strenuous, and spectators will enjoy the soccer, rugby, netball, hockey and Canoe Polo tournaments.

There’s sports events for all activity and skill levels. Image: Knysna Oyster Festival

WHERE TO STAY 

Many of the events are happening at hotels and lodges across Knysna. This is one of the easiest accommodation options as you’ll be super close to the action. Some options include: 

• Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa (5-star hotel on Thesen Islands with marina views)

• Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa (it has a golf course and padel courts)

• Blackwaters River Lodge (on the banks of the Goukamma river and surrounded by indigenous forest)

• Leisure Isle Lodge (breakfasts are served on a deck overlooking the lagoon) 

Knysna also has self-catering accommodation, caravan and camping spots, backpacking lodges, and farm stays. See more options on the Visit Knysna website. 

MORE ON KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL

Knysna Oyster Festival is happening: Friday 4 July to Sunday 13 July 2025
Find the Festival Hub: Knysna High School Sports Field, 20 Long Street, Knysna
See the full programme and book: On the Knysna Oyster Festival website
Contact on: info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za; 044 382 5510; @knysnaoysterfestival

By Julia Rowley

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